Real Numbers: How I Went From Broke Single Mom to CFO

Twenty-five years ago, I sat at my kitchen table staring at a stack of bills I couldn’t pay, wondering how I’d keep the lights on while feeding three growing boys. Today, I manage the finances for 18 companies as CFO. My financial transformation journey wasn’t a straight line – it was more like a roller coaster with loops, drops, and moments that tested every ounce of determination I had.

The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything

It was 1998, and I was working two jobs while trying to be there for my sons’ baseball games and school events. The breaking point came when Jesse, my oldest, needed new cleats for baseball, and I had to choose between that and paying the electric bill. Something had to change.

“In life, you need either inspiration or desperation.”

– Tony Robbins, Awaken the Giant Within

Desperation became my catalyst. I started devouring every financial book I could find at the library. My first revelation? I needed to stop thinking like someone trying to survive and start thinking like someone determined to thrive.

Building Financial Literacy One Step at a Time

The path to financial literacy wasn’t easy, especially without a traditional degree. But I discovered something powerful – numbers tell stories. They reveal patterns, highlight opportunities, and expose areas needing attention. I became obsessed with understanding these stories.

Here’s what I learned about creating a financial transformation:

1. Master the Basics First

Before diving into complex investments or career moves, I had to understand cash flow, budgeting, and debt management. I created what I call my “Money Map” – a simple spreadsheet tracking every dollar coming in and going out.

2. Invest in Knowledge

While formal education wasn’t my path, I invested countless hours in self-education. Today’s equivalent might be online courses, certifications, or mentorship programs. The key is continuous learning.

From Wall Street to Home Office: Redefining Success

My career path took unexpected turns – from Wall Street (where I felt like an impostor in heels) to law firms, venture capital, and finally, online marketing. Each step taught me something valuable about money management and business operations.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

– Winston Churchill

Now, working from my home office (with my Dutch pour paintings as inspiration), I manage complex financial operations while maintaining work-life balance. It’s perfectly imperfect, as I like to say.

Practical Steps for Your Financial Transformation

For women over 50 looking to transform their financial future, here are key strategies I’ve learned:

1. Audit Your Money Mindset

Our beliefs about money often stem from childhood experiences. Challenge these beliefs. Are they serving you? Are they true? Write them down and examine them critically.

2. Create Multiple Income Streams

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Consider consulting, passive income opportunities, or turning hobbies into side businesses. (My Dutch pour painting started as stress relief but has become a nice supplemental income stream!)

3. Build Your Financial Support Network

Surround yourself with people who uplift and educate you financially. Join investment clubs, find a mentor, or create a mastermind group with other women on similar journeys.

The Emotional Side of Financial Growth

Financial transformation isn’t just about numbers – it’s deeply emotional. I’ve learned that money anxiety doesn’t automatically disappear with a bigger bank account. True financial peace comes from understanding your relationship with money and aligning your finances with your values.

Looking Forward: The Next Chapter

At 60, I’m not done growing or learning. The whole world of what I don’t know, that I don’t know continues to excite me. Financial transformation is an ongoing journey, not a destination.

For women reading this who feel stuck or overwhelmed, remember: Your past financial struggles don’t define your future. Whether you’re dealing with divorce, career changes, or empty nest syndrome, it’s never too late to rewrite your financial story.

Your Turn to Transform

Ready to start your own financial transformation? Begin with these steps:

• Take an honest inventory of your current financial situation
• Set three specific financial goals for the next 12 months
• Identify one money habit you can change this week
• Find a financial mentor or accountability partner

Join me at Enlightenzz.com, where we’re building a community of women supporting each other through life’s transitions, including financial transformations. Remember, as I always say to my boys, “Don’t bounce too high, Roo” – take steady steps forward, and celebrate each milestone along the way.