Money Values Lesley Hetrick Money Values Lesley Hetrick

Money for Money’s Sake vs. Money for What Matters

Do you ever feel like no matter how much you earn, it's never quite enough?

If so, you’re not alone. Many people are caught in a cycle, assuming that the next paycheck, raise, bonus, or job will finally provide enough and stop the money stressors for good.

But here’s the hard truth: more money doesn’t always make life better.

What truly changes your life isn’t just the number on your paycheck. It’s how you use that money—and whether it’s connected to what really matters to you.

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Investing Lesley Hetrick Investing Lesley Hetrick

Why Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market

Some people look at the frenetic ups and downs of the stock market and see danger. Others see opportunity.

If I’d purchased that stock yesterday, I’d be up today.

You can’t predict the future. If you could, you’d be the richest person in the world already. Right?

But when you hear, “You can’t predict the future, but if you could…” some of you hear a tempting invitation.

The problem is that no one can consistently predict when stocks will rise and fall in value.

That’s why one of the most powerful investing principles is this: time in the market beats timing the market.

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Spending Lesley Hetrick Spending Lesley Hetrick

The Spending Muscle: Why Learning to Spend Well Matters More Than Spending Less

When you think about improving your finances, it’s easy to assume: “I need to spend less.”

It’s advice we’ve all heard. We just need to go without, skip the Target run, stay home, stop shopping.

But the truth is: spending less isn’t always the answer.

Why? In part, because spending is unavoidable. You have bills, needs, and desires that require it.

Spending isn’t a necessary evil. It’s a skill you must develop in order to grow strong with money.

Financial success isn’t just learning how to spend less. It’s learning how to spend well. The more you practice spending well, the healthier you grow financially.

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Budgeting Lesley Hetrick Budgeting Lesley Hetrick

Every Dollar Gets a Job: The Simple Rule That Transforms Spending

Imagine if your money worked as hard for you as you work to earn it.

For many people, the reality is the opposite. Paychecks come in, bills get paid, and the rest seems to disappear. By the end of the month, you’re left wondering: Where did it all go?

Here’s the truth: your money will wander off aimlessly if you don’t give it clear instructions.

The antidote is simple—but life-changing: give every dollar a job.

This one rule can transform the way you spend, save, and even how you feel about money.

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Money Mindset Lesley Hetrick Money Mindset Lesley Hetrick

Are Childhood Beliefs Secretly Controlling Your Finances?

You make money choices every day—what to buy, what to save, what to ignore.

On the surface, these seem like adult decisions. But here’s the surprising truth: many of your financial habits were shaped long before you opened your first bank account.

Childhood beliefs about money often live deep beneath the surface, quietly steering your financial life today.

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Net Worth Lesley Hetrick Net Worth Lesley Hetrick

Net Worth vs. Credit Score: Which Number Actually Matters More?

If you’ve ever applied for a credit card, car loan, or mortgage, you know the drill: lenders want your credit score. And if your score is high, you feel proud. If it’s low, you might feel embarrassed.

But here’s a secret: your credit score is not the best measure of your financial health.

In this post, we’ll explore the key differences between net worth and credit score, why lenders care more about one, and why you should care more about the other.

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Learning Lesley Hetrick Learning Lesley Hetrick

Money Is a Lifelong Teacher: Why the Smartest with Money Never Stop Learning

If you’ve ever felt like you should know more about money by now, you’re not alone. Many people carry shame around their financial knowledge, believing they’re behind or that it’s too late to catch up.

Here’s the truth: money is a lifelong teacher.

No matter how much you already know, life will keep offering new lessons. And the smartest people aren’t the ones who have it all figured out—they’re the ones who stay curious, humble, and open to learning at every stage.

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Money Values Lesley Hetrick Money Values Lesley Hetrick

If Money Is Energy, Use It to Create a Life You Love

Some people think of money as the ultimate goal. They want to make more, save more, accumulate more, as if it’s inherently valuable.

But those who are truly strong with money get it: money is energy. It’s not the end. It’s a means to an end.

Like electricity, money is neutral. It reveals its power when you decide how to direct it. Used intentionally, it can power a life of joy, freedom, and fulfillment. Used unconsciously, it slips away on things that don’t matter.

So how do you use money as energy to create a life you actually love?

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Investing Lesley Hetrick Investing Lesley Hetrick

Every Bit Helps: How Tiny Investments Grow Into Life-Changing Wealth

When people think about investing, they often picture needing thousands of dollars to get started. Maybe you’ve thought the same thing: “I’ll invest once I make more money.”

But here’s the truth: you don’t need a lot to begin. Every bit helps.

In fact, the earlier you start—even with tiny amounts—the more powerful your money becomes. Thanks to the magic of compound growth, small consistent investments can grow into life-changing wealth over time.

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Saving Lesley Hetrick Saving Lesley Hetrick

Set It and Forget It: Why Automatic Saving Beats Willpower Every Time

Most people want to save money. But when you look at the numbers, few actually do it consistently.

Why? Because they’re relying on willpower.

The truth is, willpower isn’t a strategy—it’s a limited resource. After a long day of work, decisions, and life, it’s easy to “decide” to save tomorrow instead of today.

That’s why the most effective savers don’t rely on willpower at all. They rely on systems. And one of the best systems is automatic saving.

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Spending Lesley Hetrick Spending Lesley Hetrick

50% Off Is Still 50% On: The Mindset Shift That Saves You Thousands

Picture this: you’re at the store and see a sign: 50% OFF TODAY ONLY. Your heart beats a little faster. It feels like you’ve stumbled onto a win.

You grab the item, swipe your card, and tell yourself, “I saved $200!”

But here’s the truth: you didn’t save $200—you spent $200.

50% off is still 50% on. And if you didn’t need the item in the first place, you didn’t save anything at all.

This mindset shift—recognizing the difference between saving and spending—can save you thousands over time.

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