Growing up in a Latino household, I watched the women in my family work tirelessly. My grandmother Maria and my mother always made sure the family was taken care of. They believed in hard work, sacrifice, and responsibility.

I remember my grandmother saying, “You have to learn how to take care of a home so you can keep a husband.” And while there’s wisdom in that, I realize now that something was missing—financial education.

In Rich Dad Poor Dad, one lesson stood out to me:
“Pay yourself first.”

Many of us work hard just to pay bills, leaving nothing for ourselves. But here’s the truth:
You don’t work just to pay bills—you work to live.

So who’s paying you for all your effort? If you don’t set aside something for yourself first, your whole life becomes about keeping others paid while you stay stuck.

This isn’t about being irresponsible—it’s about valuing your own labor.
As soon as you get paid, take 10%, 20%, 30%—whatever percentage you can afford—and set it aside for yourself before you pay your bills. Whether it’s in savings, investments, or even a stash at home, this is how you make sure you have something to show for your hard work.

In many Latino families, daughters are taught how to cook and clean, but sons and daughters aren’t often taught how to manage money. Why not start financial education early—when kids receive allowances or money gifts? Instead of just spending it, they should learn how to save, invest, and build financial habits that will benefit them for life.

It’s a simple truth: those who plan ahead and handle their resources wisely will always have enough, while those who don’t will always struggle.

It’s time to break the cycle. Let’s teach more than just survival.
Let’s teach ownership, freedom, and self-respect.

Start small. Start today.
Pay yourself first.

My hardworking grandmothers. Mercedes and Maria