July 2015 – Mike Burke

Financial Freedom Step 3- Bank Better

Split composition contrasting traditional banking on the left (cluttered checkbooks, paper statements stamped with 'FEE' and 'OVERDRAFT NOTICE,' scattered coins) with modern digital banking on the right (clean tablet and phone interfaces showing account growth, with glowing lines suggesting automated transfers)

Congrats, you probably have a clearer understanding of your finances and a better plan for your debt than anyone you work with. I don’t know why, but teachers are inherently bad at this, so be proud of your progress. You are on your way to being the Rich Uncle Pennybags of your school.

Label Maker

You might ask why a label maker is one of the first things I am reviewing. I know it might sound silly but a label maker (this one in particular) is one of those things that you never knew you needed.

Financial Freedom Step 2- Debt

Three-panel progression showing a snowball rolling downhill, growing from small to medium to large, illustrating the momentum-building debt payoff strategy

You deserve a high five! You have not only decided to take action, but you actually have made tangible progress. A stunning number of people never make it as far as you already have.