$11. That’s what was in my checking account the day I filed bankruptcy.
I had a successful career before. I knew the math cold.
The math didn’t save me.
It’s not the math. It never was.
They said keep 3 months of expenses saved.
They didn't say what to do when 3 months of expenses now costs twice what it used to.
The old rules were written for a different economy.
We need new ones.
Nobody tells you that financial stress is a leading cause of anxiety and depression.
They just tell you to budget better.
The problem isn't discipline. It's that you've been managing fear, not money.
Those require completely different tools.
Your credit card balance is climbing. Not because you're irresponsible.
Because groceries, insurance, and rent are all up and your paycheck isn't.
That's not a discipline problem. That's a math problem.
Math problems have solutions.
The economy is shedding jobs.
Mid-career. Mid-income. People who did everything right.
I know that math. I've lived that math.
It's not about what you did wrong.
It's about knowing what to do next.
That part is learnable.
https://t.co/zWCCplX3yv
To George and Laura, Bill and Hillary — we're grateful for your friendship, counsel, and devotion to this country. And to Joe and Jill, thank you for being on this journey with us.