Hi,

I’m Jordan and this is my personal finance blog called That Stuff Adds Up. Thank you for stopping by to learn more about me and my blog; I’m happy you’re here!

I started this blog to help others improve their financial position so they can live the life they want. If you feel like you’re suffocating in your student loans and want to get out of debt, then this is the blog for you. And, if you want to learn how to set yourself up for financial freedom so you can live your life on your own terms, then you’ve come to the right place.

But first…Why should you listen to me?

I get it. I need to earn your trust and that’s hard to do, especially when we’ve never met and you don’t know anything about me.

So, I’m going to do something I’ve never done before. I’m going to put myself in a vulnerable position here by publicly sharing some of my most personal details.

Why am I doing this, you might ask?

I’m doing this to gain your trust so I can help you achieve your personal finance goals. To build a personal connection with you in case we have something in common. To show you that, if you’re determined and believe in yourself, you can overcome any obstacle life throws your way and achieve your dreams.

So, here it goes…

I understand what it’s like to grow up in poverty…I vividly remember worrying if next month would be the month our electricity would be shut off, forcing my family to take a cold bath and get dressed in the dark. It didn’t take long for me to realize I could arrive at school early and take a hot shower in the locker room (pro tip!).

I understand what it’s like to start working at a young age to help my family…I started doing manual labor with my dad when I was 9 years old and got my first job washing dishes when I was 13 years old to help pay the electricity bill, buy groceries and clothes…

I know what it’s like to grow up in a broken home…My parents divorced when I was 6 months old.

I know how it feels to lose a parent at such a young age and the impact it can have on you throughout your life…My mother passed away due to brain cancer at the age of 43 when I was 15 years old.

I know what it’s like to have parents who suffer with alcohol, gambling and drug addictions…I grew up watching the impact these addictions had on my parents and felt the collateral damage it had on me and my brother.

I understand what it’s like to grow up in a single-wide mobile home with roaches hanging over the faucet (Nappy Roots anyone???)…My dream when I was younger was to have a double-wide mobile home. Seriously.

I understand what it’s like to be severely overweight and be made fun of…I weighted 235 lbs when I was 16 years old.

I know how it feels to be a first generation college student…I was the first in my family to go to college and didn’t have anyone to guide me or help fill out applications, get a student loan or apply for financial aid.

I understand what it feels like to graduate with thousands of dollars in student loan debt (with high interest)…My wife and I had over $100K in student loans when we graduated.

I know what it’s like to feel stuck in a soul-sucking, high stress corporate job and feel like there’s no way out…I remember working 70+ hour weeks and almost falling asleep as I drove home from work at 1:00AM.

Most importantly…

I know what it’s like and HOW GOOD IT FEELS to overcome every obstacle and achieve my goals!

I lost over 80 lbs. from my Sophomore to Senior year of high school to gain my physical health and confidence back!

I went from not being able to run 2 miles in 20 minutes to leading my high school cross country team to State my Senior year!

I studied hard, never gave up hope and graduated Valedictorian of my high school senior class!

I accepted my past, focused on building myself up and sought professional help to improve my mental state.

I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin (Hook’em) earning my undergraduate degree in Corporate Finance & Investment Management with a minor in Management Information Systems!

I paid off over $112,000 in student loans and auto debt in 3 years to become DEBT FREE!

Now, I’m on my way to achieving another big goal…FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE!

AND SO CAN YOU!

Wow, that felt so good to get off my chest!

I hope something I shared resonated with you and helps you realize that you can achieve your goals, no matter how big they are. You will have to make tough sacrifices and work hard, but trust me…it is so worth it!.

If you want to be debt free, achieve financial freedom and never miss out on my updates, then please join my newsletter below.

So, what can you expect from me moving forward?

I will post new articles on this blog at least once per week that provide you with actionable tips based on my personal experience. If you signed up for the newsletter, then you’ll never miss out since I’ll notify you of every new post and sprinkle in some of my personal life updates.

If you sat through and read this entire page, THANK YOU!

Sincerely,

Jordan

“To enable you to live the life you want by helping you eliminate your debt and teaching you how to achieve financial freedom!”

“To help every reader achieve financial freedom by sharing easy to understand concepts, providing useful tools, and building a community of financial friends.”