From Debt and Doubt to the Top 10%: Our Hustle Story
Turning Struggles into Success: Resilience and Growth
Our journey didn’t start in boardrooms filled with success. It began in classrooms where language barriers and self-doubt shaped our early years. From struggling with English as a second language to battling low self-esteem, our story is one of resilience.
At Nesting Finance, we’re a husband and wife team with 30 years of combined experience in finance, investments, and marketing. We’re hustlers, dog lovers, parents, and passionate about helping families like yours make informed financial decisions.
As the eldest siblings in our families, we’ve always been the ones people turn to for advice—whether about finances or life decisions. We see ourselves as the older siblings who’ve been through it all and want to help you navigate the path ahead.
Today, we’re proud to be in the top 10% of our peers financially. But our story didn’t start at the top.
The Beginning: Humble Roots and Big Dreams
Picture two kids from low-income households, dreaming big but always feeling like outsiders. We couldn’t afford the latest gadgets or vacations. That feeling of not enough fueled our drive but also cast a shadow of self-doubt.
Early Struggles: Bullying and the Lingering Shadows
Before we found success, we first had to find our worth. We were bullied for our accents, our clothes, our bodies. Being English as a Second Language (ESL) learners made us feel different, out of place. Wearing knock-off clothes or hand-me-downs only amplified that feeling. These experiences chipped away at our self-esteem and followed us into adulthood.
When we entered the workplace, we realized bullying didn’t end with childhood—it evolved. We encountered managers who dismissed us and colleagues who saw us as competition rather than teammates. Despite professional success, the old insecurities lingered. We felt like we had to fight for every inch of progress.
Then came one of our biggest financial hurdles—a student loan nightmare that put our journey on pause but ultimately set the foundation for our future.
The Student Loan Nightmare: A Lesson in Persistence
Six figures in student debt already felt like an anchor. But a clerical error during a loan consolidation doubled our debt. What followed was months of frustrating calls between Wells Fargo and Sallie Mae—each blaming the other. It felt like another insurmountable roadblock.
But this time, we knew better. We refused to be dismissed. We dug in, persisted, and finally uncovered the issue—a transposed account number that had thrown everything into chaos. This experience reinforced a fundamental truth: advocacy is power. Each struggle made us stronger, better equipped to conquer the financial world.
The Power of Research: Crafting Our Own Path
This experience cemented our belief in relentless research. Every challenge—financial, professional, personal—was met with thorough investigation. We learned never to accept things at face value, to dig deeper, to seek the truth.
Our careers in finance and investments have always been grounded in research. Earning the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation only reinforced this. The CFA program is one of the most rigorous financial certifications, requiring over 900 hours of study across topics like portfolio management and financial ethics. It shaped our approach—not just to investing, but to life.
When we encountered contradictory advice during our first pregnancy, we didn’t settle for surface-level information. We questioned, analyzed, and made informed decisions. This commitment to well-researched insights became the cornerstone of Nesting Finance—a place where families can find trustworthy, thoughtful guidance beyond clickbait headlines.
Sacrifices and Simplicity: The Price of Progress
Research wasn’t the only thing that defined our journey. Sacrifice played a huge role. While others traveled and enjoyed luxuries, we lived in a small, outdated apartment with no A/C, saving every penny. We spent less than 10% of our income on rent, knowing that every dollar brought us closer to financial freedom.
When we bought our home, it wasn’t the dream house. It was an ugly house on an ugly street in a great neighborhood. But we saw potential where others saw problems. We saved, planned, and remodeled—leaving only a single 2×4—without taking on more debt. The lessons we learned along the way are the ones we hope will make your journey smoother.
Money Dysmorphia: A Double-Edged Sword
As we built wealth, we discovered a hidden challenge—money dysmorphia. Despite our success, we couldn’t shake the anxiety around finances. This hyper-vigilance sometimes caused stress but also kept us disciplined. We’ve learned that the antidote to financial anxiety is living below your means and making tough choices for true financial freedom.
Parenthood and Professional Growth: A Balancing Act
Balancing demanding careers with raising a family wasn’t easy. We faced tough questions—childcare, financial planning, work-life balance. As we researched this next stage of life, we realized: there were plenty of finance blogs, and plenty of parenting blogs, but few that connected the two.
For us, money isn’t just numbers—it’s a lifestyle. Nesting Finance was born from this realization: a resource to help families bridge the gap between financial stability and raising a thriving family.
The Origin of Nesting Finance: A Collision of Nature and Nurture
As we entered the nesting phase of pregnancy, we remember watching two doves tirelessly building a nest in our patio trellis. The male struggled to keep the nest intact, returning each day to rebuild after failure.
He became a symbol for us. Just like him, families need support to build their both their nest and their nest egg. This imagery intertwined with our own journey, and Nesting Finance was born.
Nesting Finance: Where Family and Finances Intersect
Nesting Finance isn’t just a blog—it’s our way of giving back. We’ve been where you are, and we’re here to help you get to where you want to be.
Whether you’re tackling student loans, navigating career moves, or securing your family’s financial future, we’re here for you.
We see ourselves as your older siblings in finance—guiding, supporting, and helping you navigate the road ahead.
Who Are We?
That’s the question we get asked most. And yet, it’s the one we never answer. Not because we’re hiding, but because some stories are better told without faces.
Parenting and finances aren’t one-size-fits-all—this is simply our perspective. Staying behind the curtain allows us to be more honest, without the pressure to be perfect or the noise of those who think there’s only one “right” way.
So, who are we? It doesn’t really matter. What matters is that you’re here, taking what resonates and leaving the rest.
Ask us a question here! We’ll personally respond.