Our Story
From Insecurity to Financial Security: How We Conquered Adversity and Reached the Top 10%
Turning Struggles into Success: Our Story of Resilience and Growth
Our journey didn’t start in boardrooms filled with success, but in classrooms where language barriers and self-doubt shaped our early years. From struggling with English as a second language to feeling the weight of 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 enthusiasts, parents, and passionate about helping growing families, like yours, make informed decisions for your future.
As the oldest siblings in our families, we’ve always been the ones people turn to for advice—whether it’s financial guidance or life decisions. We see ourselves as the older siblings who’ve been through it all and want to help our readers navigate the path ahead.
Today, we’re proud to have done well for ourselves and be in the top 10% of our peers financially. Nesting Finance is a money blog for growing families written by us – a growing family in the top 10%. This is our way of giving back, sharing what’s worked for us in the hopes that it can bring you peace of mind and success in your journey.
But our story didn’t start at the top.
The Beginning: Humble Roots and Big Dreams
Picture two kids from low income households, both with big dreams but always feeling like they were on the outside looking in. We couldn’t afford the latest gadgets or take fancy vacations. That feeling of “not enough” stuck with us, fueling our drive but also casting a shadow of self-doubt.
Early Struggles: Bullying and Its Lingering Shadows
Our journey to self-worth and success began long before our careers—it started in childhood. We were both bullied for a variety of reasons. Being English as a Second Language (ESL) learners made us feel different and often out of place. We wore knock-off clothes or hand-me-downs when others flaunted the latest trends. Body shaming added to the mix, as we hadn’t grown into ourselves yet. These experiences chipped away at our self-esteem, leaving us with a deep sense of inadequacy and low self-worth.
As we entered the workplace, we were shocked to find that the bullying didn’t end with childhood. It simply evolved. Managers who didn’t respect us, colleagues who saw us as competition rather than teammates—it felt like we were still those kids trying to fit in. The same insecurities followed us, making it hard to believe in our own abilities, even as we started to find professional success.
But when you come from humble roots, there’s always a sense that something is holding you back, that obstacles are constantly in your way. You take two steps forward, only to be pushed back one. It’s a feeling that stays with you, creating an underlying tension that you have to constantly fight against. That’s exactly how it felt when we encountered one of our biggest financial obstacles – a student loan nightmare that put our progress on pause but set the foundation for our journey.
The Student Loan Nightmare: A Lesson in Persistence
With six figures of student loans hanging over us – already a heavy enough burden – we thought consolidating them would bring relief. But instead, it became a financial nightmare. Due to a clerical error, our debt actually doubled after consolidation. We were stuck in an endless cycle of phone calls for months between Wells Fargo and Sallie Mae, each blaming the other. It was infuriating—another roadblock on our journey, another challenge that seemed insurmountable.
But this time, we knew better. We’d learned from years of struggle that advocating for ourselves was key. We refused to be pushed around or silenced. We dug in our heels, persisted, and finally uncovered the error—a transposed account number that had thrown everything into chaos. Through this experience, we realized the power of persistence. Each struggle we faced made us a little better at conquering the world.
The Power of Research: Crafting Our Own Path
This experience solidified something fundamental for us: the importance of research. We realized that in every challenge, from financial mishaps to workplace struggles, the key to overcoming obstacles was thorough, relentless inquiry. We couldn’t just accept things at face value; we needed to dig deeper, peel back layers, and uncover the truth.
Our careers in finance, investments, and marketing have always been grounded in research. Earning the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) charter further reinforced this commitment. The CFA program is one of the most challenging and respected certifications in the finance world. It requires passing three rigorous exam levels, covering complex topics like portfolio management, financial reporting, and ethics, with over 900 hours of study typically needed.
Achieving the CFA designation has given us a deeper understanding of financial markets and a commitment to ethical decision-making. This level of dedication is the foundation of our research-driven approach to life and Nesting Finance.
When we encountered contradictory advice during our first pregnancy, we didn’t just settle for surface-level information. We questioned, analyzed, and made informed decisions—just as we do in our careers. This commitment to thorough, well-researched insights became the cornerstone of Nesting Finance—a place where growing families can find thoughtful, trustworthy perspectives that goes beyond clickbait.
Sacrifices and Simplicity: The Price of Progress
But research wasn’t the only thing that defined our journey. Sacrifice played an enormous role given our humble roots was etched in our DNA. While others traveled and shared glamorous moments, we were living in a small, outdated apartment with no A/C, saving for our future. We spent well under 10% of our income on rent, knowing that each dollar saved brought us closer to our goals.
When we finally 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 up for a full remodel – leaving only a single 2×4 – without taking on more debt. We learned lots of hard lessons along the way that we hope can make your journeys a little smoother.
Money Dysmorphia: A Double-Edged Sword
As we built our financial foundation, we discovered a hidden challenge—money dysmorphia. Despite our success, we couldn’t shake the constant worry about finances. This obsession sometimes caused stress but also made us hyper-vigilant about our financial decisions. Balancing this mindset with trust in our systems has been a journey in itself. The only real medicine we’ve found to counter money dysmorphia has been to live below our means and make tough choices for true financial freedom.
Parenthood and Professional Growth: A Balancing Act
Balancing demanding careers with starting a family was no easy feat. As we navigated dual-income household management, we asked ourselves tough questions about childcare, financial planning, and how to best ensure our family’s well-being. As we set out to research this stage of our lives, we realized that there are many finance blogs and many parenting blogs but few that bridge the gap between money and parenting. Given that money and finances is a lifestyle for us, it seemed like an opportunity to share what we’ve learned over the years through Nesting Finance.
The Origin of Nesting Finance: A Collision of Nature and Nurture
The name “Nesting Finance” was born from a perfect collision of events. As we entered the nesting phase of our pregnancy, preparing to welcome new life, we noticed two doves tirelessly building a nest in the trellis of our patio. The male dove, dedicated to finding the perfect spot, struggled to keep the nest intact, no matter where he placed it. Day after day, he’d return, picking up the pieces and starting over, undeterred by failure. This determined little dove became a powerful symbol for us—just as he needed help building a stable home, we realized that families, too, need support in growing both their nests and their nest eggs. The image of those persistent doves intertwined with our own journey, and so Nesting Finance was born—a place where growing families can find the guidance they need to build strong financial foundations and futures.
Nesting Finance: Our Mission, Your Journey
Nesting Finance is the culmination of our journey so far but also marks the beginning of this new chapter. We’ve faced the ups and downs, the sleepless nights, and the small victories, and we want to share what we’ve learned with you. Our mission isn’t just to offer advice—it’s to provide trustworthy perspectives that empower you to make the best decisions for your family.
We’re excited every time a reader joins us or when our siblings ask for our perspectives. We see ourselves as the older sibling who’s been through it all and wants to help others navigate the path ahead. Nesting Finance is our way of giving back, of sharing what’s worked for us in the hopes that it can bring you peace of mind and success in your journey.
Join us for:
- Smart Financial Tips: Practical advice to manage and grow your wealth.
- Savvy Product Picks: Recommendations to make your parenting journey easier and more enjoyable.
- Expert Insights: Strategies and tips from our years of professional experience.
We’re here for you—whether you’re struggling with student loans, trying to make sense of conflicting advice, or just looking for ways to secure your financial future. We’ve been where you are, and we’re excited to help you get to where you want to be.
Welcome to Nesting Finance – A money blog for growing families!