I Teach Money… But I Wasn’t Ready for This

jenny martinez
Jun 30
3 min read

A real-life wake-up call from someone who should’ve known better—and what I did next. — A real-life wake-up call from someone who *should’ve* known better—and what I did next.

Let me say this with my whole chest:

Yes, I teach money. Yes, I coach people on building savings, getting insured, and planning for their future.

But last week, I got hit with something unexpected. A real emergency. And I didn’t have the emergency fund I thought I would.

I froze.

Not because I didn’t know better, but because—like so many of us—I had been living in that in-between place:

“The money is coming. “I’m waiting on a few things to clear.“I’ll get back on track next month.”

Until the moment comes… and you realize next month didn’t come fast enough.

Let’s Be Real About It

When you're building, parenting, serving others—you can look financially fine on the outside and still be out of position when life hits.

I wasn’t broke. But I wasn’t prepared. And that’s the difference.

I wasn’t being reckless. I was just stretched.

I had a million ideas.
I was chasing opportunity.
I was investing ahead of cash flow.

But I was also making pressure-based decisions—and that’s when we drift from the plan. You justify a few expenses, make a few delays, and suddenly you’ve prioritized growth over security.

The Lesson Hit Me Hard

I made a few decisions that weren’t rooted in my usual clarity. I told myself “It can’t wait,” when in truth—it could have.

That moment reminded me:

Even the most disciplined people need guardrails. Even the planner needs a plan B. Even the coach needs space to recalibrate.

So I hit pause. And I got to work—on myself, for real.

My July Reset Plan

This month isn’t about restriction—it’s about rebuilding.

Here’s what I’m doing—and what I invite you to do with me:

1. Rebuilt My Emergency Fund System

I opened a new high-yield savings account and nicknamed it “Peace of Mind.”Then I set up a $7.50/day auto-transfer—because if I can spend that on snacks or Uber, I can save it for myself.

$7.50/day = ~$450 by end of summer. That’s a full reset from one tiny habit.

2. Sticking to the Actual Plan

No new plays this month. No impulsive yeses. If it’s not in the plan, it can wait. This is about financial rhythm, not hustle panic.

3. Giving Myself Grace—Not Excuses

I didn’t spiral. I didn’t shame myself. I just faced the facts and reset fast. Because it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being prepared.

My Real-Life Money Reset Toolkit

Want to know the exact tools I’m using to automate and stretch my money this July?

✅ Rakuten – I earn real cashback on things I was already going to buy. If you're shopping online and not using this—you’re giving away free money. 👉 Join Rakuten and get your welcome bonus

✅ July Book Club Pick – I’m reading “The Psychology of Money” this month to stay grounded and intentional. 👉 Grab it on Amazon

✅ My Free Money Tool – Download the exact tracker I used to break down my spending habits and spot money leaks. It’s editable, simple, and powerful. 👉 Download the free Money Toolkit PDF

These aren’t just links. These are lifelines. The tools I use daily to stay grounded, automated, and empowered.