“Why does learning about money always feel so overwhelming? I want to understand it, but every time I try, I’m either bored to tears or completely lost.”

If that thought has ever crossed your mind, you’re not alone. Financial education—that intimidating beast we’re all supposed to conquer—has a knack for making us feel like we missed some crucial memo in adulthood. It’s the endless jargon, the overly complex explanations, the feeling of being left behind while everyone else seems to have their financial act together. But let me let you in on a little secret: they don’t. Not entirely, anyway.

Here’s the thing: money is deeply personal. 

It’s tied to our dreams, our fears, and even our sense of self-worth. But when financial education is presented like a lecture from an old textbook, that connection gets lost. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Think about this for a moment. You’re not just learning about budgets, credit scores, or investment accounts. You’re learning how to shape the life you want. The tools might seem dry, but the purpose? That’s as human and vibrant as it gets. And that’s where we start.

Picture this: You’re sitting in a room full of people who seem to have it all figured out. The financial advisor is throwing around words like “compound interest” and “diversification.” Everyone else is nodding along, and you’re staring at your notebook, wondering why none of this makes sense. Embarrassing, right? Actually, no. It’s not you—it’s them.

Traditional financial education often caters to the already initiated. It assumes a baseline understanding that most of us never got. That’s like asking someone to run a marathon without teaching them how to walk first. Of course, it feels overwhelming.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to learn it the ‘official’ way. The key is to meet yourself where you are. If the idea of diving into investment strategies gives you hives, start smaller. What’s one thing you wish you understood about your money right now? Focus there. Because the truth is, financial education isn’t a sprint. It’s a lifelong conversation—and you get to choose how it starts.

Let’s talk about the shame factor for a second. You know, that nagging voice in your head that says, “You should already know this by now.” It’s sneaky, isn’t it? It keeps us from asking questions, seeking help, or even admitting we’re struggling.

But here’s the kicker: shame thrives in silence. The minute you start talking about it, that weight begins to lift. I remember a friend of mine—let’s call her Sarah—who confessed over coffee one day that she didn’t know how to read her credit card statement. Not a big deal, right? Except she’d been carrying that embarrassment for years. When we sat down to go through it together, the relief on her face was palpable. She realized it wasn’t that she was bad with money; she just hadn’t been taught.

So, let me ask you this: what’s one financial question you’ve been too afraid to ask? Write it down. Now, promise yourself you’ll find the answer—whether it’s through a quick Google search, a trusted friend, or a beginner-friendly financial blog. One question at a time, you’re building your knowledge and reclaiming your confidence.

If shame is one hurdle, the sheer volume of information is another. Ever googled “how to save for retirement” and ended up spiraling through 27 tabs, each more confusing than the last? Yep, we’ve all been there. The internet is a double-edged sword. It’s an incredible resource, but it’s also a breeding ground for overwhelm.

The trick is to filter out the noise. Think of it like decluttering your closet. You don’t need every piece of advice out there; you just need the ones that fit you. Maybe that means finding a financial educator who speaks your language—someone who breaks things down in a way that clicks. Maybe it’s a podcast, a YouTube channel, or an Instagram account that turns dry concepts into relatable, actionable tips.

And don’t underestimate the power of stories. Hearing how someone else tackled a similar challenge can be far more inspiring (and digestible) than wading through pages of technical explanations. Find your tribe of relatable voices, and let them guide you.

Now, let’s get practical for a moment. Because while understanding your emotions around money is crucial, action is what moves the needle. Here are a few small, manageable steps to get you started:

1. Automate one thing. 

Whether it’s saving $20 a month or paying down a small debt, automation takes the pressure off. Set it and forget it.

2. Track your spending for a week. 

Not in a judgmental way—just as an experiment. Where is your money going? What surprised you? Awareness is the first step to change.

3. Pick one financial goal. Just one. 

Maybe it’s building an emergency fund, understanding your 401(k), or figuring out how to lower your utility bills. Break it down into tiny steps, and celebrate each one.

4. Find a buddy. 

Accountability doesn’t have to mean hiring a coach. It could be a friend, a partner, or even an online community. Talking about your goals out loud makes them feel real.

Remember, progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up consistently, even when it feels messy.

Here’s a thought to chew on: financial literacy isn’t about mastering everything. It’s about building a relationship with your money. Like any relationship, it takes time, patience, and a little trial and error. You’re not supposed to have all the answers right away. You’re supposed to learn as you go.

So, give yourself permission to start small. Celebrate the wins—even the tiny ones. Asked a question you were embarrassed about? That’s a win. Saved your first $10? Win. Opened that pesky bank statement instead of ignoring it? Huge win.

And when you stumble—because you will—remember this: you’re not alone. Everyone’s figuring it out, one step at a time. The fact that you care enough to try? That’s the hardest part.

The journey to financial education doesn’t have to be lonely or overwhelming. It can be a series of small, meaningful steps that add up to something powerful. It’s not about being perfect or knowing it all; it’s about learning to show up for yourself and your future.

So, take a breath. Write down that one financial question you’ve been avoiding. Take that first step. Because the life you’re building is worth it, and you’re exactly the right person to make it happen.

If you’ve ever felt that pang of frustration while grappling with a budget, wrestling with debt, or trying to decode your credit score, you’re not alone.

“I’m just not good with money.”
How many times have you heard someone say that? Maybe you've even said it yourself. There’s a particular sting in those words, isn’t there? 

“Why does learning about money always feel so overwhelming? I want to understand it, but every time I try, I’m either bored to tears or completely lost.”
If that thought has ever crossed your mind, you’re not alone.

“Why didn’t anyone teach me this stuff in school?”
It’s a phrase we’ve all heard. Maybe you’ve said it yourself while staring at a credit card statement, scratching your head over compound interest, 

I believe in empowering future generations with the skills they need to thrive. As a parent and educator, I am deeply concerned about the challenges facing our youth and how we can better prepare them for their futures.

Liwei McBain's journey from a language educator to a transformative financial literacy mentor is fueled by her belief in empowering individuals to live a life with purpose and wisdom. With a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics and nearly two decades in language and cultural education, Liwei has always been passionate about teaching. Her motto, "Teach a man to fish, rather than give him fish," perfectly captures her approach to financial education.

Determined to make a significant impact, Liwei has expanded her teaching to financial literacy, addressing a crucial gap often overlooked by traditional financial institutions. She’s not just teaching people how to save and manage money, but also how to grow their wealth and make informed decisions that transform their lives.

Liwei Mc'Bain

Contact

3242 Preston Rd,

Suite 100

Plano
TX 75093

Hours

Monday - Friday
08:30 - 18:00

Saturday
08:30 - 18:00

Sunday
Closed

NAVIGATION

HELPFUL LINKS

STEWARDSHIP SOLUTIONS