Work smart. Swing sharp.

According to a 2024 TIAA Institute study, 74% of Gen Z want to improve their financial literacy—and many are actively seeking out tools and education to do it.

It makes me think of that old parable about the axe cutters in the forest...

Two men were hired to cut down as many trees as they could in a single day.

The first man was relentless. He swung his axe nonstop, hour after hour. No lunch. No rest.

The second man took a different approach.

He chopped for a bit, then disappeared for a while. Came back, chopped more. Disappeared again.

But, as the sun began to set, the second man's pile of cut trees was twice as high.

Confused and frustrated, the first man said, "How did you do that? I saw you take breaks all day. I didn't stop once!"

The second man smiled, "I wasn't taking breaks. I was sharpening my axe." 

Learning how money works—specifically how to diversify your income stream, avoid high-interest debt, minimize taxes, and invest early—is how you sharpen your tools.

So take 10 minutes this week to sharpen yours.

Read something.

Tell me something you're curious about for a topic for a future newsletter.

Open an investing account.

Check your credit score.

Make a list of your debt.

Send an additional $100 to a debt you owe.

Future-you will thank you.