How I learned about personal finance in the middle of switching careers (into the film industry)

Jennifer Carriere Author

Mar 24, 2023 |

In my second year as a script supervisor, I realized I was on my way to becoming a millionaire. The math was simple and undeniable.

But let’s back up.

In early adulthood this would have been inconceivable to me. You see, I grew up in a family that had some scary financial setbacks. There was a heavy cloud of insecurity and fear around money, which I took with me from childhood into early adulthood. I have absolutely nothing to complain about. But the fear was crippling.

When I started my film & tv career, the thought of becoming a millionaire never entered my mind. “Millionaire” and my name did not belong in the same sentence. Such is the nature of limiting beliefs and the stories we carry and continue to tell ourselves well into adulthood. I didn’t know anything other then being on the brink financially. Oh, I also happened to be saddled with heavy student loan debt.

I grew up with no financial education whatsoever. (Sure wish that was a requirement in high school, if not earlier). When I started making great money as a script supervisor, I realized that I had a real opportunity to scale and leverage that income into something quite impressive, and that the opportunity was mine to take or lose.

I just had no idea how.

I needed a crash course in personal finance and an actionable plan. NOTHING fancy, as that would so overwhelm me that I’d probably fold and do nothing with it.

Into my personal finance education, I invested $31.

I read the first book that saved my ass financially, and I implemented it. ($10.99)

I read the second book that saved my ass financially, and I implemented it. ($19.99)

Now, I re-read them both from time to time, as needed, for a mindset boost or inspiration to go out and grow even more. If you want my advice, I’ll give it. (If you don’t, I encourage you to stop reading now.) Don’t be like early twenties Jennifer. Don’t avoid learning about financial security because it sounds complicated or you’re afraid you’ll stink at it or you think you don’t have time or you think it’s too late for you.

The simple books that helped me leverage the awesome script supervisor income I had started making were written by wise and sincere authors. But they were delivered in such a beginner-friendly, easily consumable way, that a fifth grader could have followed along.

I’d be more than happy to share these titles with you (since I haven’t contacted the authors for permission to post about them) I’ll ask you to email me directly and I’ll share all one-to-one with you. I have no affiliate relationship with the authors or publishers whatsoever. These are just my personal experiences with their books. That said, they were totally transformative. 

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