Hey, I’m Aarav
I paid off $34k in debt on a $52k salary. This is the personal finance
resource I wish I’d had when I was struggling.
So here’s the thing…
I’m not a financial advisor. I don’t have a finance degree. I didn’t grow up wealthy or learn about money from my family. I figured most of this stuff out the hard way – through mistakes, panic, and a lot of late nights googling things I probably should have learned in school.
A few years ago I was $34,200 in debt, living paycheck to paycheck, with a credit score in the 500s and absolutely no idea how to fix any of it. I was that guy checking his bank balance before every purchase, timing bills around paydays, and avoiding calls from numbers I didn’t recognize.
“Today I’m debt-free, have a solid emergency fund, invest regularly for retirement, and actually understand what I’m doing with my money.”
The transformation wasn’t fast or glamorous. It took about 3 years of focused effort and a lot of sacrifice. But I got there.
My Money Journey
- 2018
Rock Bottom
$34,200 in debt. Credit score: 580. Checking account: usually under $100. I avoided looking at my bank app because it just made me anxious.
- 2019
Finally Got Serious
Started the debt snowball method. Picked up side gigs. Cut expenses wherever I could. Made my first real progress.
- 2021
Debt Free
Made my final debt payment. Three years and two months after I started. I literally cried.
- 2022
Started Investing
Opened my Roth IRA (finally). Started building real wealth instead of just paying off old mistakes.
- 2025
Where I Am Now
Credit score: 760. Six-month emergency fund. Maxing my IRA. Actually looking forward to checking my accounts.
Why I Started FinanceOGraphy
When I was in the middle of my money mess, I read a LOT of personal finance content. And honestly… most of it felt useless. Either it was written for people who already had money, or it was so basic it was insulting, or it was clearly written by someone who’d never actually struggled.
I wanted to create the resource I wish I’d had. Written by someone who’s been broke. Who’s made the mistakes. Who can explain things in plain English without making you feel stupid.
I’m not here to sell you anything or pretend I have all the answers. I’m just sharing what worked for me and what I learned along the way. Some of it might help you. Some of it might not apply to your situation. That’s fine.
What You’ll Find Here
Real talk about budgeting, debt payoff, investing, and money mindset. No get-rich-quick schemes. No shame about where you’re starting from. Just practical advice from someone who’s been in the trenches.
I write like I talk – which means occasional grammar issues, rambling tangents, and probably too many “honestly” and “like” sprinkled in. If you want polished corporate finance content, there are a million other sites. This isn’t that.
The Disclaimer Part
I’m not a financial advisor, CPA, or any kind of licensed professional. Everything on this site is personal opinion based on my own experience. Before making major financial decisions, please consult with qualified professionals who can look at your specific situation.
Also – I sometimes include affiliate links which means I might earn a small commission if you sign up for products I recommend. This doesn’t cost you anything extra and I only recommend stuff I actually use or believe in. Gotta keep the lights on somehow.