Most people don’t have a “money problem.” They have an identity problem. In my work, I see three common money identities show up again and again: spender, saver, and investor. None of them are bad. None of them are permanent. But each one shapes how you think, feel, and act with money. Spenders live in the present. Money is emotional. It’s how relief, connection, validation, and reward show up. Spending often happens fast and feels justified in the moment — and heavy afterward. Savers live in protection mode. Money equals safety. There’s discipline, restraint, and structure — but also hesitation. Savers know how to hold money, but often struggle to let it grow. Investors live in the future. Money is a tool. Decisions are slower, intentional, and aligned with long-term goals. Investors understand that comfort now isn’t the goal — freedom later is. Here’s the key truth:👉 Most people don’t choose these stages. They grow through them. The work isn’t about shame. It’s about awareness. If you know where you are, you can move forward with intention. So ask yourself honestly: Where am I reacting? Where am I protecting? Where am I building? That’s the beginning of real financial confidence.

Hello. My name is Tamika. I live in Washington, DC and a mom of twins. I’m here to get financially educated and become more smart with my money and credit. I look forward to learning from you all. Life is a journey, always learning. I never want to be the smartest person in the room and I look forward to learning!☺️

We have been conditioned to be consumers, to act in a reactionary manner when it comes to money, to survive by overspending. I like this Joe, yes, a pattern becomes a habit and a habit can become an identity.

I’m currently reading "Identity by Design" by Patrick Harris, and it’s confirming something I’ve seen over and over again in real life: Most people don’t fail financially because they lack information. They fail because their identity pulls them back to familiar ground. If you still see yourself as: - someone who survives instead of plans - someone money passes through instead of stays with - someone reacting instead of designing then even good money habits won’t stick. Healthy money decisions don’t come from willpower. They come from a new self-image. The SSI Method works when you stop saying:“I’m trying to manage my money”and start saying:“I’m the kind of person who gives money instructions.” That shift changes everything! Question for the community:👉🏽 What money identity are you still carrying that no longer fits who you’re becoming?

Over the next 7–10 days, I’ll be officially launching the Think Outside the Cell Partners Program—a mission-driven affiliate partnership designed to expand access to practical financial and life education for justice-impacted individuals and the allies who support them. Before the public launch, I’m hosting a small discovery call (about 12 people) for those who feel aligned with this work and want to explore becoming founding partners. This is not a sales call. It’s a conversation about alignment, expectations, and impact—and a chance to see whether this partnership makes sense for you and the people you serve. This program is built on: - Trust over hype - Dignity over pressure - Long-term impact over quick wins If you already support justice-impacted individuals through education, advocacy, organizing, content, or lived experience—and you believe access to financial clarity matters—this may be a fit. If you’re interested in joining the discovery call, email me directly at [your email] byFriday, February 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. I’ll follow up with details for those selected. — Joe