I Used to Be Broke—Here’s How I Turned It All Around

Ever opened your bank account and felt a mix of confusion and dread, and wondered how things got so out of control?

I've been there, and it’s a feeling you never forget.

Hi, I'm Yann, the creator of Dollar Deadlift, and let me tell you – my financial life used to be a complete mess.

My wake-up call came on a day I'll never forget. There I was, a grown adult, frantically counting coins from my 'spare change' jar at the bank.

The total? A measly $50.

That was supposed to cover groceries, with rent looming over me like a storm cloud. The shame of asking my dad for help felt like a punch to the gut. That night, a cocktail of frustration, shame, and self-blame kept me awake.

But by morning, something had shifted. I'd had enough.

As I stared at myself in the mirror, I made a promise: No more sleepless nights, no more coin-counting desperation.

It was time to face my financial demons head-on.

The next day, I woke up with a financial hangover and a determination I'd never felt before.

At 27, I realised I had a PhD in spending but was illiterate when it came to managing money.

So, I became a student again.

My new curriculum? Finance books that were collecting dust on my shelves, money podcasts that replaced my usual playlists on Spotify, and spreadsheets that (at the time) made my head spin.

Creating a budget felt like solving a Rubik's cube blindfolded, but I was done playing financial Russian roulette with my future.

Fast forward five years, I barely recognised my financial reflection.

The guy who once scrounged for coins now had a debt-free life, an emergency fund that actually existed, and investments that weren't just wishful thinking scribbled on a napkin.

The best part? I could still indulge in life's little luxuries.

Whether it was enjoying a meal at my favourite restaurant, upgrading my tech without downgrading my savings, or planning a vacation that didn't involve taking on additional debt – I was finally living, not just surviving.

Why the name Dollar Deadlift?

In the gym, if you could only do one exercise to strengthen your entire body, it would be the deadlift. Similarly, in personal finance, if one practice can transform your financial health, it's budgeting.

Just like how many avoid deadlifts because they seem intimidating or complex, budgeting often gets a bad rap.

Some think it's too restrictive, others find it overwhelming.

That's where Dollar Deadlift comes in. We're here to show you that budgeting, like the deadlift, is a fundamental move that, when mastered, can revolutionise your financial fitness.

Our Approach:

1. Back to Basics: We break down budgeting into simple, manageable steps. No complex financial jargon, no get-rich-quick schemes. Just practical, actionable advice to build a strong financial foundation.

2. Personalised Planning: Because everyone's financial journey is unique. We help you create a budgeting system that fits your life, goals, and values.

3. Purposeful Spending: Learn to align your money with what truly matters to you. Our approach to budgeting isn't about restriction—it's about giving every dollar a job and making your money work as hard as you do.

Each week, we'll guide you through one aspect of budgeting, turning this powerful financial practice into a habit as natural as your daily routine.

Whether you're new to budgeting or looking to refine your techniques, Dollar Deadlift is here to support you on your journey to financial strength.

Who's This For?

This newsletter is for the 28-year-old who just realised their wedding fund is actually their credit card debt.

It’s for the 35-year-old staring at a promotion and wondering how to make those extra dollars count.

It’s for the recent graduate trying to balance student loans and a modest paycheck.

It’s for the near-retiree aiming to make the most of their savings and ensure a comfortable future.

And it’s for anyone who has stood in a grocery store, calculator in hand, grappling with the decision of whether they can afford both vegetables AND toilet paper this week.

The Dollar Deadlift Promise

Imagine a supportive community where we can share our money experiences, learn from each other, and grow together – all without judgment. That’s what we’re building here.

Whether you’re grappling with debt or seeking to optimize your savings, you belong here. Our mission is to empower you to grow financially, unlocking the freedom you deserve.

We promise a positive & judgment-free zone, where every question is valid and every success is celebrated. Join us, and transform your finances with confidence and clarity.

Ready to rewrite your money story? Subscribe to Dollar Deadlift, and let's work towards financial fitness together.

Remember, when it comes to managing your money, you’re in control of your own narrative. Together, we can make it a positive one.

Best

Yann
P.S. On X @yannpompon, I share my unfiltered thoughts on current financial trends and occasionally rant about the finance industry. Join me there for the spicy takes I can't fit into this newsletter!

P.P.S. Love the newsletter? Hate it? Want to see something specific? I'm all ears. Just hit reply and let me know what you think.