This Nurse paid of $71k in Student Loan Debt in 3 months during the Pandemic - Ep. 61
Nakeetsha Dryer is a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Nursing has given her the opportunity and flexibility to change her family tree. She has always been able to negotiate unique work schedules and opportunities which allowed her the flexibility to be with and take care of her family. She has owned clinics, does inpatient roundind and also holds contracts working from home doing tele-psychiatry. All this has given her the abilty to earn multiple 6 figures last year in Alabama. Her original goal was to pay off $184k in debt to become debt-free in 2019. Though she didn’t meet that goal she was able to achieve something even more spectacular.
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TRANSCRIPT:
Naseema McElroy: [00:00:00] All right
nurses on fire. We are back with Nakeetsha Dryer from episode five o the nurses on fire podcast. One of the most popular podcast episodes, where she talks about financial stewardship and how she had paid off a massive amount of debt, but we are back with an update because she has some amazing news.
And even some of it is a surprise for me today. So I am going to be a surprise right along with you. So Hey, the kitchen.
Nakeetsha Dryer: [00:00:38] To be able to tell the story, but not the new beginning,
Naseema McElroy: [00:00:43] a new beginning. I love it. Yes. Pick up where we left off, where you had paid off a massive amount of debt, six figures in debt already. and you're in Alabama making six figures as a psych NP, along with your other side hustles. And, we kinda left off there. Just talking about your journey to getting where you were at that time.
But bring us up to date with what's been going on in your life since the last episode.
Nakeetsha Dryer: [00:01:17] Well, let's see. so this, the last episode I'm trying to remember. I know that we had set out to pay off $184,000 in debt in 12 months of that, we had already paid off 40,000 in the four to six months before that.
so we didn't meet that goal. We paid off. Let's see. After 12 months, we still had $91,000 in debt left. That was January of 2020, so I told my husband, June is it like we paid $90,000 or $93,000 in 12 months. We're going to have to find a way to pay off this $90,100 months, because I just don't think mentally I can keep doing this.
So, that's exactly what happened.
Naseema McElroy: [00:02:05] Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. So when you told your husband that, what was he like woman I've already been hustling hard? , was he surprised? Like what are you trying to have me do? , what was his reaction?
Nakeetsha Dryer: [00:02:20] He was like, okay. I mean, no, cause my husband is not a spender and he's not a nerd either.
I'm really nerdy about numbers and everything, but I'm a spender. And so he, I mean, he's one of 10, so, you know, he didn't require much. Never does, never did, but, so I, and he's real laid back. So if I, if I tell him, well, he's used to it now, we've been married 18 years. Then we're going to do something crazy.
And I know we can, he's just kinda, it's like, okay, well, let's see. And, so he was just like, okay, we got, we can do anything. And so, but in the beginning, January and February, we had only paid off like $20,000. And I was just like, this is not looking like my plan. So, but then Covid came along and everybody else was, you know, saying this has been terrible, but it was absolutely wonderful for us.
Naseema McElroy: [00:03:24] okay. So what changed when, like the full pandemic kinda came upon us?
Nakeetsha Dryer: [00:03:33] One of the things that we give in our budget is we chose not to take our kids out of anything. And so my son runs cross country he was in the eighth grade then he's in ninth grade now, but he was the fastest eighth grader in the nation.
So one of the things that was coming up was a big trip to New York, where he was going to get to run in nationals for the first time. And then all the expenses that go along with cross country and track. So he held a lot of records in the eighth grade, so we were always gone. Then our daughter is a cheerleader.
So in her team is second in the nation. So there was a lot of travel coming up with that. And so, we were at the hotel getting ready to both, all go to the hotel, but we were going in separate directions. And that morning they called and said, All those things were canceled the night before her stuff was canceled and the next day his things were canceled.
So, yeah, so we saved a lot of money right there, but that also means that those seasons ended up going on hold. And so, because they were on hold, not only did we save money, but I became more available and as I became available, More things opened up to me and just knowing your worth. No, when I'm worth.
So when, one of the things that open up to me is being able to cover a hospital and do rounds. And I just went in there with full confidence saying that, yeah, I can do that. I had an availability and they didn't have anyone. The doctor there had hired was not starting until June, but I absolutely knew what I was worth and I knew what I needed to do.
And they said, okay. So that opportunity opened up to me along with the other things I was doing. And you said six figures? No, it was multiple six figures that I was making. And then to get that contract, it just added to them. So I'll tell you that. In March, let's see, in March we didn't pay anybody anything, because nobody really knew what was going on.
So the hard thing for me was to hold onto our money. And so by April we had saved up and we said, we were waiting to make sure we weren't going to be, you know, laid off work or anything like that. And we had saved up $25,000 and I want it, part of me was like, I'm going to keep some of it. And. But, you know, when you have a plan and you have a deadline and a goal and an accountability partner, it just keeps you on track.
And so we took that and we paid $25,000 on what was left of the student loan, which was about $71,000 in April. So then the next month money came in and we paid off another. That was May, another $25,000. And I'm telling you as fast as it was coming in, I was setting those dollars out on their job to do their job.
And so then we ended up, making the last payment and that was April may and June, June 23rd was, The last payment and we all sat down and made the payment together to, u Navient . And that was a glorious time. It was kinda, you know, surreal, like, gosh, we've been talking about this so long. And, and so yeah, we made that payment.
So we paid off $91,000 in six months, but we actually paid off 71,000 in the three months when the pandemic started.
Naseema McElroy: [00:07:21] That's crazy. So you're throwing out these numbers that most people can't even wrap their head around. First of all, I always get the hate comments, like what? you're not relatable because does, I mean, how do you talk to someone that's only making $20,000 a year or , I mean, you paid off $71,000 and most people in this country don't even make that.
So , When people hear your story, are they like in disbelief? I mean this Alabama, nurse, how is she able to pay off all this money? , The mindset that you had to encompass in order to be Eve, even be able to amass that amount of money to make that amount of money.
And then not only that, you are being a good steward of your money, of course, and you have a job for every single one of your dollars and you, you have a goal and you stuck to it. So let's just talk about that. Like what kind of person does it take to be able to just do that?
Nakeetsha Dryer: [00:08:21] Well, you know, one of the things I was funny, I was talking about this today, as I was telling a friend that I said, you can pretty much determine what kind of conversation or the depth of conversation, the depth of conversation you can have with a person.
When I say, Hey, you like your job and the answer something like, yeah, cause I don't do nothing or I don't do anything. And then it right there. I know. Okay. So. I, I know how far I can go in conversation because they won't be able to understand the drive that I have for more, to do more, to accomplish more on this earth.
first, you got to have a, to me, just a paradigm shift. About your place in this world, about work and how sometimes people look at work as a negative thing. And I look at work as if you're doing what you love and what you're called to do my view. When I stayed, I got another contract.
There's some things that I'm not going to do, not even not to get out of debt, not because it's beneath me, but because I know I have a specialized skill. So when you say, for instance, if you take a nurse, can you tell me that a nurse is going to get a part time job working at a department store to make the extra money to pay off debt?
I just, I really don't agree with that because I'm kinda like, well, if you enjoy nursing, Then let's find something in nursing, not only where are you going to make the money that you make say at the hospital, but maybe where you can make more, doing something that you love in nursing. I mean, I respect the fact that, , you can find a part time job at a department store, but I really try to push people.
What is that thing you love? Like for my own kids, I wouldn't. If I had a child that likes to cook, I wouldn't say, well, I want you to go to McDonald's so you can figure out, you know, what you want to do. Let's do you a little side hustle, where do you serve food. And we're going to take orders over here, and then I'm going to show you how to deliver it.
I'm going to show you how to start a business doing that so that there's no ceiling. And for me, I try to get away from working by the hour because working by the hour puts a ceiling on my time. There's only so much you can do in an hour. I mean, there's only so much money you can make when you're working by the hour.
So I decided that opened up a practice practice on Tuesdays and the thing about nursing. Cause you can get burnt out just in one area I'm in psychiatry. But I love addiction. So on Tuesdays I see patients and I do Suboxone treatments. so then this opportunity became to round at a hospital on the weekends.
Well, the thing about that is I love that idea. As long as you don't tell me when I have to be there, you don't tell me how long I have to stay and be confident when you hired me that I'm going to do my job and a little more. Then that, and so compensate me well and, and let's see where we go from there.
So those are the things that, that's my mindset. if you need something and I'm talking about all of his daughter about this, she likes fashion and I'm talking to her about, okay. So we're not going to work there. A fashion store get a vendor's license. Let's see. Can you sell five pieces of clothing?
Y'all on social media all day. If you can you do that? That's your Avenue into your, your hustle, which may become your main thing. So let's, let's try to work that, that way.
Naseema McElroy: [00:12:12] Dang, Nakeetsha. The way that you think is just phenomenal. Not only that you're passing these lessons on to your kids in a way that you are truly, truly, truly teaching them how to fish so that they can be , self sustaining adults.
And that's great. And another thing I want to touch on is that you. Like feel this need so well, you went into this job around to get a hospital, knowing your skillset and knowing your worth and commanding what would make it worth it for you? And financially is a win. And then personally it's a win because the world was closed down.
Anyway, you're not traveling. You're not going to these games and tournaments and all this kind of stuff. You might as well make money while most people was in the house. Sulking, and like woe is me. You you're finding opportunities to make even more that allowed you to pay down $71,000 in a three month timeframe.
And remind me again, he should total from the beginning of your debt free journey. How much money have you paid off?
Nakeetsha Dryer: [00:13:20] it was $224,000. 175,000 of that was student loans.
Naseema McElroy: [00:13:31] Wow. I mean, I know I've been there, you know, I'm the, I'm the $200,000, why was it 180? So it was almost right there, but you know, once you add in that interest over the years, it's closer to $200,000. So I'm right there with you girl. And that's. You know, whoo. I, I do not miss those student loan, servicers and student loan payments and welcome to the club of student loan debt, freedom girl. Cause it is lovely over here.
Nakeetsha Dryer: [00:14:07] Yeah, I want to encourage, because I want to encourage nurses on encourage people, because one of the things is I did not start off being able to make $500 payments. I mean, in the end I was making $15,000, $8,000 payments, but in the beginning, you know, I was making my minimum payment. that's been awhile, but I mean, because I don't want people to say, well, yeah, you can do this because you did that.
But I tell you this all the time, I was a good steward of what was being given to me. Now, when the opportunity came, where I can make more money. Now, if I didn't have a plan. That money would have ended up buy me a new vehicle or I'm trying to name things, but those things I don't care about now going on the trip, those are the things I care about.
It, wasn't hard for me to take those dollars and put them where they were supposed to go, but it was hard for me to. Continue on this journey without having, and some breaks. Like we would go places, small places out of town the weekend. And as soon as we get out of debt, we went to the beach for a week.
And then shortly after I got COVID or my whole family, and that's a whole nother story, but I'm just thankful to God to be able to tell that testimony that we're here and we're fully recovered and we're doing fine. I was going to say that being a good steward of the opportunities that come your way.
one of the things that I see with people when they go out and get a second job, even with the intentions of getting out of debt, the second job just gets lumped into their regular income. And then the next thing you know, they've raised their. Level and their standard of living. So now they need that second job.
So they work two jobs full time all the time, and they're still in debt. And so then they wonder, well, I can't get out of debt no matter what I do. And I always say that there's something else. Like you can know what to do, but there's also a spiritual side of money and money management that people have to address before they're able to make any real progress.
Naseema McElroy: [00:16:26] Yes. Yes. Yes. So what most people do is like, they let their lifestyle in flight once they start making more money. And so the relationship flips, even though they set out into the world with good intentions. Now they're living to work instead of working to live, so we need to that relationship.
And the way that we do that is to. Really have a plan for our money and stick to that plan. I just really want to know, like, what was that major shift that happened for you, from where you went from to paying your minimum payments on your student loans to throw in five figures at them?
Nakeetsha Dryer: [00:17:07] Well, I think, a lot of it, like I said, had to do with.
I didn't have a large income either. So as our income started to grow now, this was years ago, but let me, let me go back. This student loan debt has been around ever, but in the last year, couple of years, it was like, Oh, we're throwing here. Will you know, or a year, maybe we might put a $10,000 on it, but I am here to tell you when you get focused.
On anything, you get focused on it and you start to drown out all the other voices. And this is really the spirit social side too. As I was saying about dealing with yourself and seeing what's going on, why am I spending money? As you said, now I've inflated my lifestyle. But you got to get to the inner core of what is the reason I keep buying these things or, I keep deviating from my budget.
does buying this or going here for the moment, it makes me feel good. Well, what is the void that I'm trying to feel? It's like, you gotta get to the deeper layers and it's like, why do I keep doing the same thing over and over? Which is the definition of insanity, which am expecting a different result.
But yet also, why do I keep making the same mistakes, but promising myself, it's going to be different this time. So it's more than just about knowing what to do it. You got to get to, why do I keep making these mistakes? And sometimes people need a coach sometimes, you know, people just need to go deeper.
And then after you've started dealing with some of that stuff, cause sometimes we do a lot of things. To try to appease a pain or a hurt or a, empty place in us. And without dealing with that and being healed from that, we're going to keep making that same mistake. So. After I was, it went on for a little while and I'm like, we just barely do it, but we're doing 10 here and 12 there.
And, one of the things for me was I left the job that I liked and, God it opened this opportunity for me to do tell the psychiatry from home. I knew when I started it, that it was not going to be something that I really, really enjoy, but also understood. Okay. This double income, and this is for this purpose, this purpose on, well, I did exactly what I'm telling you in the first 18 months.
I kind of just enjoy it. Oh yeah. Let's go here. Let's do that. And so I put a little on the debt and that would make me feel okay. But I think that thing with me while I couldn't do the reason I couldn't do it for that long is even when I would be on a trip.And I think I talked to you about this before.
I just couldn't fully enjoy it. I couldn't fully enjoy anything because I had this in the back of my mind, once that I'm not doing what I'm supposed to do. And two, I still have debt like. I still have debt. So we came up with a plan where we could still go somewhere, but it was kind of a reward for the progress that we are made.
And as we started doing that, I'm telling you in the last 22 months, it just, it just got faster and faster. So that first year, like I said, we were able to pay off $90,000. That just blew my mind. And then this last six months, just being able to pay off. Double that and, you know, pay off the night in six months.
The other thing that it helped me was being a, self-employed being a business owner because it allowed me to, and I really recommend this, especially to people who are not disciplined. It allowed me to. Pay my taxes at different times. For me, I'm all about seeing progress. I wanted to, one thing I know for sure, I'm always going to pay uncle Sam, but I don't, I didn't have that same kind of discipline for paying off our debt.
cause including it, that was our truck. While we have an infinity truck and we paid that off also in about eight months. And, I think I told you before we had a 401k loan and we have used that okay. To make the down payment on our house. But I knew that if I shifted around how I was paying our taxes to, you know, to quarterly, then I could put all back towards.
The day. And, I knew that before the end of the year that we would pay our taxes. So some of that allowed me to see the attaboy that I needed or for us to keep going. So I hope.
Naseema McElroy: [00:22:00] You did, you did. And then some like that good information, especially about just the way you shifted. Like you bet you can put that energy towards paying uncle Sam.
You can put that energy towards paying yourself and paying down your debt. So I like that. But, what I really want people to understand is that Nakeetsha has gone through some things. I mean, she just didn't come out. Working as a six figure, multiple six figure nurse and nurse practitioner that he should, had a child in college as a single mom.
Like she's, she's been through the thing. She has the testimony and pretty much everything that people will say, Oh, well you can do this because X, Y, and Z, she's kind of, she's been through it all. And so I. Really wants you to go back to episode five. She's back in the early days of the Nurses on Fire podcast, but episode five is, was her original episode where she shared a lot more in depth about her story.
But no, and please understand that Nikisha is the truth. She has gone through something. She is living this life and she hasn't been able to be 16. and successfully navigate and create a nurse practitioner career by her own terms that has allowed her to command salaries and income, like no other. And so she is somebody that really should take heed of really should learn from, and for all those nurses that reach out to me and be like, Oh, you all can only do this because you live in California.
I want you to use Nikisha as an example, because she has done it and she has done it. Yeah. Mostly by her own merits and taking full advantage of opportunities that come her way. I'm sure she could have a, yeah, you could have just rounded at that hospital for whatever they thought they was going to pay you, but you know what you was worth.
And so you came in and you commanded what you wanted to get paid. And so that's the difference between somebody who's living life with intentionality versus just kind of live in and going through the motions and you know, so I've definitely, love your story. Nakeethsa it's so inspirational. It's like, so mind boggling.
Yeah. I mean, like, even for me, that's paid off a whole bunch. It did like to think about like throwing that $25,000 in one month at debt. I was just like, wow.
Nakeetsha Dryer: [00:24:36] You look on your website tracker and I'm like, I want to see
people around you and things before you. You told him to get out of bed. There's no reason you should be sitting out watching TV three or four hours a day. That is such a waste of valuable time that you could be creating something that can not only change your life, but change your children's children's lives.
And that's what I'm going to do. When you talk about all the okay. To me and say, Hey, I can't, well, I'm a single parent. And I'm like, okay. I remember going through school, having my daughter on my knee. Sean has static for tests. I remember it's just your drive. Like in that time, when I was going through nursing school.
I had to move into some low income apartments. I hadn't, I wasn't raised like that. I was living out of town. It was never my intentions to go back to my hometown with my child. I'm like, okay. And I had to tell myself, this is for this period of time and what I did, I made that place very nice on the inside.
And I made. Good friends with the people around me. And so, because the people around me really admired the fact that I was going to school, they would always watch out for me. So, that was, and, and I just remember how, how much respect I had from those people and in return, because I, I also show them a great deal of respect, but I remember, how driven I was.
I. Had the flu and you know, just don't miss school. And I remember going to school and knocking on the door and I told my teacher, look, I have a fever of 101, but I know I don't want to miss class. And it wasn't because I wouldn't be excused. But it's because I know for me, I'm an auditory learner and when some of my friends give me their notes, that wasn't really going to help me.
So she told me if I came here and I moved my chair to the very back of the room where I was not going to be in contact with anybody that she would allow me to come to class, then I did. So I'm so okay. Single parent. Okay. I've got that. Like I said, live in low income housing. Had a voucher for my daughter to go to daycare.
you want to tell me, Hey, but I just, I'm an associate nurse. That's what I started community college. So I went to community college and, you know, all the way up to a master's until last year I was working on my doctorate, but I didn't feel like that's where the Lord was calling me. and then, you know, first person in my family to go to college.
That's me, that's me. I remember having all my stuff in the trunk when I drove off to college and I looked right at orientation at this school I looked around and all these people were there with their parents. And here I am, I didn't even know that you were supposed to bring your parents, but it was okay.
Cause I didn't have him with me anyway, but to look ahead, About 20 years from that date 20 years. Yeah. And to bring my own daughter back to that, to sit in, in orientation with both of her parents there, , it was just a blessing to me to see how the Lord had brought me full circle. In that whole situation and to have paid her way through college.
Now she is a teacher. She doesn't have this, this whole issue. She's a teacher and she is, and we were able to set her up in her apartment. Pay her rent and all her bills for the first three months to get her started so that when she started making money, it would be her money. And she was, you know, start in the black that's, that's the name of mine corporation, ranch to black consultant.
So we wouldn't hurt a start on the black. So she has a life. That I didn't have start that me and her dad didn't have. So we always tell her to whom much is given much is required. I don't expect for you when she says, you know, he made mistakes. Yes, I did. But I don't expect for you to make the same ones because you're standing on our shoulders, baby, and we're pushing you up.
So.
Hmm. Hmm.
Naseema McElroy: [00:29:16] Yes, yes, yes, yes. I love it. But dang, just the way that you are able to make a lemonade out of lemons and just turn situations around so that you know, that it's just a season and you're using that experience that builds upon just speaks like. It's just be so much to your personality. And just like, if you guys don't take anything away from this episode, take away the fact that she is resilient in any situation.
And she's going to come out on top, not because she was given. Things or because she was placed in good situations, but because she chose to, and she chose to be the person that she wanted to be instead of waiting for things to happen to her and then expect to fall into that role. And so that is lesson.
Number one be who you want to be, move in, move in that way. Like you are that person already, you want to get out of debt, make moves. Like you, you are a person that's out of debt. Like really set your mind to who you're being and stop waiting for things to happen to you or to fall in your lap before you think that is time to take action.
And the Keisha you are a true action taker, and I'm just excited to see where you go with this. And then you had an answer now's me. That's something major that you were going to share with us.
Nakeetsha Dryer: [00:30:49] Well, as I was saying that, you know, I know that God has given me this particular opportunity for a tele psychiatry too, for this purpose of getting out of debt.
but we are also made to be challenged and to be creative. And so the grace for this position is gone, but it was, you know, so I got out of debt. Well, we get out and did about two months ago and I was still just kind of holding on to this position because I'm like, okay, now all this money, it will be my money.
This, and then the other, which could hold me here for a very long time. But the truth is I'm not very challenged in this position as far as I don't feel like I'm thriving and there's so much more, or out there for me to do, I have a real passion. For teaching people about stewardship, to help him helping people to have a paradigm shift when it comes to money, when it comes to the service that they give to the world like this, how you're rewarded, you are rewarded with little things called dollar bills.
Oh, the service that you provide to the world, and whatever way that you choose to do that, or you feel called to do that. So I realized that even though this particular position is, multiple this part by itself as close to multiple six figures, I had to really, to the realization like we're debt free except for our home.
And. This is the door that is opening for me to go and do more of what I love. And just like, this was good for me for this. I know that it may take a little time, but what I'm able to create, is going to be even better. And then I won't do myself any justice by sitting here doing this kind of work when I know that my time is up.
So, and because we don't have any debt, I'm less fearful about moving forward. So today I told them and I wanted to give them some time. I told them that before the end of the year, I won't be with them, but I'm also big about not burning breaches. And very careful and strategic about how I move about, so I want it to give them cause it's very hard to find.
Someone to feel this particular position. So I wanted to give them enough time so they can start looking. And of course they're very safe, but this is the other thing. When I make a decision I'm strong in that decision and I've already always considered, what a person is going to say or offer, so that I'll be ready with my strong, no.
a pleasant note, but affirm, no, this is the direction. See a lot of people are moved by money and if the Lord tells them to move on, they want to weigh that against what somebody said that they were they'll pay them unless you're leaving because they're not being compensated. Then staying shouldn't change because you're being compensated more.
So money's not my motives anymore. So I have my, I had my no ready and of course they want to know, would you help in the future? Sure. But that'll be on my terms also. So, so yeah, and so that's a big deal for me because my income is about to drop drastically, but, my husband is okay with that. He's great with that.
And I haven't, faith that things are gonna work out. And I'm also, you know, we have our emergency fund. it will be fully funded in the next few weeks. So, you know, I'm good with it. I'm going to start working on my calling as a stewardship coach and going around teaching these truths to the churches.
Naseema McElroy: [00:34:43] But that's the beauty of financial freedom is that you get to move in whatever way you want to. That means take in a lower paying job or just quitting your job in general. That's what you can do. And that's why you want to take control of your finances because it. Gives you control back over your life.
Money is a tool. Okay? Money is a tool that you can use to shape your life. However you want to, and not having that burden of massive debt over your head. Now your overhead is so much lower. You just have your house to worry about and so you can move however you want to. And that's a beautiful thing.
Nakeetsha Dryer: [00:35:23] So.
Naseema McElroy: [00:35:24] Dang it. Keisha, thank you so, so much for the update. Thanks for sharing your story. Thanks for being an inspiration for me and inside the community. You're just a beacon of light and I really feel blessed to be able to know you and for you, for us to like be going through all these things like over all these years.
And I may day you brought it all the way back to this, to my spreadsheets. I used to share. And as me in years, years ago, so.
Nakeetsha Dryer: [00:35:53] Yeah. I remember always looking. I want to see what she's doing now. Oh my gosh. She paid off this much and I love that. We'd always tell when they were sitting back like the taxes and I was like, dang.
Yeah. And you know, I was always so encouraged by that and just, you know, some of the other things too, like on this journey, We didn't give up everything. And I remember talking to you. I remember when we had Scott, it was too much, but we didn't give up everything on the shirt. Some of the things I gave up, I really, I know that we needed.
I've been doing a lot of reading on how certain cultures, why they very wealthy and it's part of it. Yeah. Speaking now about the Jewish. Community, how people focus on the thing that they specialize in. And so when we do everything, like, you know, my husband enjoys going along. So that's his deal, but if he can't, well, our son can do it now, but I mean, other things like cleaning our home, we were just going to save, save all this money.
But see, I don't, that's not my specialty. I don't like I did that for about six months. And then I just went to my husband, like, Hey, we've got to reconvene at a budget meeting. We need the housekeepers to come back because our cleaning this house, I could be making some real luck. And so. Yeah, let me do what I do in psychiatry.
And I want to pay and tip these people well for coming here, happily to do what they love to do. Cause it is not what I cook it. Wasn't what I loved. So I, we found someone for a period of time that prepared dinners for us, because me that was drudgery for me go into the store and trying to look up recipes that doesn't come natural for me.
But if you sit me in front of a person who needs my help, like I know what to do in that situation. And I know how to put together a contract, that's going to be worth my time. And I promise you paying somebody $50 to bring him dinner over here. In that time that I stand at that stove and go to the grocery store for all those hours.
I couldn't make five times that.
We came to that real quick, like all this. And I understand, you know, some people and I didn't start there either. You know what I'm saying? But being able, this is where over a period of time and being a good steward of what came into our hands, this is what I've been able to do. And just some things I just realized, I know that saving me, it appears that those things are saving us money, but those things are not saving us money.
it's keeping me from being good and doing the things that really are gonna make money and bring into this household. So
Naseema McElroy: [00:38:50] yes, yes, yes. Play to your strengths and outsource the rest. I'm all about the outdoors.
All about it, all about it. So Nikisha, I just want to thank you again from the bottom of my heart, for giving us an update for sharing your story. And like I said, for always engaging in the community and help people that reach out to you because they're like, how could you do that to know, but you have been a pillar in a financially intentional community since the beginning.
And you know, I just. Can't appreciate you anymore. Like you're the bomb girl. Thank you. So
Nakeetsha Dryer: [00:39:34] thank you. Thank you. I am starting on this journey with financially savvy, spiritually sound, dot com. So that should be. Coming up pretty soon, but if anybody in the community has any questions, sometimes I look and just look at some of the posts and I always like to encourage people like, no, you can do this.
You can do this. You're doing good. Just take one step at a time and keep growing in your knowledge and stay around people that are going to encourage you on the right path. Get you some pockets. I love when I see that you post some of your favorite podcasts, I'm like write that down
1.75. So that way I can listen to it.
Yeah. Always learning, always growing and always striving to just be better than you were yesterday. Yeah. That's the goal.
Naseema McElroy: [00:40:36] That's all you can do. Put one foot in front of the other change, your circle of influence, make sure that you're surrounding yourself with people that you. Buyer too. And know that as possible.
Don't give up, don't give up. We were all destined for greatness. We just have to believe that. And that's the difference between a successful person in a, in a person that's necessary. And don't think that if you make a, if you fail at something right, that you failed at everything, failure is a part of the process.
Failure is a part of the path. We've all messed up. We've all been there. We've all had our setbacks and it's not linear. We, once we get to a point it doesn't mean that we knock on stumble back just because we got out of debt don't mean that we won't get back in debt just because we just, because we made it to this certain point financially doesn't mean that we don't have our own little stumbling right blocks.
So just know that, you know, as possible for you. It's possible for anybody who wants to just put their head down and do it, but Nikki let, Nikisha being an example of what's possible. So thanks again, Acacia.
Nakeetsha Dryer: [00:41:40] Oh, thank you for having me.
Hey there I’m Naseema
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