About me:

In June 2006 my husband, Marco, and I decided two things. We chose to get out of debt and to stay out of debt for the rest of our lives. In the following two-and-a-half years we eliminated all of our $50,000+ in non-mortgage debt. It wasn’t a magic budget worksheet or cash envelopes that sparked some magic change in  us. Instead, it was a set of attitude changes that altered how we viewed and related to money. Those fueled new saving and spending habits.

 

In March 2009 I launched Pocket Your Dollars to share with others the things we had learned on our journey. My approach is manageable for busy people.

 

Q: How many children do you have?

A: 2 little girls – Victoria and Olivia.

 

Q: Where do you live? (were you born there or how did you end up there?)

A: Minneapolis, MN. Born and raised here.

 

Q: What’s your astrological sign? 

A: Libra, although I’m not into astrology.

 

Q: If your life was made into a Lifetime Movie, what would it be called?

A: Postcards from Brazil. My husband is from Rio de Janeiro and all my in-laws still live in Brazil. One day we’d love to move there.

 

Q: What is one of your favorite quotes?

A: The last thing I quit was quitting.

 

Q: What TV or movie character are you most like?

A: Some of my friends say I’m like the Energizer Bunny because I always on the go, full of new ideas and pull energy out of nowhere. I’d like to think I’m more like Lisa Simpson – the voice of reason and practicality.

 

Q: If you could have dinner with three famous people (dead or alive), who would you invite?

A: Bill Gates, whoever the current president is and the Apostle Paul from the Bible

 

Q: What is your biggest vice?

A: Ice cream. Coffee flavored from Cold Stone is a downfall. Don’t make me start craving it…

 

Q: What makes you feel sexy?

A: Getting a haircut, highlights and eyebrow wax. Yep, life’s simple pleasures.

 

Q: What’s your most memorable ballsy moment?

A: As COO for a non-profit I created an organizational budget where my position was slated for layoff. The only way to remain employed was to be hired into the then-vacant job of Company President.

 

At the same time I agreed that my husband should quit his job, take care of kids by day and go to grad school at night – making me sole breadwinner.

 

I didn’t get the job as President. I was laid off. I started blogging as a way to give back to my community while I processed my disappointment. That blog launched me into self-employment and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.