When I first started working, I believed saving money was something you did only when you were already earning a lot. It felt impossible to imagine putting anything aside when every paycheck was stretched thin by rent, food, and transportation. But what I eventually realized - and what I try to share with anyone who asks me about money - is that saving isn’t about the size of your income, it’s about the size of your commitment. Even on the tightest budget, there are opportunities to keep a little for yourself, and those little amounts compound over time. Saving money should never feel like punishment. It should feel like progress, like you’re building a safety net for the future version of yourself. I encourage people to see each small deposit into their savings as a vote of confidence - a message that you believe in your own future. The freedom you gain isn’t instant, but it’s lasting. Saving, to me, isn’t about deprivation; it’s about empowerment and creating options you didn’t have before.
Table of Contents
My name is Ethan Cole, and I'm passionate about helping young people, students, and entry-level professionals learn how to manage their money wisely. I started my career not as a financial advisor in a big office but as someone who had to figure out how to stretch a small paycheck while living in an expensive city. That personal experience shaped my mission: to make financial education less intimidating and more practical for everyday life.
I believe that money should empower us, not control us. For me, budgeting began with simple spreadsheets, packed lunches, and cutting out unused subscriptions. These little habits grew into a bigger philosophy: you don't need a large salary to start feeling in control of your finances. You only need discipline, awareness, and the right tools.
Today, I share my lessons as a millennial money coach. I write, speak, and create content that shows people how to make realistic budgets, save even on tight incomes, and plan for the future without stress. My approach is honest and relatable because I've lived the same struggles my readers and clients face. My ultimate goal is to show that saving money isn't about restrictions - it's about creating opportunities.
My Philosophy as a Millennial Money Coach
Money management should not be complicated or overwhelming. I see saving and budgeting as life skills that should be accessible to everyone, not just those with high incomes. My philosophy is based on being realistic, staying consistent, and finding balance between enjoying life today and preparing for tomorrow. I want people to know that it's okay to start small and that progress matters more than perfection. The lessons I share come from my own journey - trying, failing, and finding systems that finally worked. My approach focuses on sustainable change, not quick fixes.
- Start With Awareness. Track your money for one month and you'll immediately see where it disappears.
- Cut Without Pain. Eliminate expenses you don't even notice, like unused apps or services.
- Build an Emergency Buffer. Even $200 in a savings account can reduce stress dramatically.
- Automate What You Can. Automatic transfers ensure saving happens before you have a chance to spend.
- Focus on Small Wins. Celebrate saving $20 just as much as $200 - habits matter more.
- Balance Is Essential. Saving is important, but life should still include fun and experiences.
- Learn Continuously. Stay curious about money - read, test, and adapt strategies that fit your life.
How My Own Journey Shaped My Approach to Money Coaching
My professional experience is rooted in real-world financial challenges. I've worked with young professionals, students, and families who feel overwhelmed by tight budgets. What I've learned is that money problems rarely come from a lack of effort - they usually come from not having the right plan. My journey taught me how to simplify complex financial concepts and deliver them in a way that feels practical and encouraging.
| Millennial Money Coach |
|
| Financial Wellness Mentor (Freelance) |
|
| Junior Analyst (Internship) |
|
The Strengths I Bring to Helping People Save
Everyday Budgeting
I create simple budgeting frameworks that don't overwhelm beginners. My approach is focused on building easy-to-follow routines that make it possible to track spending, cut waste, and still enjoy life on a modest income.
Digital Tools for Money Management
I guide people in using modern apps and digital solutions that automate saving and tracking. By making technology part of the process, I help clients remove friction and stay consistent without overthinking every dollar.
Low-Income Savings Strategies
My experience shows that small, steady savings matter more than large, irregular contributions. I teach clients how to redirect tiny amounts - even a few dollars a week - toward building financial confidence and security.
Coaching with Empathy
I connect with clients by sharing my own experiences and struggles. Instead of presenting financial advice as rigid rules, I frame it as a journey, offering encouragement and relatable insights that keep people motivated.
My Useful Tools
Wedding Budget Checklist - an interactive budgeting widget that opens by category, filters by priority (Must-have / Nice-to-have / Optional), shows concise pro tips on hover, and lets you copy selected items per category or export the entire plan. Built to standardize vendor outreach, keep scope measurable with live counters, and turn decisions into a clean, shareable brief.
Smart Habits for People Just Starting Their Financial Journey
Budgeting is often seen as restrictive, but in reality, it creates freedom. My approach is to make the process simple and achievable. Start with tracking your expenses - awareness alone can reduce overspending. Then, automate small savings so the decision is made before temptation strikes.
Avoid perfectionism: if you overspend one week, reset and move forward instead of giving up. Finally, tie your savings to real-life goals like a vacation or a new laptop - this makes the process motivating. Habits that feel rewarding are the ones that last.
