Jonathan Ruben Garcia

Welcome! Scroll down to find my most recent blog posts!

  • My First Month Using the 50/30/20 Budgeting Rule: Key Takeaways

    Earlier last month, I shared a post about the 50/30/20 rule and how I planned to apply it to my own budget. As a quick refresher, the 50/30/20 rule is a budgeting guideline that suggests allocating: February was the first month I fully applied this framework to my finances, and here’s how my actual budget…

  • Emergency Fund Essentials: Real-Life Lessons in Financial Preparedness

    An emergency fund is your financial safety net—a crucial buffer that shields you and your family from unexpected hardships. We often hear about the classic financial surprises: a flat tire, a sudden medical bill, or a pet’s emergency vet visit. But life can throw much bigger curveballs, and being unprepared can turn a setback into…

  • What I Learned from The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

    Introduction I first came across Dave Ramsey’s financial philosophy through YouTuber Graham Stephan. His no-nonsense approach to personal finance immediately caught my attention. After diving into The Total Money Makeover, I realized just how impactful his principles could be. This book fueled my passion for finance and reshaped the way I think about money. Below,…

  • The Importance of Financial Literacy

    Summary: Financial literacy is crucial for lifelong benefits including preparing for retirement, understanding the consequences of financial decisions, resisting consumerism, and prioritizing spending on things that truly matter. For instance, starting early with retirement savings can prevent future struggles, while thoughtful financial decisions avoid unnecessary debts and purchases. By managing money wisely, individuals can free…

  • Finding Balance: Using the 50/30/20 Rule to Stop the Budgeting Struggle

    Summary: I have developed unhealthy financial habits due to being too strict with my budgeting goals. The 50/30/20 rule is the budgeting method that I will use to get me out of this mess and conquer my financial goals and I will show you how to apply it for yourself.  Introduction: Johnny was a young…

  • 5 Key Lessons from “How I became a Millionaire in Real Estate by Age 26”

    Introduction: While scrolling through YouTube one day, I stumbled upon a video thumbnail that grabbed my attention. It featured a sleek car parked in front of a modest house, with the title, “How I Became a Millionaire in Real Estate by Age 26.” At the time I was unaware that this video would be my…

I have a passion for financial planning…

Heres why…

I am the son of immigrant parents where for my entire life I have seen my parents bust their booty off. Both working long hours and making huge sacrifices in order to bless me and my two siblings with the opportunity for a better life. As I got older I have began to understand how the lack of financial education has impacted their lives and what that has done for them. Everyday is a battle of assisting them in their financial goals. I would love the opportunity to assist others in their finances as well. My passion is in guiding others to a successful financial goal while not sacrificing the short term beauties that life has to offer.

Financial planning doesn’t have to be complicated or absurd. But it is also not as simple as spending less than you make. Financial planning is very important for the long term success of every human as it can lead you down a road of struggles when not under control. Financial planning goes much deeper than just money as it also involves the way we think, what we believe, and how much we want to plan for.

My plan with this is to help provide you the resources you need to understand your own finances and to learn things you otherwise may not have thought of. It is sad that for many people these topics or either taboo or used to sell another course. This is just for fun to share what I learn with others for free. Please enjoy your time and leave a comment if you’d like.

Jonathan Garcia

Writer & CSUF Finance Student