Hi there! šš½āāļø This past week has been a mix of wins and setbacks.
On the bright side, I realized Iāve already exceeded my Q1 side hustle income goals, and weāre not even in March yet š. This is the first time Iāve set a clear income target for my side hustles, and seeing how itās played out has been a huge reminder that what gets measured gets improved.
On the not-so-bright side, Iāve been down with the flu š¤§, and let me tell youāheadaches, fevers, and nasal congestion are no joke. Itās been a much-needed lesson in rest and slowing downāwhich, honestly, has been a struggle because thereās still so much to do. Hopefully, Iāll be back to full strength this week!
š The Most Important Decision
With Valentineās Day around the corner, I thought, what better time to talk about the intersection of love and money? When people talk about financial success, they often focus on income, investments, or career moves. But the most important decision youāll ever make? Who you choose as a life partner.
Research backs this up:
š¹ Over 50% of divorces cite financial stress as a major factor (Source).
š¹ Couples who argue about money early on are 30% more likely to divorce (Source).
š¹ Disagreements about debt, spending, and financial priorities can erode even the strongest relationships (Source).
Iām not saying love should come with a credit check (althoughā¦ maybe? š), but money isnāt just about numbersāitās about values, priorities, and mindset. And if you and your partner arenāt aligned? It can create tension, resentment, and, in the worst cases, separation.
Financial Questions to Ask While Dating
If youāre dating or in a relationship, here are some important questions to explore:
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How do you view moneyāsecurity, freedom, or something else?
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Whatās your approach to debt? Are you comfortable carrying it, or do you avoid it?
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How do you feel about joint vs. separate finances in marriage?
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Are you a spender or a saver?
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Do you believe in investing and growing wealth, or are you more risk-averse?
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Whatās your dream financial futureāhomeownership, early retirement, financial independence?
These arenāt just nice-to-have conversationsāthey are foundational to building a life together that doesnāt crumble under financial stress. That said, maybe hold off until after Valentineās Day to have this conversation š . Save this email so you can reference it later!
š If youāre in the wedding planning season, I have a resource to make these conversations even easier. My Ultimate Wedding Planning Bundle includes:
50 questions to ask before getting married (including financial ones!)
A 12-week email series covering money, saving tips, intimacy, and forgiveness in marriage
A wedding expenses tracker to help you stay on budget
Itās one of my best-sellers! You can grab it here.
š¹ New Video: My 8 Income Streams at 28
If youāve ever wondered how one person can have multiple income streams while working a full-time job, this weekās video breaks it all down. Iām sharing:
š The different income streams Iāve built (some might surprise you!)
š Which ones bring in the most money & which ones are more passive
š How Iāve structured my income so I donāt rely on just my salary
This isnāt just about meāitās a guide on how you can start diversifying your income.
š Your Exclusive Invite
Iām working on launching an exclusive membership community, and before it goes live, I want to hear from you.
By joining the waitlist, youāll not only get an exclusive discount but also have the opportunity to shape whatās includedāfrom live sessions to accountability check-ins and financial resources.
š Want in? Join the waitlist here
This is your chance to be part of something built for you, with you.
Until next time, please use sunscreen!
XOXO
Chidera
Hey Dera, so sorry about your flu. Kindly consider the yearly flu vaccine, it has helped me a lot. Itās Ā£20 if you donāt work in healthcare and itās free if you do. You can get it from any pharmacy or your GP.
By the way, your newsletters as well your videos are great. Being a long term follower since your Uni days and while I was still back in Nigeria. You inspire me a whole lot. Cheers Chi. xoxo.