Confessions of a Financially Clueless Gen Xer

Me. It is me. I am the financially clueless Gen X member to whom the title of this post refers. I have some confessions to make. From the beginning I acknowledged that I am only the host here. My role here is just as much a consumer role as yours. If you are seeking solid research – I am the one. For well-written research results – again, me. I can even produce an air-tight budget – for YOU. Have I ever followed a budget? Not so much.

Let’s get real: I spent most of my adult life winging it with money. Budgeting? Meh. Investing? Intimidating. Retirement? That was something future-me would figure out—preferably while on a beach sipping something with an umbrella in it.

I am Gen X. We were raised on mixtapes, latchkey independence, and the belief that hard work would eventually pay off. Somewhere, however, among the dot-com crash, the housing crisis, and the rise of avocado toast, we missed the memo on financial literacy. And now, here we are—midlife, mortgage, maybe kids, maybe debt. Definitely, we are wondering: How the hell do I retire without selling my soul or my couch?

My Money Journey (Spoiler: Not pretty. Not pretty at all.)

I have made every classic Gen X money mistake: I

• Ignored my 401(k) for years because I did not understand it
• Treated credit cards like free money
• Thought “budgeting” meant checking my account before buying concert tickets
• Believed retirement was for people with suits and spreadsheets
• Impulse buys? I made a SCIENCE out of them

And you know what? I am not alone. Most of us were not taught this stuff. We were busy surviving, hustling, and trying to keep up with a world that kept changing the rules.

The Wake-Up Call

Quitting my full-time job to build Retirement Rockstars was a leap of faith—and a financial reality check. Suddenly, I had to face the numbers, the gaps, and the habits I had been avoiding. And instead of spiraling into shame, I decided to get loud about it.

Because here is the truth:
Being financially clueless does not mean you are broken. It means you are ready to learn. Admitting it is the first step.

What I am Doing Differently Now

• I track my spending (yes, even the impulse buys)
• I know what I owe—and I have a plan to pay it off
• I set retirement goals that feel possible, not punishing
• I talk about money with other Gen Xers who are just as confused and curious

I created a FREE printable to help you do the same.

Grab Your Free Gen X Money Checkup (Lite)

It is not a lecture. It is a tool. The Gen X Money Checkup is a simple, no-shame way to look at your budget, your debt, and your retirement goals—without spiraling into guilt or confusion. I make no claim to having any answers. I had to start somewhere, and so do you. Now, I know all Gen X are not as financially clueless as I. Meet yourself where you are. You can do that with this printable. Plus, there is always something to learn. Most certainly, it is not too early to examine your finances as they relate to your retirement. The Gen X Money Checkup (lite) does not cost anything. Download it, try it, and let’s talk about it. I really need to learn something from you.

DOWNLOAD GEN X MONEY CHECKUP lite

Thank you for allowing me to get these confessions off my conscience. I pledge total transparency. Just be warned. Adult supervision may be required.

Drop a comment below:
What is one money myth you believed for way too long?
Let’s bust it together—and build something better.

Until next time,

Do Ya Wanna Get Rocked?

Tia

**Usually, I ask you to leave a comment for me after a post. Due to, probably, my technological illiteracy, I have been unable to access the comments you post. If I have not responded to one of your comments, this is why and I apologize. Until I resolve this issue, please email your comments to me at tiareynolds71@gmail.com. I REALLY would love to hear from you. And I will respond