From Knowing to Doing: How to Take Real Action with Your Money

September 9, 2025

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I’m currently reading Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill, and I’ll be honest, it’s taking me a while to get through it.

Now normally, I can tear through a book in a week, especially if it’s one of my beloved romance novels. That’s my guilty pleasure. I’ll devour it like someone binging on Netflix series on a rainy weekend. But this one? I’ve been on it for over a month, and I just started Chapter 11 out of 16.

Why?

Because this isn’t a book I’m just reading, it’s a book I’m working through. I’m taking notes, journaling, pausing to reflect, and most importantly … I’m taking action.

Why Inspiration Isn’t Enough

I’ve taught workshops, facilitated seminars and coached clients on saving, budging, debt elimination, and rewriting their financial story. And while I love seeing people light up with hope, here’s what breaks my heart:

So many leave inspired… but never take the next step.

They say things like, “I needed this!” but then do nothing with the information

Truth bomb:

Inspiration without action is just entertainment.

We are Consuming Our Way Out of Progress

We are in the most resource-rich time in history, podcasts, newsletters, social media, YouTube, Blogs, Masterclasses, free downloads.

You have more information than your grandparents could’ve imagined.

But here’s the truth no one wants to say out loud:

You don’t have a knowledge problem. You have an action problem.

And you’re not alone.

We all feel like we need to learn just one more thing, wait for the right time, or get everything lined up perfectly before we begin. But that “perfect time”? it’s a myth.

You will not have all the answers when you start. You will make mistakes.

But action is the only way forward.

 One Step Forward: Your Financial Challenge

This week, take just one action toward your financial goals.

• Open the high-yield savings account.

• Unsubscribe from the online store emails.

• Call the credit card company and ask about interest reduction.

• Write down your monthly income and expenses, no fancy spreadsheet needed.

• Say “no” to the impulse purchase, even if it’s just $15.

  
  

Each small move breaks the cycle of passive consumption and builds momentum.

Progress Over Perfection

You don’t need to get it perfect; you just need to get it going.

Mistakes? They aren’t failures. They’re data.

Data that helps you adjust, refine, and grow.

Let This Be More Than a Feel-Good Read

Let’s this be the blog that moves you to act.

The blog you remember because it didn’t just inspire you, it nudged you forward.

About Petra-Ann Brown

Petra-Ann Brown is the founder of Brown Financial Solutions, LLC, a financial coaching practice that empowers individuals to take control of their financial lives. She is also the host of Island Money 365 podcast, where she shares inspiring immigrant stories and provides invaluable financial resources to the community.