From Struggles to Peace: The Price of Financial Freedom

April 22, 2025

When we first migrated to the U.S. in the 90s, my mom struggled to come up with $20 to bring us to Goodwill for back-to-school shopping.

As young girls, my sister and I grew like weeds. I was always the tallest in my class, and my feet seemed to be in a race to catch up! My mom had to find shoes for me every few months and that wasn’t easy.

But we were always grateful and happy when she took us shopping. We knew how hard she worked cleaning houses and taking care of other people’s children to make ends meet. And because we were new to the country, name brands weren’t even a thought.

But one thing my mom always told me that stuck with me:

“Make sure you buy quality, even if it’s second-hand. Quality lasts a lifetime. Cheap will cost you more.”

That lesson has stayed with me especially now, as I reflect on a recent experience with my son.

The Broken Bed and Lesson in Quality

A few weeks ago, my son broke his bed.

I don’t know how, or what he was doing, but that bed had been with us since before he was born. It was a 3-in-1 convertible crib from Babies R Us, which grew with him over the years. My plan was for him to sleep on that full-size bed until he left for college.

But life had other plans.

For the past week and a half, he’s been sleeping on his mattress on the floor while we figured out what to do. Last weekend, we finally went out to shop for a new bed.

The Search for Quality

As usual, I started by checking out discount centers and clearance items because, well…I love a good deal! But as I examined the beds and furniture, I was disappointed.

The bed frames felt like plastic – even though they looked like wood.

The drawers were shallow – what could possible fit in those?

The quality was lacking – it was clear that after a year of wear and tear, they’d be useless.

My mom was visiting and came along for the shopping trip, so it became a family outing. After seeing the lack of quality at the discount centers, I decided to visit one of the major furniture stores.

And the difference was obvious.

It wasn’t about the price tag it was about the quality. I could feel it:

• The weight of the furniture

• The sturdiness of the materials

• The depth of the drawers that would actually hold clothes

I walked out of the store spending $3,300 including delivery and taxes for a queen-size bed, a chest, and a mattress.

And I didn’t feel bad about it.

A Moment of Reflection: Why it was Worth It

On the drive home, my husband started reminiscing about his childhood.

He talked about how, as a kid, he slept on a spring mattress with coils that poked and stuck him through the night. As a teenager, he slept on a twin bed too small for his 6’1” Frame. He stayed in that bed until he left for college, weighing over 200lbs and barely fitting into his bed.

We laughed at the memory, but we also took a moment to acknowledge how far we’ve come.

From struggling to afford clothes at Goodwill…

To being able to walk into a store, choose quality furniture, and buy it without worry.

That’s financial freedom.

The Power of Financial Peace

I’ve been in season where every purchase felt like a catastrophe.

• “Should I really buy this? What else could I do with my money?”

• “What if an unexpected bill comes up?”

• “Am I making the wrong choice?”

  
  

But this time was different. I bought my son’s bed without regret or stress because I’m no longer living paycheck to paycheck or in constant worry.

And that’s what financial freedom looks like to me.

What Does peace of Mind Mean to You?

Financial freedom isn’t just about having more money.

It’s about having peace of mind, the ability to make decisions without fear or guilt.

So, I’ll ask you:

• What are you willing to do for your peace of mind?

• What sacrifices are you willing to make today for a better tomorrow?

  
  

Whether it’s:

• Building a budget that works for you

• Paying off debt to remove financial stress

• Building an emergency fund to handle unexpected expenses

  
  

Do whatever it takes to get there because it’s worth it.

Final Thoughts: Make the Sacrifices Now for Peace Later

My son is sleeping comfortably in his new bed, and I have peace knowing I made the right choice.

You deserve that peace too.

Take the necessary steps. Make the temporary sacrifices.

• Set a budget that aligns with your goals.

• Pay off debt that’s weighing you down.

• Build your emergency fund for unexpected moments.

  
  

Because financial peace of mind isn’t a luxury, it’s a choice.

What step will you take to move closer to your financial peace?

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.