Being Intentional with Money (Because Time Is Non-Refundable)

Time is the one thing we never get back.

Losing my mother at 16 taught me that early. You don’t get unlimited chances, and you’re never promised “later.”

And yet, so many people treat money like it’s something they’ll figure out someday — as if time is endless.

Listen… I’ve been there.
I’ve used the word later before.
But the truth is — you might never see later.

Being intentional with money doesn’t mean being restrictive or perfect.
It means respecting your future self.

Over the years — through working with highly driven professionals and watching people make a lot of money yet still struggle financially — I’ve noticed patterns that keep people stuck.

At one point in my career, I had a client call me asking if he could borrow $5,000… after purchasing a brand-new BMW M5 and leasing a penthouse in downtown Los Angeles.
My mouth dropped.

I had helped him land a high-paying contract. He was earning great money. But because I followed him on social media, I could see how he was spending it.

And he wasn’t the only one.

I saw so many people living lavishly — and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying life. But making good money while having no awareness of where it goes doesn’t mean you’re successful.
It’s reckless.

Over time, these are the patterns I’ve seen — the ways people lose time with money without even realizing it.

7 Ways People Lose Time with Money

1. Making money without a plan

Making good money doesn’t mean much if there’s no direction behind it. Without a plan, income turns into lifestyle upgrades instead of long-term security. Money will always find a way to disappear when it doesn’t have a purpose.

2. Avoiding the numbers

Many people don’t look at their spending, debt, or accounts because it makes them uncomfortable. But avoidance doesn’t make problems go away — it gives them room to grow. What you refuse to face will eventually control you.

3. Waiting until “things slow down”

Life doesn’t slow down — responsibilities increase. Waiting for the “right time” to get your finances together usually means starting later than you should. And when it comes to money, time is one of the most expensive things to waste.

4. Confusing lifestyle with stability

A nice car, luxury trips, and expensive dinners don’t equal financial security. Many people look wealthy but are one emergency away from stress. Stability isn’t about what others see — it’s about what happens when life throws a curveball.

5. Not protecting what they’re building

People work hard to build income, businesses, and lifestyles — but forget to protect them. One illness, accident, or unexpected event can undo years of effort if there’s no protection in place. Protection isn’t pessimism — it’s responsibility.

6. Relying on hope instead of preparation

Hope is comforting, but it’s not a strategy. Hoping nothing goes wrong doesn’t stop life from happening. Preparation creates options, confidence, and peace of mind when the unexpected shows up.

7. Never learning — because no one taught them

Most people were never taught how money actually works. They learned by watching others survive, not plan. But staying curious, asking questions, and learning later in life can completely change the trajectory of your future.

Being intentional with money isn’t about fear.
It’s about freedom.

Freedom to live longer.
Freedom to show up for the people you love.
Freedom to make choices instead of reacting to emergencies.

Time is non-refundable.
And I’m choosing to treat my money — and my life — accordingly.

You don’t need to have everything figured out to start.
You just need to be willing to look at your money with intention.

If you want a clear, honest conversation about where you are — and where you want to go — let’s talk.