One of the most inspiring financial stories isn’t about lottery winners or trust fund babies—it’s about ordinary people doing extraordinary things with discipline and focus. One story that stands out is that of Sherelle Derico, a single mom who’s steadily building her way to financial independence on a modest income.
Despite never earning more than $55,000 a year, Sherelle is well on her way to becoming a millionaire. Her story reminds us that saving money isn’t about how much you make—it’s about how committed you are to keeping it.
A Real Example: How Sherelle Did It
Sherelle Derico, now a senior consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, turned her life around after hitting a low point with debt. Here’s a glimpse into her financial transformation:
“I found myself in lots of debt. That’s when I started to save a lot of money,” she said in an interview.
Over time, Sherelle:
- Paid off $25,000 in student loans, credit cards, and personal debt
- Funded most of her master’s degree with cash and employer matching plans
- Began receiving $700/month in child support (only five years ago)
- Saves 20% of her income into her 401(k) and IRA
- Treats saving like a non-negotiable monthly bill
Currently, she has:
- $95,000 in her TIAA-CREF retirement account
- $36,000 in her Booz Allen 401(k)
- $8,000 in regular savings
That’s over $130,000 saved—by someone earning an average income and raising a child on her own.
What’s the Real Secret?
It’s not about budgeting apps, flashy investment tips, or waiting for your next raise.
It’s this: Sherelle treats saving as seriously as paying the mortgage.
She’s adamant. She doesn’t wait for the “perfect moment” or for more money to magically appear. She prioritizes saving now—and that discipline creates freedom later.
The habit of saving money starts the moment you realize:
If you don’t pay yourself first, you’ll always be paying for everything else—forever.
Saving Must Become a Priority—Not an Afterthought
Think about how you treat your biggest bills—your rent, your mortgage, your car payment. You never miss those, right?
But what about your future self?
If you find yourself saying things like:
- “I’ll start saving after my next vacation.”
- “I’ll wait until I get a raise.”
- “There’s just not enough left over to save.”
…then it’s time to flip your thinking.
Start saving before you buy the big-screen TV. Before the weekend getaway. Before upgrading your phone. None of those things are bad—but they should come after you’ve paid yourself.
Start Small, Build Big
Saving doesn’t have to start with a massive overhaul. Like most things in life, it’s about small wins that build momentum.
I know someone who recently decided to get serious about saving. In less than two months, they managed to put away $4,000. Now, they can clearly see $5,000. Then $10,000. And beyond.
Where could you be in five years if you started today?
Ask Yourself the Hard Question
Here’s a gut check:
What if you had to save $10,000 this year to save your spouse’s life?
No loans. No credit cards. Just saving. Could you do it?
You already know the answer: Yes, you’d find a way.
That level of urgency—that emotional commitment—is what separates people who talk about financial freedom from those who achieve it. Sherelle Derico had it. So do others who have made saving a lifelong habit.
Do You Really Want It?
A lot of people say they want to be financially free. But when it comes to doing the work—sacrificing today for tomorrow—many fall short.
So here’s the real question:
Are you just going through the motions, or are you emotionally committed to improving your financial life?
It comes down to choice. Every dollar has a destination—you just have to decide if that destination is your future or someone else’s profit.
Final Thought
No matter where you are today—deep in debt, paycheck-to-paycheck, or already on the path—you start with one small win. Then another. Then another.
That’s how momentum builds. That’s how mindsets shift. That’s how financial independence becomes a reality.
So pay yourself first. Save like it’s your most important bill. Because one day, it will be the difference that changes your life.
Leave a Reply