I never expected to become an author. Creative writing wasn’t something I enjoyed in school, and it wasn’t on my radar until after I began working toward my Accredited Financial Counselor® credential, which requires 1,000 hours of client interaction. At the time, I was a full‑time budget analyst for the Air Force, but because my role wasn’t in personal finance, none of those hours counted. I needed another path...so, I turned to online communities.
As an Air Force retiree with over 22 years in Military Pay and entitlements, I helped launch the Facebook group Military Money Matters. I spent many hours answering questions and helping military families navigate the financial challenges of service life. Those conversations became the foundation of my counseling hours, and the start of something unexpected.
Soon after, I began posting regularly on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to promote my financial coaching practice. I discovered a passion for breaking down complex topics like budgeting, debt elimination, fraud prevention, investing, and Social Security. After a year of consistent posting, I was invited to contribute to My Military Lifestyle and My Military Savings, which further expanded my reach and opportunities.
Then, came the moment that changed everything.
Last summer, a friend, who is a middle school principal, asked me to help prepare the school for fall. While moving boxes of books, I noticed one that explained taxes to middle schoolers — and it sparked an idea: what if I wrote something similar for younger children?
That same day, I drafted my first children’s book. Soon, another. As a father of three and grandfather of seven, reading to my kids and grandkids has always been one of my greatest joys. I felt called to create something lasting...a series of books that teach financial wisdom to children aged 5 to 12 in a fun, relatable way.
Today, I have four children’s books being published through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), with more in the works. If you’ve ever wanted to write, teach, or create something meaningful, I’m here to tell you, you absolutely can!
If you can tell a story, explain an idea, or share a lesson, you can write a book! What’s YOUR next step? Make sure to check out all of the additional installments of the Operation Publication series!
Wanna check out my Books? You can find them in our Featured Authors Book Nook section!
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