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Simple Money. Real Talk. Big Change.

Hey there, I’m Alex E. Halder, the creator of Cash Goes Up.

If you're tired of financial advice that sounds like it was written by Wall Street lawyers, or you’ve ever clicked away from a money blog because you felt overwhelmed or judged, you’re in the right place. This blog isn’t about perfection or pretending to have it all figured out. It’s about progress.

💬 Why “Cash Goes Up”?

Because that’s the goal, right?

We all want our bank balance to go up whether it's from finally ditching that debt, building an emergency fund, getting our first taste of investing, or growing a side hustle that actually pays the bills. I chose this name because it's simple, visual, and clear. When your cash goes up, so does your peace of mind, your options, and your confidence.

But here’s the twist: money isn’t really that complicated.

We just make it that way.

🎯 What This Blog Is (and Isn’t)

Let’s clear this up right away: This is not a place where I’ll sell you a course, promise you’ll be a millionaire in 30 days, or shame you for ordering takeout.

This is a place where you’ll find:

  • Simple, honest financial advice
  • Relatable stories from someone who’s been broke and confused too
  • Step-by-step guides you can actually use
  • Encouragement that you’re not “bad at money”, you just haven’t had the right support yet

I created Cash Goes UP because I believe in the power of small, consistent actions. No matter where you’re starting from, paycheck-to-paycheck, in debt, or just unsure of what to do next, your money journey is valid. And this blog is here to walk that road with you.

🔁 From Confusion to Clarity: My Story

Let me back up a bit and tell you how this all started.

A few years ago, I was stuck in a cycle of earning and spending. Every month felt like a sprint to the next paycheck. I had debt. No savings. Zero idea what “net worth” even meant. And the worst part? I was too embarrassed to ask for help.

I made every money mistake in the book:

  • Bought things I couldn’t afford to impress people who didn’t care
  • Ignored my credit card statements for months
  • Thought budgeting meant “don’t have fun”
  • Told myself I’d figure it out “next month”

Sound familiar?

Then one day, a payment bounced, just a small one, something that should’ve gone through without a hiccup. But it didn’t. I remember staring at the notification on my phone, heart sinking, and thinking, “Not again.”

I ended up on the floor of my apartment, back against the wall, just… tired. Not crying, not panicking. Just worn out from constantly scrambling, from always feeling one step behind my own life. It wasn’t some big dramatic meltdown. It was more like a quiet breaking point.

That was the moment something clicked. I knew I couldn’t keep living like this. I couldn’t keep avoiding my bank balance or pretending that it would somehow fix itself.

So I started small. Reading a few personal finance blogs during lunch breaks. Watching YouTube videos on budgeting instead of Netflix. Downloading apps and testing out ways to track my spending. It felt awkward and slow at first like learning a new language but for the first time, I wasn’t ignoring my money. I was finally paying attention. And that changed everything. But most of what I found felt cold, complicated, or full of jargon. And I kept thinking: Why can’t someone just explain this like a normal person?

That’s when Cash Goes UP was born- first as a journal of my own journey, then slowly growing into something bigger. Now it’s a place where I break things down in plain English, with honesty and zero judgment.

💡 What You’ll Learn Here

Here’s what I focus on at Cash Goes UP:

✅ Spend Less Than You Earn

Not in a “cut out all joy” kind of way, but in a realistic, sustainable way that still lets you live your life.

✅ Pay Off Debt (Without Feeling Miserable)

Debt isn’t just numbers. It’s emotional. I’ll help you make a plan that sticks, even if you’ve failed before.

✅ Save Without Feeling Deprived

Saving money doesn’t have to mean eating rice and beans forever. I’ll show you how to build habits you can actually enjoy.

✅ Invest With Confidence

I break down the basics of investing in a way that’s not scary or overwhelming, so you can grow your money, not just stash it.

✅ Start a Side Hustle

Want extra cash? I’ve tried and tested real side hustle ideas that you can start even with limited time or resources.

✅ Make Money Online

There are more ways than ever to earn online, but not all of them are worth your time. I’ll help you spot the winners.

✨ My Promise to You

If you’re looking for a finance guru with a yacht and a Rolex, I’m not your guy.

But if you want someone who’s been where you are, speaks your language, and is committed to growing alongside you, I’ve got your back.

Everything I write here is tested, human, and hopeful. I don’t pretend to be perfect. I’m still learning too. But I promise you’ll always get:

  • Real talk, not clickbait
  • Tips that respect your time and situation
  • Advice rooted in simplicity, not shame

🌱 This Blog Is For You If…

  • You’ve felt embarrassed about money before
  • You’ve tried budgeting but always fall off track
  • You don’t know where to start with saving or investing
  • You want to learn, but you don’t want to feel judged
  • You want a simple path toward financial peace, one that fits your life

🚀 Start Small. Stay Consistent. You’ve Got This.

Financial freedom isn’t about having a million dollars in the bank.

It’s about feeling calm instead of anxious when you check your balance.

It’s about making choices from confidence, not fear.

And most of all, it’s about building a life that works for you, not one that looks good on paper but feels empty.

So start with one article. Try one tip.

See what works for you. And remember, you don’t have to be perfect to make progress.

Thanks for being here. Let’s make that cash go up. 💸

— Alex E. Halder
Founder, Writer, Money Nerd
Cash Goes UP