The Foundational Steps in the Money Operating System I Used to Make My First Million

Before I ever became “Real Estate Bae,” before I had clients, before I had a following, and before I made a single dime in my business, I had a system. Not a trend, not a moment of motivation, but a true Money Operating System that quietly shaped my financial future long before anyone knew my name. What’s powerful is that I didn’t know these steps would lead me to my first million. I didn’t even know I’d become a business owner one day. I simply knew I needed clarity, order, and wisdom—and God gave me exactly that.

This all began years ago when my husband and I created what we called “Money Mondays.” Every week, without fail, we sat down and took inventory of our financial lives. It wasn’t about perfection; it was about discipline. But before we touched any numbers, I always started with prayer. I would pause, quiet myself, and ask God for wisdom, just like James 1:5 teaches. And today, I recommend that YOU begin with a simple invitation like: “Come, Holy Spirit… give me wisdom.” That posture alone can shift everything.

These are the exact foundational steps I followed—long before I had a business, long before I had a brand, and long before I ever made my first million.

1. Carve out two uninterrupted hours. This cannot be rushed or squeezed in between tasks. We always did this when we were alone or when the kids weren’t around. High earners create space for clarity because clarity fuels every good financial decision.

2. Create a master list of bills. Write down every bill, the amount due, the due date, and the interest rate. A spreadsheet works best. Money becomes easier to manage when you see it all in one place.

3. Write out your income. Don’t estimate. Don’t guess. Know exactly what is coming in weekly or monthly. Precision builds confidence.

4. Assign your money a job. Every dollar needs a purpose. Ask your money: What are you paying off? Where are you improving my life? What are you best used for? Money without intention slips away. Money with direction multiplies.

5. Save every single month. No matter what. Savings is oxygen for your financial health. Even if you have debt, you must save something. This builds stability, opportunity, and discipline.

6. Create a wishlist. Your wishlist represents the desires and experiences that remind you why you’re doing the work in the first place—vacations, upgrades, home improvements, spa days. Wealth is practical, but it should also be joyful.

Looking back, I believe God gave me these steps two years before I became a business owner to sustain me. At the time, I didn’t realize why the structure mattered so much. But now I see it clearly: God was building a foundation strong enough for the future He was preparing for me. Scripture says, “If the foundation is faulty, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3). Before God ever increased my income, He strengthened my foundation. Before He multiplied what I had, He taught me how to manage what was already in my hands.

This Money Operating System is the reason I wasn’t overwhelmed as income increased, the reason I could invest confidently, the reason I could scale without losing control, and ultimately the reason I reached my first million. And tomorrow, I’m sharing the app that completely revolutionized my financial life—forever. Save this article, share it with someone who needs it, and follow along so you don’t miss what’s coming next.