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Bro, Where'd The Money Go?

Aug 02, 2025

Ever had that gut-punch feeling?

You busted your ass, the money hits your account, and then, almost instantly, poof!

It's gone?!

You stare at your bank balance, "Where the hell did it all go?"

You're not alone in this.

Trade school taught you how to run conduit, sweat copper, and diagnose electrical nightmares. They gave you the skills to master your craft.

But What About Your Money?

Don't be the guy that says:

"Nobody told me how to manage money in the trades. I learned everything the hard way. And after all these years, I've got nothing saved but bills and toys."

 You need a battle plan for navigating the financial side of the trades:

  • Budgeting when your income is a roller coaster
  • Prepping for those insane busy months and the inevitable slow seasons
  • Handling the upfront expenses for tools, gear, and a reliable ride
  • Having a buffer for delayed payments or something unexpected
  • Building a savings for additional certifications or courses that'll increase your income!

Stick with Skilled Trade Rescue and learn to develop that Money Muscle right now!


Your First Steps to Start Playing the Millionaire Game

Here's your blueprint and first steps for financial success starting year one:

1. Know Exactly Where You Stand

“You can’t fix what you don’t track.”

Download a budgeting app like YNAB or others.
Track every dollar. Not just what you spend — but what you want to build toward.

Start small. Get honest.

2. Give Every Dollar a Job

You don’t just “save” money. You tell it what to do. Make it work hard!

Start by:

  • Auto-transferring 10–15% of every check to an emergency or slow-season fund

  • Naming savings goals: tools, vacations, training programs

  • Prioritizing paying yourself first, even before the fun stuff

3. Build a Millionaire Mindset

No, that’s not a joke.

The millionaires in the trades don’t flash money—they plan well and build slow.

Want to level up fast?
Read The Millionaire Next Door.
Then ask:

  • “What cert would increase my income?”

  • “How can my money work while I sleep?”

  • “Who around me is wealthy — not just looking rich?”

4. Find a Money Mentor

Ask a journeyman you respect:

“What do you wish you’d done differently with your money?”

Better yet, get Martin's Money Muscle Mini Course in the link below. It’s  FREE and built specifically for tradespeople like you. 


Special Note for 1099 Apprentices

Over 30% of early-career tradespeople are working as 1099s without benefits (MARC Labor Analysis, 2022).

If that’s you:

  • Save 25-30% of each check for taxes — even when it hurts

  • Use QuickBooks Self-Employed to track expenses

  • Get insured ASAP — one injury can wipe out everything

Freedom comes with responsibility. Own it.

Remember: You're not just a worker. You're a wealth-builder. 

These first steps can become the launchpad to financial freedom.


Ready for the Financial Kickstart of your Career?

Get Martin's FREE Money Muscle Mini Course on Skilled Trade Rescue.

And stay tuned for the rest of the August Money Muscle newsletter series.  Next week we talk to the journey-level money traps.

Money Muscle Kickstart Course

 

 

 

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