Hi, I'm James Parker

Three years ago, I was living paycheck to paycheck despite making a decent salary. I had no savings, no investments, and no real understanding of how money worked. I knew I should be doing better, but I didn't know how.

So I started learning. I read books, listened to podcasts, and most importantly, I started experimenting with my own finances. I made mistakes, learned from them, and slowly built a system that worked for me.

TheBrokePhilosopher started as a way to document my journey. I wanted to share what I was learning in real-time, without pretending to be an expert. The name reflects that philosophy—I'm still figuring this out, still "broke" in many ways, but I'm thinking deeply about money and willing to share those thoughts honestly.

Today, I have a growing emergency fund, investments that I actually understand, and most importantly, I feel in control of my financial life. I'm not rich, but I'm on a path that feels sustainable and aligned with my values.

What You'll Find Here

This blog is about practical, real-world personal finance. No get-rich-quick schemes. No complex investment strategies. Just honest stories about what's working (and what isn't) in my own financial life.

I write about saving, investing, budgeting, and the psychology of money. Every post is based on my actual experience, with real numbers and real lessons. If I try something and it fails, I'll tell you. If something works better than expected, I'll share that too.

A Few Important Notes

I'm not a financial advisor. Everything I share here is based on my personal experience and research. It's not professional financial advice, and what works for me might not work for you. Always do your own research and consider consulting with a qualified professional for your specific situation.

I'm still learning. I don't have all the answers, and I'm going to make mistakes. But I'll share them openly because I think there's value in learning from each other's experiences.

Your situation is unique. Personal finance is personal. What makes sense for a 30-year-old single person in a city might not make sense for a 45-year-old with kids in the suburbs. Take what resonates, leave what doesn't, and always adapt advice to your own circumstances.

Let's Connect

I love hearing from readers. Whether you have questions, want to share your own experiences, or just want to say hi, feel free to get in touch.

Thanks for being here. Let's figure this money thing out together.

— James