This is a guest blog post written by Brenda, a nurse and FNP, and the creator of Wamuka Connections.
For 10 years, I have worked full-time in healthcare: 2 years as a patient care technician, 8 years
as a certified rehabilitation registered nurse, 3 months as a Family Nurse Practitioner in chronic
pain management, and currently on a contract basis as a health evaluator.
With each credential I added to my name, I found myself in a constant battle for work-life
balance in the healthcare industry. This sector, known for its demanding hours and often
underappreciated work, pushed me into the rat race.
I was working 3 or 4 12–14-hour night shift cycles a week for 10 years before finally transitioning to the 8-hour, 5-day cycle. All my time was consumed by more work, time that I took away from my family to make ends meet. All my money was going towards paying bills, and adding the bonus shifts to cover unexpected expenses meant paying more in taxes.
It was at this point that I made a pivotal decision, one that would change the course of my life. I
chose to shift my focus from trading my time for money in healthcare to a new path of financial
independence. My deepest desire was to achieve financial stability, a life where I could provide
for my family without constantly worrying about bills. I longed for a life where I could spend
quality time with my loved ones, without the burden of financial stress. That is how I embarked
on this journey of financial literacy, with the ultimate goal of gaining financial freedom, which to
me meant freedom of time and place.
As a licensed financial agent, my unwavering commitment is to guide you on the path of
financial literacy. I am here to help you identify opportunities and empower you to take control
of your finances. I aim to make your money work for you, so you can reclaim your time and
achieve financial freedom. Your financial well-being is my absolute priority.
The fear of not saving enough for retirement or outliving our retirement funds drives us to
continue to work. We continue to work harder for money that does less and less. Protecting and
growing your hard-earned money to work hard for you so you can do more is not a far-fetched
dream.
The best place to begin is the first step from where you are. Wealth is not necessarily inherited
but grown from existing funds. Existing 401(k), 403(b) or IRA accounts from former employers
hold money that can be rolled over to a Fixed Index Annuity (FIA) and offer benefits of
guaranteed rate of return, income for life (pension), principal protection (no probate) and up to
45% premium bonus.
Would you take advantage of the opportunity to roll over an existing former employer 401(k),
403(b) or IRA into a Fixed Index Annuity (FIA)? The difference between where you are and
where you want to be is the steps you have yet to take.
About the Author
I’m Brenda Mvududu, a licensed financial professional and contact NP based in Allen, Texas.
My journey to financial wellness is deeply personal. My transition from health to wealth care
began with a brain tumor diagnosis and an emergency craniotomy that left me financially
devastated.
Facing the possibility of death, paralysis, or memory loss was an awakening moment. I was not
prepared. I had nothing in place to pay my bills while I recovered, to rebuild my life if I made it
through, or to leave to my children if I passed away. The daunting feeling of running out of time
was a shocking reality check.
I had spent 8 years in the health industry, increasingly trading more time away from myself and
my family for less compensation. This situation felt less and less fulfilling, making me question
my initial passion for nursing. I was burnt out.
Facing a long recovery from a craniotomy and possible bankruptcy, I decided to turn my life
around, stop working for money, and reclaim my time. I didn’t know how or where to start, but I
knew I needed to gain financial literacy to save myself and my family.
I came across an opportunity to gain financial literacy that shifted my mindset.
I realized that money was a tool—a tool that I could use to build a lifestyle. For me, that meant
freedom of place and time. I had to stop working for money and make money work for me.
I realized the solution was not to add more credentials after my name or work for a bonus
paycheck.
I realized I needed to protect and grow what I had, but I needed to figure out where to start.
The first step was the most difficult: completing my financial needs analysis was another reality
check!
There was an astounding gap between where I was and where I needed to be.
As I continued to learn, my mind began to evolve, and so did my life. I decided to become a
lifelong student.
Education is power only when applied. I was moved by the power of the education that I
received to become a licensed financial professional.
Surviving a critical brain tumor gave me an extended lease on life, a rebirth, and a different
perspective.
‘Wamuka’ is a Shona term that means ‘Awakened,’ so I started Wamuka Connections.
I reawakened to the fact that the energy I put out is the energy that comes back to me. That
energy was my thoughts. I had been living with a scarcity mentality, the ‘I cannot’ and ‘I don’t
have’ mantra.
A scarcity mindset prevented me from seeing opportunities for abundance and held me back
from taking action.
Being diagnosed with a brain tumor was the tower that came down and destroyed a life built on a
weak mindset.
As I rebuild my life, I am dedicated to helping as many others gain financial wellness and
reclaim their time.
My goal is to be a trusted partner in your financial journey. I offer financial services that include
education on crucial concepts such as 401(k)/ 403(b)/IRA rollovers, Life insurance (term and
permanent/ index universal life (IUL)), college planning, and residual/passive income.
I leverage access to 86+A-rated financial institutions on the World Financial Group (WFG)
platform to give you the power of choice and connect you to institutions that best serve your
financial goals. I’m here to support you every step of the way.
The first place to start is right where you are. Begin with your personal financial needs analysis.
Allow me to be a resource to help you on your financial wellness journey.
Many people want to understand their finances but are afraid to speak to a professional, fearing
they will be sold a product or service they do not need. Is this also a concern for you?
Our financial education and services are free of charge to you, but your reward will be greater.
-Love Brenda
“The most powerful force is a made-up mind. Challenges become character-building
opportunities; when you hit a wall, you break through and not break down.”
Become a CLIENT. Learn more.
https://www.wamukaconnections.org/our-services
Become a PARTNER. Learn more.
https://www.wamukaconnections.org/careers
Follow us
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558565934887&mibextid=LQQJ4d
“What you do for others will be done unto you.”
For time management and charting tips, check out The Nurse Practitioner Charting School– The one stop for all documentation resources created specifically for nurse practitioners. Learn more at www.npchartingschool.com
**Full disclosure, this blog post may include affiliate links. I do receive a commission if any of the affiliate programs/services/supplies are purchased. This is at no extra cost to you but does allow me to continue to provide content as The Burned-out Nurse Practitioner! Thank you!
