As the daughter of first-generation immigrants, I didn’t grow up with a roadmap for careers, tech, or money. I started my SQL career as an intern in the healthcare industry. Like most people fresh into tech, I was focused on learning the ropes, writing better queries, and just doing a good job. But as I moved up in my career, someone gave me a single piece of advice that changed everything:

“If you do one thing in your 20s, open a Roth IRA.”

At first, I thought it was some kind of scam. I mean, what even is a Roth IRA? After researching, it turns out they were trying to help me build something I had never even considered: long-term wealth.

“Always do your own research and your own due diligence.”

Whereas growing up, investing had a pretty negative reputation in my household. We’d hear stories on the news of people losing everything in the stock market—some even taking their own lives. It always felt risky and why invest instead of saving?

But what I discovered, there is a less risky and safer way to invest that beats savings in the long run. And the Roth IRA? It turned out to be one of the most powerful tools to get.

Nowadays, I hope to help others navigate their own paths with a little more clarity and support. Stick around and find something valuable here—whether it’s a life lesson, a spark of financial insight, or a few SQL tips to level up your career.