I was a legal alien in the Czech Republic...

....for 15 years before obtaining my citizenship. The first few years were some of the hardest of my life, followed by some of the best. I wouldn't change a thing. Well—almost nothing. I do wish I'd known a few things earlier.

There were so many moments with untapped potential, where a little financial literacy could've made a big difference. But I didn't know what I didn't know. I'm not losing sleep over it—you can't change the past—but I can do something else: I can pass on what I've learned to help the next wave of foreigners navigating life here. This isn't a business. It's just my way of giving back.

In the pages that follow, I'll share all kinds of smart little tricks and lessons. Some you might already know, and some might be brand new. I truly believe that money breeds money—the more you have, the more opportunities tend to come your way. On the flip side, when you're stuck with too little, it can feel impossible to break out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, constantly anxious about unexpected expenses.

Here's something I've noticed: People who have more than enough money tend to share a common habit—they care about every little financial detail. It's not about being obsessive or miserly, but about staying mindful of where your money goes and how it can work for you.

I haven't discovered a magic fix, but I did go from that place to living very comfortably. These are the little hacks and mindset shifts that helped me make every penny count.

If there's a specific topic you'd like me to cover, just let me know!