financial

Financial Literacy

Association of Excellence
May 14, 2025•2 min read

Gentlemen,

There comes a time when we, as men, have to step up and take control of our financial lives—not just for ourselves, but for our families and our communities. Financial literacy is the key to unlocking that control. Learning to build wealth, save effectively, and invest wisely isn’t just for the select few; it’s for every one of us. And let me tell you—it’s a straightforward process when you have one thing:

AWARENESS. Awareness that it needs to be done, and a drive to make it happen.

I grew up without a blueprint for financial success. No one showed me how to make money, save, or invest. We lived day by day, and that mindset kept my family struggling for generations. But here’s the truth—it only takes ONE person to break that cycle and rewrite the story. For me, that person is ME. And for your family, that person could be YOU. This is not a criticism of anyone going through tough times or looking to improve their situation. Quite the opposite—this is a message of hope and empowerment. You have the power to change your future, and we live in a country where the freedom to make that change is real.

I want every man in this network to either have or be actively working on their financial foundation. I want you to be able to provide confidently for your families, build a legacy, and sleep soundly at night. And if you need motivation, let’s start with a few facts about the reality we’re facing in America:

1. 63% of Men Live Paycheck to Paycheck – Nearly two-thirds of men are struggling to stay afloat, a clear sign of instability and lack of financial planning.


2. Only 24% Feel Confident About Retirement Planning – Less than a quarter of men feel prepared for their future. We can’t afford to leave our security to chance.


3. 44% Have No Emergency Savings – Almost half of us have no financial safety net. When life happens, this lack of preparation can lead to crisis and debt.


4. Debt-Related Stress – Over 40% of men admit debt is taking a toll on their mental and emotional health. Financial stress hits hard—and it’s preventable.


5. 70% Never Taught Financial Literacy – With so many of us never learning the basics of personal finance, budgeting, or investing, it's no wonder poor decisions are made.


These stats aren’t just numbers—they’re wake-up calls. It's time to build those habits, take control, and secure not only our own futures but also the legacy we leave behind.


Keep grinding. Get your money right. And if you ever want to talk about strategy, you know where to find me. One strong recommendation: read the book below. I Will Teach You How to be Rich by Ramit Sethi. I’ve gone through countless books on wealth, and this one stands out as a game-changer! 


Let’s make it happen, gentlemen. Let’s get it!


Stay Excellent

Rolando Almanzar

Born in the Bronx and raised in Orlando, the author grew up in a financially struggling but loving household led by his mother and grandmother. In his teens, he lost direction—falling into bad influences, identity struggles, and substance abuse—largely due to the absence of a strong male role model. This changed in his mid-20s when he met a mentor who redefined masculinity and personal growth for him. By his 30s, though successful, he still longed for a deeper brotherhood that combined personal development, business, mindset, and fitness. To fill that gap, he co-founded The Association of Excellence, a community where men hold each other accountable and strive for greatness—without gimmicks.

Rolando Almanzar

Born in the Bronx and raised in Orlando, the author grew up in a financially struggling but loving household led by his mother and grandmother. In his teens, he lost direction—falling into bad influences, identity struggles, and substance abuse—largely due to the absence of a strong male role model. This changed in his mid-20s when he met a mentor who redefined masculinity and personal growth for him. By his 30s, though successful, he still longed for a deeper brotherhood that combined personal development, business, mindset, and fitness. To fill that gap, he co-founded The Association of Excellence, a community where men hold each other accountable and strive for greatness—without gimmicks.

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