About Me

Welcome to It's Worth Your Wage!

Hi, I’m Todd Matherne. After overcoming numerous obstacles, I created this blog to share the steps I've taken towards a fresh start. Over a decade ago, I found myself starting from scratch, but I used that experience to change my direction and help others navigate their own challenges.

Inspired by Stoicism, I believe while we can’t control external events, we can control our responses to them. This principle has been central to my personal growth journey. By understanding that failure is just a symptom and focusing on our reactions, we can transform our lives.

Through this blog, I aim to guide you through your own chapters of life—whether you're just beginning or well into your journey. These posts are designed to help you progress through each chapter and prepare for the next. Join me as we grow together and make each step worth your wage!

Stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts where we’ll explore thirteen key success principles.

From the author:

To whomever you are, I write that this publication will encourage you to subscribe and receive updates as we dive into the thirteen successful principles to move life from a roller coaster to less than a ripple. And remember, doing so will be worth your wage.

I look forward to reading your comments below.

Todd

Comments

I've Seen Wonders: Reflections on Life's Moments

#42 1/22/2025 I've Seen Wonders: Reflections on Life's Moments Introduction: Life is a tapestry woven with experiences, each moment a thread that adds depth and color. Recently, I found myself reflecting on the extraordinary and everyday sights that have shaped my journey. Inspired by a rare snowfall in Louisiana, I wrote a poem titled "I've Seen," capturing snapshots of my life. In this blog, I break down each part of the poem, sharing the stories and emotions behind these moments. I've Seen I've seen volcanoes at rest, Their mighty peaks in calmest jest, From the Philippines to Italy, Their silent strength humbling me. I've seen dolphins on a Guam sunset, swim in sync, A fleeting dance at twilight's brink. I've seen the wintry days of Delaware accumulate ice and snow, A frozen world where whispers grow. I've seen the Statue of Liberty with her torch held high, A beacon of hope against the sky. I've seen the Vietnam Wall, so solemn and...

From Fear to Freedom: How Talking to Your Fears Can Change Your Life

#43 - 2/16/2025 From Fear to Freedom: How Talking to Your Fears Can Change Your Life Several years ago, I discovered that a simple but intense fear would overtake me every time I was making a left turn or driving along a two-lane highway. It wasn’t just any fear—it was the fear of encountering a Semi 18-wheeler coming from the opposite direction. It’s a fear that still lingers today, though I’ve found a way to manage it, and in doing so, I’ve transformed my relationship with fear in general. At first, it seemed completely irrational. Why should the presence of an 18-wheeler, a vehicle designed for long-haul travel, trigger a visceral reaction of anxiety in me? After all, I knew I was a capable driver, and the truck was just a vehicle like mine—only much larger. But no amount of logic could stop my body’s automatic response. The tightening chest, the rush of adrenaline, and the internal voice telling me to be careful—every time, without fail. But then I was given a tip that would ...

The 50/30/20 Rule: A Simple and Powerful Budgeting Strategy for Financial Success

#44 - 3/23/2025 The 50/30/20 Rule: A Simple and Powerful Budgeting Strategy for Financial Success Managing your finances effectively is one of the most crucial steps toward achieving financial freedom. Yet, for many people, creating a budget can feel overwhelming. That’s where the 50/30/20 rule comes in. This simple and straightforward budgeting strategy helps individuals and families allocate their income in a way that promotes financial security and growth. By breaking your income into three categories—needs, wants, and savings—the 50/30/20 rule makes it easier to manage your spending and plan for the future. If you’re looking for a practical and proven way to control your finances, this budgeting method could be the solution you need. The 50/30/20 rule was popularized by Elizabeth Warren, a Harvard Law School professor, and her daughter, Amelia Warren Tyagi, in their 2005 book All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan. The book introduced this rule as a way to help people man...

It's Worth Your Wage - A Guide to a Fresh Start!

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