When Algu Roots Found Me: A Story of Legacy, Vision, and Financial Freedom

A Story of Legacy

I often say that I didn't just start Algu Roots—it found me. It emerged during a season of deep reflection, as I processed the passing of my mother after more than 20 years. Grieving, remembering, and re-learning who I was without her in the world was a profound experience. Conveniently, this personal introspection aligned with a business class I was taking, where an assignment prompted me to ask close friends: "What comes to mind when you think of me?"

Their words were a powerful mirror, reflecting a purpose I hadn't fully recognized. They said:

• "You're good with money."

• "You make things feel possible."

• "You help people feel calm, even with hard decisions."

They also pinpointed strengths like disciplined, resourceful, easy, good with money, problem-solving, loyal, and persistent.

These insights sparked a profound question: Where did these qualities come from? Algu Roots began not just as an idea, but as a realization. The answer, I soon understood, was rooted deeply in my mother's legacy. Alganesh, or 'Algu' as she was lovingly called, didn't just teach me financial literacy; she instilled in me the very independence, resilience, and vision that my friends recognized. She planted the seeds that grew into these strengths. Because this wasn't just who I was. It was who she raised me to be.

A Seed Planted Long Ago

My approach to finances—planning ahead, saving with intention, and building confidence—wasn't something I learned in a classroom. It was lived. It was practiced. It was passed down.

My mom, through her strength and quiet wisdom, taught me what it meant to be prepared, to stand tall, and to take care of what matters. She didn't call it "financial literacy," but that's exactly what she was building in me. And those early seeds are what grew into Algu Roots.

Why "Algu Roots"?

Algu was what loved ones called my mother. It's a term of endearment, lovingly drawn from her full name—Alganesh, an Amharic name meaning "you are a throne." To me, that meaning holds power. It speaks to her grace, her stability, and the way she carried others while never losing her sense of self.

Naming this work Algu Roots felt like honoring her. It's a way to carry her presence forward—and to root others in the same kind of strength.

She Showed Us the Stars

A profound piece of this journey came when my aunt shared something that stopped me in my tracks. She'd actually told me the story many times before, but this time, as I began to truly celebrate and honor my mom rather than mourn her, it resonated differently. "When I was a little girl," my aunt recounted, "your mom used to take me outside when I was upset. She’d point to the sky and tell me, 'You can reach the stars if you want to.'"

It crystallized who my mother was, and it was a promise I was ready to embrace. I even wrote my mom a letter, declaring, "From now on, I will celebrate you; I won't mourn you." And that's exactly what I want Algu Roots to be for others.

The Woman Behind the Name

My mom—Alganesh, affectionately called Algu—was married off young, against her will. But she never let that define her future. Instead, she defined freedom in her own way. She chose to live as a woman of vision, of independence, and of unshakable dignity.

She believed in women having choices. She believed in building something that couldn’t be taken away. She believed in living from strength—not fear. And most of all, she passed that belief on to me and everyone around her.

Rooted in Vision

Algu Roots isn’t just a financial coaching service. It’s a movement born from a woman who saw beyond her circumstances.

It’s about:

• 🌿 Planting seeds of possibility

• 🌸 Nurturing confidence through clarity

• 🌞 Growing financial freedom as an act of legacy

When I sit with clients, I think of her. When I help women build a plan that honors their goals and story, I hear her voice: "You can reach the stars."

My Journey to Financial Clarity

My own financial literacy began out of necessity and a profound leap of faith. As an immigrant who arrived in the US with only $50 in my pocket, I faced the significant responsibility of funding my entire education. This meant mastering saving and budgeting without the option of debt, a challenge that ultimately cultivated a profound sense of financial discipline and confidence. This early experience taught me the true power of strategic money management.

After graduating, I continued to apply these principles diligently. Long before I met my husband, I started saving for a home on my modest income. This unwavering focus and clarity that money is a tool eventually led to my husband and I successfully purchasing our first home together. Today, as a wife and a mother, I view money as an essential tool for flexibility and future planning. It's how we navigate everything from daily expenses to significant life goals like retirement, strategic investments, saving for our son's education, and comprehensive estate planning. Looking back, the confidence and clarity I gained around money made all the difference, and I truly believe if I can do it, anyone can.

While our household finances are now well-managed, reaching this point involved navigating various financial ups and downs. These real-life experiences have provided invaluable lessons.

Algu Roots Today

If you're seeking a grounded place to begin your financial journey—whether you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or simply unsure—Algu Roots is here. We start with Clarity, and walk through:

• What’s happening in your financial world: Gaining awareness of your current situation.

• Why you want change: Connecting your finances to your deepest values and goals.

• How to move forward—aligned, confident, and free: Creating actionable steps tailored to you.

Ready to plant your own seeds of possibility and reach for your financial stars? Learn more about Algu Roots services or Book a free discovery call today: