Stop Undervaluing Yourself: The True Cost of Free Work | Growing Money with Sean Trace

On this solo episode of Growing Money, I open up about something that’s been on my mind: the real value of time. I grew up in a family that didn’t talk about money, and for years I avoided the topic altogether. But when my daughter Ailani started asking me questions about money and how we spend our time, it forced me to face these lessons head-on. From teaching her about balance through piano and Minecraft, to realizing that every “free” project I take on costs me hours I can’t get back, I’ve learned the fastest way to stay broke is to act like your time is free. Your time is the most finite resource you have, and when you undervalue it, others will too. In this reflection, I share the mistakes I’ve made, the boundaries I’m learning to set, and why respecting the value of your time is one of the most important financial lessons you’ll ever learn.