Hey, Life with Justin Stephens community! It's Justin here, checking in with another honest journal entry as we document this wild journey through life's twists and turns. This week has been a mix of challenges, exciting shifts, and pure joy—reminding me that success isn't just about the wins, but how we navigate the changes. From getting official word on my car to stepping into a new role and soaking up time with my kids, there's a lot to unpack. Let's dive in, and I'll tie it back to lessons on personal finance, business growth, and staying grounded.

The Car Update: Totaled and Moving Forward

Well, it's official—the insurance company confirmed my car is totaled from the wreck. It's a bummer to say goodbye to my reliable ride, but I'm grateful no one was seriously hurt. Now, the hunt begins for a new vehicle. I've started researching options that fit my budget and needs—something fuel-efficient, reliable for family trips, and maybe with some tech for business on the go. This ties right into personal finance smarts: Having that emergency fund (shoutout to our Resources post on tracking tools) means I can cover the down payment without stress. If you're in a similar spot, remember to shop around for deals, check credit scores, and factor in long-term costs like insurance and maintenance. It's a setback, but also a chance to upgrade thoughtfully.

A New Chapter: House Manager Role and Scaling It Up

On the work front, I'm excited to share that I'm starting as a house manager for my parents. This means organizing their shops and sheds (finally tackling that clutter!), handling yard work, and taking care of whatever the house needs—repairs, maintenance, you name it. It's a shift from my usual computer-heavy days in sales and marketing, and honestly, I'm looking forward to working with my hands more. There's something therapeutic about manual labor; it clears the mind and builds that physical resilience we've talked about.

But here's the bigger vision: My goal is to turn this into a scalable side business. I'll document the process—tips on efficient organization, cost-saving home hacks, and providing real value to clients—right here on the blog. I'm aiming to find a couple more clients who need a reliable house manager, positioning it as a service that saves time and money for busy families or professionals. This aligns with my entrepreneurial goals: Start small, add value, and grow through word-of-mouth marketing. If you're considering a pivot, think about skills you already have and how to monetize them—it's all about that consistent action we discussed in our Life Strategy posts.

Family Time: An Amazing Week with the Kids

The highlight of the week? Having my kids with me full-time—we had an absolute blast! We kicked things off at Roaring Springs water park, screaming down slides and splashing around like there was no tomorrow. Then, we headed to Horsin' Around Hope Haven (the nonprofit my cousin runs, as spotlighted earlier this week), where we rode horses and connected with the animals—it was magical seeing their confidence soar. Lots of swimming in between, backyard games, and just quality time that recharges the soul. These moments are my "why"—they fuel my drive in business and remind me that success includes being present for the people I love. In a busy world, carving out this time is a win for personal growth and family resilience.

Reflections: Consistency and Pride in the Work

Finally, a pat on the back: I've been consistent with this blog, posting daily and building something meaningful. It's rewarding to see the community grow, sharing advice on finance, success, and life strategies. Proud of the progress—it's proof that small, steady steps lead to big results, even amid chaos like a totaled car or role changes.

Why This Matters for Your Journey

Transitions like these test us, but they also open doors. Whether budgeting for a new car, scaling a service business, or prioritizing family fun, it's all about balance and intentionality—echoing our recent posts on work-life integration and resources.

At Life with Justin Stephens, we're blending Journal Entries like this with Point of View stories, Life Strategy tips, Resources, and Great Causes to help you thrive in finance, business, sales, marketing, and beyond.

Call to Action: Subscribe at justindcstephens.com for daily inspiration. Share this post if you're in a transition phase, and comment: What's one change you're navigating right now?

P.S. Tomorrow, a Point of View post from a fellow house manager on turning home services into a thriving business. Stay tuned!

To your success,
Justin Stephens