How I Use Origin: Dami Gonzales
Can you share your name, where you’re based, what you do, and a little bit about yourself?
My name is Dami, and I’m based in San Antonio, Texas. I work as a solutions engineer at a manufacturing software company. I’m passionate about learning, helping others, exploring new technology, and giving back. I enjoy working in startups and dream of one day building my own small business or nonprofit.
What money goals did you have when you first downloaded Origin?
My goals were to:
- Save as much as possible while still living comfortably
- Increase my investments in the stock market
- Closely track and manage all my “buckets of money.”
What’s your financial story? What motivated you to get serious about money, and where are you hoping to go from here?
Growing up, I briefly experienced homelessness and saw the stress that financial instability caused for my family. From a young age, I became determined to save, grow my money, and stay generous. I believe that the stronger I am financially, the more I can help others in meaningful, sustainable ways — whether through education, healthcare, or community programs. My long-term dream is to reach a point where I can give back significantly, but for now, I focus on steady progress and baby steps.
With the current market ups and downs, how are you feeling about your finances, and what helps you stay steady?
I tend to be cautious and sometimes worry too much. I’ve kept most of my money in a high-yield savings account over the past few years, though I’m not sure that was the best move. I’m still figuring out the right long-term strategy, but Origin helps me feel more grounded by giving me a centralized view of all my accounts, making it easier to make informed decisions.
Tell us about a specific win — big or small — that Origin helped you achieve.
I recently helped organize a family reunion and managed all the finances. I paid for most expenses upfront and later collected reimbursements from multiple people. By linking my Venmo account in Origin, I was able to quickly categorize income and expenses, generate a clear profit/loss summary, and share a screenshot with our planning team. It saved me a ton of time and kept everything transparent.
What advice would you give someone starting with Origin on their financial journey?
Start small — connect one or two accounts at first. It can feel overwhelming to see everything laid out, but over time you’ll gain clarity and confidence. Focus on creating realistic budgets that allow you to save a little each month. Don’t compare yourself to others; just track your own progress. Over time, you’ll see savings and net worth grow, and it becomes motivating to keep going. Use resources like YouTube or AI to learn about investing, but also remember to enjoy life — balance is key. Build for your future self while still living in the present.
Want to join Dami in the Origin community? Find us over on Reddit! Or…
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