Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicka Johnson
Hi Nicka, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
“Growing up in poverty isn’t a choice, but staying there is.” – Nicka Johnson.
I grew up in a single-parent home, where financial struggles were a constant reality. The cycle of living paycheck to paycheck, teenage pregnancy, and limited financial knowledge was all I knew. At 20, I became a mother, and that moment changed everything for me. I knew I had to break the cycle, not just for myself but for my child.
I started working in the financial sector over 15 years ago, learning everything I could about money management, credit, and building wealth. But what really pushed me forward was seeing how many people—especially in my community—were struggling simply because they lacked financial education. I realized that financial literacy isn’t taught in schools, yet it’s the foundation of success.
That’s when I decided to turn my knowledge into impact. I built my brand Budget to Success, growing my community organically by teaching people how to take control of their finances—whether it’s saving money, getting out of debt, or fixing their credit. I’ve helped people save over $6 million, improve their credit scores, and completely transform their financial situations.
Now, with over 118K followers across social media and a reach of over 1 million, I continue to educate and empower people every day. I’ve traveled across states speaking, mentoring, and coaching individuals to change their financial future. I believe that credit is power, budgeting is freedom, and financial knowledge is the key to breaking generational curses.
My journey wasn’t easy, but I’m proof that no matter where you start, you can rewrite your story. And now, I’m on a mission to help others do the same. Just ask yourself are you ready to be next?
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Growing up in an environment of constant survival mode and wanting more for yourself is nothing short of easy. It takes hard work and discipline. Everyone wants to microwave their dreams and goals, expecting things to happen overnight. But I learned early on to turn my pain into purpose. I know what it’s like to struggle—living paycheck to paycheck, lack of resources, and feeling like there’s no roadmap to success. So, I became the person I wish I had growing up.
As a child, I learned how to budget while growing up on food stamps. But wanting more and not having anyone to show me the way meant I had to figure it out on my own. It’s easy to say you want to be the generational curse breaker, but few realize how much it truly takes. It’s more than just making money—it’s about unlearning and relearning, identifying personal traumas, navigating survivor’s remorse, and dealing with the guilt of wanting more. Life is full of challenges, but it’s how we respond to them that defines us. Fail forward and fail fast—that’s what I did.
But the biggest challenge? Mindset. Knowing that it’s not about where you come from but where you are going. Identifying money traumas and understanding that it’s not about how much money you make, but how you manage the money you do make. I had to shift my perspective, break free from limiting beliefs, and rewire how I saw financial success.
Despite the struggles, I kept pushing. I invested in learning, I stayed consistent in sharing financial knowledge, and I never lost sight of my purpose: helping others avoid the same financial mistakes I made. Every obstacle taught me resilience, and now, I use my journey to inspire others to take control of their financial future.
The road wasn’t smooth, but it was worth every challenge. Because now, I’m living proof that you don’t have to come from money to build wealth—you just have to be willing to learn, apply, and stay committed to change.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Budget to Success, we help people take control of their finances by teaching them how to manage money, eliminate debt, build credit, and create financial freedom. We specialize in financial coaching, credit repair, budgeting strategies, and wealth-building education, making financial literacy accessible and easy to apply in real life.
What sets us apart? We don’t just give advice—we walk with you through the process. I’ve lived through financial struggles, so I understand firsthand what it takes to break away from living paycheck-to-paycheck. Unlike other financial programs that focus solely on numbers, we address the mindset and habits behind money, helping clients unlearn financial trauma and develop healthy financial behaviors.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on people’s lives. Our community has saved over $6 million and counting, improved credit scores, eliminated debt, and gained financial confidence through our coaching, mentorship, and educational resources. Seeing people go from feeling stuck to achieving financial success is what fuels this mission.
At Budget to Success, we believe everyone deserves to achieve success in their own right. It’s up to them to determine what that looks like, but we make sure to remove the financial burden standing in the way of making their dreams a reality. Whether it’s homeownership, financial stability, or starting a business. We provide the knowledge and support needed to turn dreams into their reality.
At Budget to Success, we offer:
✔ 1:1 financial coaching – Personalized guidance to help you budget, save, and grow your wealth.
✔ Credit repair services – Helping you fix your credit and position yourself for better financial opportunities.
✔ Mentorship programs – A $47/month accountability group to help you stay on track and build better financial habits.
✔ Ebooks & digital resources – Step-by-step guides on budgeting, leveraging credit, and more.
✔ Community & education – A safe space for financial growth, where I share strategies, insights, and motivation to help people take control of their money.
At the core of Budget to Success is this belief: You don’t need to come from money to build wealth—you just need the right knowledge and discipline to change your financial future. My mission is to make sure people, especially those who were never taught financial literacy, finally get the tools they need to win.
To anyone reading this who’s tired of struggling financially—you CAN change your story. It starts with one decision: choosing to do something different. And when you’re ready, Budget to Success is here to help you make that change.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Want to know the #1 way to speed up your success? Mentorship. Learning from someone who has already been down the path you’re on which will save you time, money, and unnecessary mistakes. Too many people try to figure things out alone when the blueprint already exists—you just have to be willing to learn from those who’ve been where you’re trying to go.
When it comes to finding a mentor, here’s what has worked for me:
1️⃣ Invest in Mentorship – Free advice will only take you so far. I’ve learned that the best mentors are the ones you invest in, whether it’s through coaching, courses, or paid programs. When you pay, you pay attention.
2️⃣ Be a Student of Success – Follow people who inspire you, study their habits, read their content, and apply what they teach. A mentor doesn’t always have to be someone you know personally—books, podcasts, and online courses can be powerful tools.
3️⃣ Show Up in the Right Rooms – Networking is everything. Attend industry events, workshops, and online communities to be in the room with like-minded people. You don’t just find mentors by searching—you attract them by being in the right spaces.
4️⃣ Offer Value, Not Just Requests – When reaching out to a mentor, don’t just ask, “Can you mentor me?” Instead, engage with their content, support their work, and build a relationship over time. The best mentorships happen organically. One trick I always ask someone is how can I add value to them, because is a world of transaction you will standout from the rest.
5️⃣ Join Boards & Organizations – I empower anyone looking to grow to network intentionally. Join boards and organizations that allow you to tap into different communities and target audiences. The more you expand your reach, the more opportunities you create for yourself.
6️⃣ Leverage Your Network to Grow Your Net Worth – Who you surround yourself with matters. Build relationships with people who challenge you, push you, and open doors to new opportunities. Your network is one of your biggest assets—use it wisely.
What’s worked best for me? Being intentional. I didn’t just wait for mentorship to happen—I sought it out, invested in learning, and surrounded myself with people who thought bigger. There is not a dollar I wouldn’t invest into myself, because ultimately the best investment is YOU. Just remember success leaves clues, and the fastest way to elevate is to learn from those who’ve already done it.
If you’re ready to level up, don’t do it alone. Find a mentor, get in the right rooms, and take action.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://budgettosuccess.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/budgettosuccess/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nickajohnsonbts
- Twitter: https://www.tiktok.com/@budgettosuccess
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@budgettosuccess
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/budgettosuccess
