# From Fear to Financial Freedom

> A retired graphic designer built her first $1 million by trusting her gut after divorcing a bad investor.
- Title: From Fear to Financial Freedom · Kiplinger | Shortify
- Summary: A retired graphic designer built her first $1 million by trusting her gut after divorcing a bad investor. A 63-year-old graphic designer earned her first $1…
- Keywords: avon lake, graphic designer, apple stock, charles schwab, divorce, financial freedom, first million, porsche panamera, retired, investing, confidence, money management
- Source: Kiplinger — https://kiplinger.com/personal-finance/my-first-million-75-retired-graphic-designer-avon-lake-ohio
- Published: 2026-10-17T15:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: avon lake, graphic designer, apple stock, charles schwab, divorce, financial freedom, first million, porsche panamera, retired, investing, confidence, money management
## My First $1 Million
A 63-year-old graphic designer from Avon Lake, Ohio built her first $1 million by trusting her gut.
## How I Made My First Million
I bought Apple stock in 2001 and divorced a husband who thought he was good at picking stocks but sucked at it.
## My Money Management
I turned every loss into a lesson and learned to trust my gut for confidence in money management.
## My First Million Today
My first million is still invested, and my second million is for spending.
## My Dream Car
I bought a Porsche Panamera, my dream car, after reaching financial freedom.
## The Fear of Divorce
I cried when I first got divorced, thinking I'd never have money for retirement.
## Confidence from Money
This money gives me security and confidence I'm good at money management.
## My Family's Involvement
My wife knows I manage her money, and I teach my daughter to invest.
## My Financial Advisor
I use Charles Schwab for research and check in with my advisor once a year.
## My Advice for Others
Start early, even if you think you have nothing to save or invest.
## Key takeaway

A 63-year-old graphic designer earned her first $1 million by investing in Apple stock and trusting her financial instincts.