Brian Siemens got his first job at age 14, thinking he'd have some pocket money he could spend on himself until he got paid again. $10 from mowing a yard once a week wasn't enough to lead to any trouble, right? What could possibly go wrong with having some spare change?

Just about everything, that's what. Beginning with that first job, Brian was an absolute mess when it came to managing his money and his personal finances. In fact, if you asked him about his past finances today, he'd tell you that he used to be a financial idiot. That might sound a little harsh, but as you will soon see, who could argue with that?

Brian tore a path of self-destruction that threatened everything he had ever dreamed of. He was a slow learner, too-hardship after hardship, setback after setback, he came back for more punishment time and time again. It took him nearly 20 years to figure it all out.

But he came out the other side all the better for it and with something to share, something guaranteed to make the path much easier (and less painful) for other teens and young adults who dare to read his story.

Many people would be too embarrassed to share such a story and certainly would never want it to reach the light of day, but not Brian. He wants to be an example for others. He wants to put his embarrassment aside and let it all hang out. He wants to tell others about his past mistakes and regrets and the lessons he's learned from years of pain and suffering.

In the end, Brian's story is one of overcoming obstacles and emerging triumphant. It's a story that he proudly shares with you so that you can make your own story better.