We were lucky to catch up with Jacqueline Crider recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqueline , thanks for joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

The Idea Phase:

I’ve always known I had a book in me. It was just a matter of *when*. My love for reading and writing has been a constant in my life, but the tipping point came as I worked with clients throughout my career and specifically when I started PBJ Mortgage. I saw the same pain points, the same confusion, the same overwhelm over and over again. The mortgage process felt intimidating for so many people, and I realized there was an opportunity to simplify it in a way that hadn’t been done before. That’s why we had come up with the entire idea of PBJ Mortgage where we would make mortgage simple, as simple as making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

When I created my course, HouseU, the structure and content mirrored what I would want to put into a book. I had broken down the concepts for buying a house just like I did over and over again with my clients over the years. That’s when the light bulb went off: the course wasn’t just a teaching tool; it was a blueprint for the book I’d been wanting to write. I knew it was time to take the leap.

The Execution Phase:

Once I decided to write Mortgage 101: The Secret Sauce to Homebuying, I gave myself a deadline: six months. It wasn’t a lot of time—especially with everything else going on in my life—but I knew the only way I’d get it done was by setting a clear goal and sticking to it.

To help me stay on track, I enrolled in Janelle’s course, The Author’s Journey. Her guidance was invaluable, especially when it came to breaking down the process into manageable steps. She helped me understand that I didn’t need to have all the answers or create a perfect draft from the start. What mattered was showing up consistently and letting the work evolve.

Creative Solutions to Time Constraints:

Time was my biggest challenge. Between running PBJ Mortgage and life in general, my schedule was packed. But I got creative. I used talk-to-text whenever I had a spare moment—whether it was in the car, during breaks, or while walking the dog. I spoke my thoughts out loud, capturing raw ideas and stories without worrying about how polished they were.

This approach helped me avoid one of my biggest personal hurdles: perfectionism. I’ve often struggled with the need to get things *just right*, which can bog me down and delay progress. For this book, I made a conscious decision to let go of that. I focused on nailing the main concepts and trusted that the details could be refined during revisions.

Hammering Down the Main Concepts:

The writing process became all about clarity and accessibility. My goal was to make mortgages approachable, even fun, without overwhelming readers. I revisited my course material, pulled out the most important lessons, and reworked them into stories and examples that anyone could understand. I leaned into the idea that this book wasn’t just about mortgages—it was about empowering people to make one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives with confidence.

The Early Stages:

I kept my momentum by setting small, achievable milestones. With Janelle’s guidance, I worked through each phase—outlining, drafting, revising—while keeping my six-month deadline in sight. I also enlisted the help of an editing team, Janelle and Winston with Say That Publishing, to ensure the content was clear, engaging, and error-free. Having that external accountability made a huge difference.

The Launch:

Seeing Mortgage 101: The Secret Sauce to Homebuying go live was a surreal and deeply rewarding moment. It wasn’t just a book—it was the culmination of years of experience, passion, and a desire to help people. The best part? It became more than a standalone resource. The book complemented my course and business, creating a full-circle experience for clients who wanted to dive deeper into the homebuying process. It became an Amazon number one best seller proving that readers agreed!

Reflection:

Writing this book wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. It taught me the power of commitment, creativity, and letting go of perfectionism. I learned that even with limited time, it’s possible to make progress if you’re willing to get resourceful. Whether it was using talk-to-text, enlisting help from others, or trusting my gut about what people needed to know, every step brought me closer to my goal.

If I had to share one takeaway, it would be this: Don’t wait for the perfect time, because it’ll never come. Start where you are, use what you have, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your ideas are worth it.

Jacqueline , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

About Me and How I Got Into the Industry

My name is Jax Crider, and I wear many hats, but at the core of everything I do is a deep passion for educating and empowering people to live life on their terms. I run two businesses: PBJ Mortgage, where I make mortgages as simple as making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and Financial Mastery Simplified, a platform dedicated to helping people achieve financial success in a way that aligns with their unique values and goals.

My journey into the mortgage and financial education world was not linear. I’ve always loved people as well as math. Mortgage was a natural intersection of these two things and I sort of fell into it on accident. Once I was into it, I love it. I have always been fascinated by the intersection of finances and empowerment. While I initially pursued a creative writing English degree, followed by a later in life law degree, I quickly realized that my true passion lay in helping people navigate the complex, often intimidating aspects of life—like homeownership and money management—in a way that made them feel confident and capable. My experience as a late-diagnosed ADHD individual also shaped my approach. I often felt boxed in by traditional advice that didn’t work for me, which fueled my desire to create solutions that resonate with people who, like me, felt they couldn’t fit into the standard mold.

What I Provide: Products, Services, and Creative Works

1. PBJ Mortgage:
I help people realize their dream of homeownership through simplified, transparent mortgage solutions. I also educate them throughout the process, so they don’t just “get” a mortgage—they understand it and feel in control of it.

2. Financial Mastery Simplified:
This includes:
– Courses like HouseU, which breaks down the homebuying process in an engaging, step-by-step way.
– Coaching and tools to help people rethink their financial approach through programs like the Financial Instinct Framework, designed to help clients redefine their goals, clear money blocks, and build confidence in their decisions.

3. Creative Works:
– My book, Mortgage 101: The Secret Sauce to Homebuying, is a resource for anyone looking to understand the homebuying process in a clear and relatable way.
– I also host a podcast called Financial Mastery Simplified that contributes to educational content that simplifies complex financial topics. As well as I am a co-host on two local, community based podcasts that are aimed to be The Difference in their communities by leveling up their knowledge as well as highlighting local community leaders and businesses.
-Lastly, I am a mentor for high school students through a platform called Foundation for Choice where we are looking to encourage education and overall betterment to lower income areas.

The Problems I Solve

I focus on helping people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from traditional financial or mortgage advice. For example:
– In Mortgages: I solve the problem of confusion and overwhelm by making the mortgage process straightforward and approachable. I empower clients with knowledge, so they feel like they’re making informed decisions rather than being swept along by the system, without overwhelming them with all of the back end knowledge mortgages entail.
– In Financial Education: I help people redefine their financial success. Many of my clients feel they’ve done everything “right” but still live paycheck to paycheck or feel financial anxiety. I show them that success isn’t about fitting into someone else’s box—it’s about creating a financial life that aligns with their unique goals and values.

What Sets Me Apart

– A Personal Approach:
I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether it’s a mortgage or a financial plan, I work with my clients to find the best approach for their unique situation.

– Blending Traditional and Non-Traditional Methods:
I’ve spent years combining foundational financial principles with creative, non-traditional strategies. This means my clients get the best of both worlds—a practical roadmap tailored to what resonates with them.

– Relatability and Simplicity:
My brand is rooted in making things simple and approachable. Whether it’s through a book, a course, or a coaching session, my goal is to meet people where they are and help them feel capable of taking the next step.

What I’m Most Proud Of

I’m incredibly proud of the impact my work has had on the lives of others. Here are a few highlights:
– Helping thousands of clients achieve homeownership, many of whom believed it was out of reach.
– Writing a book that has made the mortgage process less intimidating for so many.
– Building a brand that focuses not just on financial success but on empowerment and creating a life on your terms.
– Pioneering creative solutions for financial education that resonate deeply with my audience.

What I Want You to Know About Me and My Brand

At the heart of everything I do is the belief that you are more than capable of achieving your dreams—on your terms. Whether it’s through PBJ Mortgage or Financial Mastery Simplified, my goal is to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence you need to succeed.

If there’s one thing I want you to take away, it’s this: Financial success isn’t about following rigid rules or someone else’s plan. It’s about creating a roadmap that works for YOU. My role is to help you uncover what that looks like and cheer you on every step of the way.

I invite you to explore my book, my programs, and my coaching to see how they can transform the way you think about finances, homeownership, and, ultimately, your life.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A Story of Resilience: Overcoming Challenges in Life and Business

Resilience has been a constant theme in my journey, both personally and professionally. One pivotal moment was during the aftermath of the 2008 market crash, which hit the mortgage industry hard. Faced with an uncertain future, I made the bold decision to go back to school in 2009 while continuing to work full time. For four years, I attended night law school, commuting 2 ½ hours round trip daily. Those were grueling years, but they were fueled by a clear purpose: to better understand the restructuring of my industry, gain new knowledge, and provide even greater value to my clients. It wasn’t easy balancing work, study, and life, but the experience taught me perseverance and the importance of adapting to change.

Years later, I faced an entirely different challenge—one that tested my resilience on a deeply personal level. After years of trying to have a child, including a failed round of IVF and a natural miscarriage, I finally became pregnant with my daughter. She arrived 8 weeks and 2 days early, spending 47 days in the NICU. While navigating the emotional rollercoaster of having a premature baby, I was also growing my business. The experience brought a mix of joy, fear, and exhaustion, but it also gave me a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

Shortly after her birth, the mortgage industry slowed again, forcing me to confront hard questions about my career. I asked myself what I truly loved about my work and how I could evolve in a way that stayed true to my passion while creating something new. That introspection led to a transformative moment: I began developing a second business—Financial Mastery Simplified—to complement my mortgage work. This platform allowed me to channel my love of education and empowerment into something broader, helping people navigate finances on their own terms.

These challenges taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring tough times; it’s about finding purpose in the midst of uncertainty and using setbacks as opportunities for growth. Whether through night school, NICU days, or reinventing my business, I’ve learned that resilience is a powerful tool for building a life and career rooted in passion and purpose.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

Multiple Revenue Streams in My Business

Yes, my businesses have multiple revenue streams that not only complement each other but also create a cohesive ecosystem designed to serve clients in a variety of ways. Here’s a breakdown:

1. PBJ Mortgage (Core Revenue Stream):
The foundation of my business is helping clients navigate the mortgage process with simplicity and clarity. This core revenue stream supports clients in achieving homeownership while positioning me as a trusted advisor.

2. Financial Mastery Simplified:
This platform extends beyond mortgages to provide education and empowerment in all areas of personal finance. It generates revenue through:
– Courses: Programs like the Financial Instinct Framework, which includes the Financial Reset Blueprint, teach clients how to redefine their financial goals, overcome blocks, and create a personalized financial plan.
– Coaching: I offer group and one-on-one coaching sessions that provide tailored support for clients looking to take control of their financial journey.

3. Books:
My book, Mortgage 101: The Secret Sauce to Homebuying, serves as both a standalone resource and a lead generator for PBJ Mortgage and Financial Mastery Simplified. It provides a supplemental revenue stream while establishing credibility and expanding my reach. I am in the process of writing a second book with others to follow.

4. Affiliate Marketing:
Through partnerships with complementary services (like financial tools or other educational resources), I earn affiliate revenue while ensuring my clients have access to trusted resources.

5. Podcasts:
While my podcasts, like Financial Mastery Simplified and my contributions to The Community Difference, are primarily about education and community building, they also support revenue generation through sponsorships, cross-promotion, and driving interest in my other offerings.

6. Free Tools (Lead Generation):
While not directly a revenue stream, my free tools—like budgeting templates and financial affirmations—act as a funnel to attract potential clients into my ecosystem. These tools often lead to paid courses, coaching, or mortgage services.

By integrating these revenue streams, I’ve created a business model that’s diverse, sustainable, and interconnected. Each stream supports the others, allowing me to meet clients where they are and provide value across multiple touchpoints.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pbjteam.com www.fms.college
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jax_crider https://www.instagram.com/pbj_mortgage/ www.instagram.com/houseuorg
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jax.crider/ https://www.facebook.com/pbjmortgage/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090806594005 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557282521626
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbj-mortgage-jacqueline-crider/ www.linkedin.com/company/pbj-mortgage-llc
• Twitter: https://x.com/pbjmortgage
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FinancialMasterySimplifi-vr2wp https://www.youtube.com/@pbjteam

Image Credits

Mia Valdez, Bold Social