A young man sitting in an office chair with a large sign behind him reading 'Upsurge Baltimore Techstars' in a modern office setting.

Hi, I’m Rojay Chase

I’m Rojay, a Cloud Engineer with a passion for financial literacy and a commitment to helping others take control of their finances. Like many, I’ve faced my own challenges with managing money, and over the last two and a half years, I’ve been on a journey to turn those lessons into actionable insights for others.

Through self-discipline, practical tools, and a lot of learning, I’ve gained a deep understanding of what it takes to achieve financial stability and success.

I’m currently studying for the Accredited Financial Counselor Certification to further enhance my ability to guide others on their financial journeys.

I founded Know Your Dough to create a space where real experiences meet reliable advice, empowering people to navigate their finances with confidence. Whether it’s budgeting, saving, or planning for the future, I’m here to show you that with the right mindset and resources, financial freedom is within reach.

Let’s build a future where you’re in control of your money, not the other way around.

​

Let’s grow together, one dollar at a time.

My Journey Into $100,000 of Debt

A pie chart showing the allocation of a $100,000 budget with segments labeled Start Up Building 35%, House Rehab 30%, Student Loan 30%, and Furnishing House 5%.

  • Student Loans – $30k
    I started with $25k when I graduated, but interest pushed it closer to $30k before I even had a chance to catch my breath.

  • Startup Business – $35k
    I took a leap of faith and invested in my first startup — buying hardware, testing ideas, and even running Facebook ads to see what stuck.

  • Fixer-Upper Home – $30k
    I thought I was just buying a house… instead, I found mold in the HVAC, mice, and old windows that had to go. Add in a new kitchen, and it became a real project.

  • Furnishing the House - $5K
    On top of repairs, I had to make it livable — from buying a fridge to furnishing each room little by little.