Loan payments: Student debt: $49.50. car payment: $771.
Car insurance: $80.41
Hulu: $3.17 (I pay annually in advance. Disney+ is a monthly fee).
Apple Storage: $0.99
Adobe Creative Cloud: $10.59 (for personal projects).
Spotify: $12.71
Resale Automation Services: $51.42
Investments: ~$220 (after taxes).
Meal Prep Kit: $60-$100 per week.
Gas: ~$55
HYSA: transportation and travel savings: $500. vacation fund: $60; Local taxes: $21; Portfolio Website Hosting: $18.
Was there an expectation to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If so, how did you pay for it?
Yes, it was expected of me to attend higher education. I graduated with a bachelor of science in web design. I had about $30,000 in scholarships and grants, my parents paid for a portion, and I had a loan of about $30,000. Attending community college and transferring all those credits helped me cut costs and graduate early.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parents/guardians educate you about finances?
My parents encouraged me to become financially independent since high school. Before then, I had an allowance/chore starting in elementary school. Their goal was to teach me that work = reward.
What was your first job and why did you get it?
My first job was at McDonald’s in high school after I got my driver’s license. It was so I could have my own money and pay for my car. I’ve always loved making my own money and discovered reselling on eBay while in community college.
Were you worried about money growing up?
I didn’t worry about money as a kid. My father was laid off a few times during my childhood, but my parents always managed money well. We may have had to sacrifice family trips for a while, but we always had a roof over our heads and good food on the table. Growing up, I didn’t like relying on others to pay for things or ask for more money.
Are you worried about money now?
Not really, even with house prices. I am fortunate to work in the technology industry and the Internet offers an extensive number of ways to increase income.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and have a financial safety net?
I moved back home with my parents at 22 and that’s when I became financially responsible for myself. It’s not ideal to spend my savings, but I have this just in case. PA has comprehensive unemployment laws so I wouldn’t have to dip too far into my savings. If worst comes to worst, my parents would help me, but that would be a last resort/worst case scenario.
Do you have or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If so, please explain.
No.
