Yes, for sure. I was always a guide and internally motivated student and I was waiting for myself in terms of grades and achievements. I went to a pretty strict high school, whose goal was to enter one of the most recognized specialized high schools in New York. As soon as I got there, the emphasis on grades and achievement became even more widespread due to culture and the extremely rigorous curriculum. Very everyone in this high school had their eyes in one of the top 10 universities in the US and there was never a question in my parents’ minds that I would go to college and that it would probably be one of the country’s top schools. When my parents were playing, my mom included a clause in the settlement that my dad had to contribute to half the cost of college tuitions until I came back 21, regardless of the college I went to. (My dad had initially agreed to pay for a state or school in the city.) I was lucky enough to get significant financial aid from my university, which included a work study, so I worked throughout my four years at my school. I also made $ 30,000 in federal loans. The rest were paid by my parents (Dad stopped paying when I was 21). My mom paid for housing throughout the college: a dormitory for three years and a house shared with five friends for a year.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have for the money? Do your parents/guardians train you for finances?
I didn’t get much training for finances, but my mom made me an authorized user on her credit card when I was in high school. She would sit with me at the end of each month to exceed all my expenses, taking care of using the credit card in a clever and responsible way and I had to pay for any “fun” purchases I used for the card. Not only did this help me build a great deal of faith, which is now beneficial to me, but it also made me more responsible for my expenses than some of my friends were in high school and college.
What was your first job and why did you get it?
My first job transcribes medical records for a little private practice. One of my friends in high school put me with this gig in the summer after my lower year, because I wanted extra money I spend and listing work experience in my college applications. It was a boring job, but I liked the sense of responsibility and independence it gave me. I have been employed at least in some capacity every year since then, either during summer practice or work study during school semesters.
Are you worried about the money that is growing up?
Before my parents divorced when I was 13 years old, we were upper middle class. I knew, of course, that some of my friends who lived in mansions or wore all designer clothes were richer, but my parents always made sure I had everything I had to be happy – and then some. We went on vacation at least once a year, I ate a few times a month and got most of the things I asked for (though my parents always made me wait several months to ensure that I really wanted the item, which taught me the value of patience rather than the push market). After the divorce, I only lived in my mom’s income and although my dad paid for the support of kids until I was 21, it wasn’t enough to live comfortably as we did before. My mom always did her best to resort to any suffering money and provide me with what I needed, even when it took a huge sacrifice on her side. This included the payment of a pretty tenth for my extremely expensive university, helping me to finance the study abroad and continue having fun vacation every year. I now know that there were many years when the money was extremely tight for her, especially the years immediately after the divorce and when I first started college, but she always destroyed me.
Are you worried about money now?
Not really. I think I have a pretty plenty of mind when it comes to money and I’m quite intuitive and deliberate with my expenses. I don’t spend money on things I don’t want or need, and I don’t often have the push market. This is what I say, I don’t mind spending more money on things that I really feel will make my life better. Of course, the transition to a single salary between P. and me, with him to take quite a few minor loan disbursements (as his salary), got some ordinary, but I honestly think we have gotten quite comfortable now in knowing what we can and we cannot afford to do so.
At what age became financially responsible for yourself and have a financial security net?
I was mostly financially independent at 24 when I moved to SF to live with P. I became fully independent at 26 when my health insurance under my mom ran. My mom would help me completely if I was ever at a tight spot, but I would rather never ask for financial help, especially as she has already done for me and since I know she has her own retirement funds to examine. P. feels the same way for his savings and has been independent for several years. My financial net is the funds and the pop savings of P ..
Have you ever received passive or hereditary income? If yes, explain.
My mom gave me $ 5,000 when I moved to use for emergency situations or for purchases that I could not afford with my own income. We ended up using them all when we bought our car before moving to SD. My grandmother also gives me $ 100 almost every time she sees me, which I usually use for fun, rare expenses, such as making my nails, buying a coveted clothing item or making a trip.
