Growing up, there was always a expectation that I would go to university. While my mom encouraged me to look at the community college under the street, I wanted to study from the state. I had thought about getting a gap of the year, but eventually I went straight to university. Fortunately, I received both homes and academic scholarships, which helped at cost. My parents are part of the tuition fees through loans and I took out a loan to cover my last year. During the pandemic, I was more than $ 4,000 from my student loans, but later I asked for a refund in the hope that the debt of student loans would eventually be canceled, so I could use the money for other emergencies I had at the moment.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have for the money? Does your parents train you on finances?
I didn’t really understand the importance of money to high school. My parents never talked much about it, though I could say we didn’t have a huge amount. We were comfortable. My mom didn’t want to worry and even discouraged me to find a job as a teenager. We never discussed things like investing or ways to make money beyond a traditional salary. It was not until I got a class of funding at the Gymnasium, I learned the basics, such as balancing a check book and creating a budget.
What was your first job and why did you get it?
My first job was in a bridal store when I was 17 years old. I worked as a sales partner, helping girls shop for dresses and brides to find their wedding robe. I also stored dresses and ran to the floor. I received the minimum salary, which was about $ 8.25 an hour in Illinois at that time, and mainly worked on weekends from my daily packed high school commitments. I stayed there until the end of the Gymnasium. My mom didn’t want to have a job, but I insisted so I could earn my own money.
Are you worried about the money that is growing up?
I’m sure my parents fought, but I didn’t feel it right away. I grew up in a single parent household and it wasn’t the type of child who asked for a lot. I noticed it more when I joined the Gymnasium and needed chapters for the competition, the secret parties of Santa, the equipment, etc. My mom always found a way to cover them, but I could say that she had been removed from the beginning. Taking this, I never felt that I didn’t know where my next meal would come from or that I would have no place to live. And when it came to a big ticket items, such as a phone or computer, it will surprise me my Christmas or birthday.
Are you worried about money now?
Yes. I have always had a survival, a simple mentality, and especially since it was fired. I often fight with the feeling that I don’t deserve to spend the money I earn. I have spent so much time to save it when I need these funds, I don’t want to touch them. Even when I have the money and I want to use it to invest in myself or to vacation, I need a lot of time to decide. I have worked to shift this mentality, reminding myself that money is always available in some form and that if it is not, I have an incredible community of friends and family that would support me if I needed it. Freelancing didn’t help these nerves – most days, I’m not sure when the next salary will arrive. Still, every time I need money, he found his way for me through a project, friend or unexpected control. I am worried about whether I will ever be able to retire or whether my money will last in the long run. I am naturally spontaneous and I love to disappear from the network for weeks “for the plot” but I can just as easily go for a whole week that only spends $ 20. Often, money spending feels wrong – what if something happens? – But I know that the mentality comes to the expense of enjoying life and real investment in myself.
At what age became financially responsible for yourself and have a financial security net?
As soon as I graduated from college, I became financially independent. During the school, I worked two jobs on campus, library and security, and used my student loan returns to help cover living expenses. After graduating, I left home, got a unpaid internship, found a part -time job and rented my first apartment. From time to time, if the money was particularly tight, I would like to ask my mom or dad for help – never more than $ 500. I call all my own accounts, but it brings me comfortable knowing that even in a worse case scenario, I will have a safety net and I will not end up on the road.
Have you ever received passive or hereditary income? If yes, explain.
Starting the lower year of my high school, my aunt rewards me with money for every A and Bi he won. By the time I graduated from college, I had saved $ 1,425.38 to use, however, I wanted. Apart from that, I have not received any hereditary income.
