Completely. Where am I, going to college is exactly what you do if you are a middle class or up, it is basically non -negotiable. Both of my parents have a university degree, so higher education has always been the default plan.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have for the money? Does your parents train you on finances?
We never really talked about money in my family, just wasn’t something. I knew that my dad had a good job and even though we were upper middle class, money wasted was a big no.
What was your first job and why did you get it?
My first real job was right after college: I was working in a newspaper’s marketing department.
Are you worried about the money that is growing up?
I was never really worried about the money that is growing up. As I mentioned, we were upper middle class. I went to private school, we had someone who helped home and traveled abroad at least once a year (as well as holidays in the country). It was a very comfortable life, and for a long time, I guess it was just … normal.
Are you worried about money now?
I certainly worry about money, not so much everyday things like food or accounts, but more the long -term picture. I had to leave my country years ago because of the political, economic and social chaos and I came to Mexico (legally), so I am far behind the savings of pension savings for a person at my age. Also, a few years ago, the government basically erased my parents’ pension: one day it was there, the next one was not. This was their only income, so they moved with me “temporarily” … and it’s been two years. Then my brother also moved. So yes … I became the main family. I cover 100% of rent and household costs and my brother helps with food. Why? 1) I didn’t have the guts to ask my brother to contribute more. 2) My parents do not rent an apartment they hold in another country that could bring some income, partly because they were shocked, in part because (if I am honest) it was just lazy about it. Eventually they did it, and it seems that my dad could land a decent business deal soon, so I am carefully optimistic that things will change. But for now it’s me.
At what age became financially responsible for yourself and have a financial security net?
To be honest, until a few years ago, my parents still helped me financially. If there was something I really wanted and couldn’t afford, like a trip or a car, we would get in and cover it or give me the down payment.
Have you ever received passive or hereditary income? If yes, explain.
My parents paid for the whole training of my college, including housing, which is quite normal from where I am. They also gave me my first two cars (my first was my mom, the second one they really bought for me), and when I moved abroad, they helped with the down payment on the car I got here. As I mentioned, they would also take a walk whenever there was something I really wanted, but I couldn’t stand it. I was extremely lucky (and I knew it).
