Renter’s Insurance: $130
Costco Membership: ~$60. I’d rather not, but it’s B’s happy place.
America The Beautiful National Park Pass: $85
Duolingo: $85 (just started and hooked).
Google Storage: $20
Credit card fees: $245 (plus possibly some that B. has).
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?
I think I came out of the womb with my dad saying something about how important it was that I go to college. My parents both have college degrees and were adamant that their three daughters could support themselves financially without “relying on a man.” I ended up going to a good state school for undergrad where most of my tuition and expenses were covered by scholarships. My parents helped here and there, and I got a small loan that I paid off within a year of graduating. For grad school, I went to an out-of-state program and paid for it myself through savings and loans. I paid back ~$85,000 in loans within about two years of graduating.
Growing up, what kind of money conversations did you have? Did your parents/guardians educate you about finances?
From the moment I got my first quarter from the tooth fairy, my dad stressed the importance of always saving half of what I earned. He paid for college himself through part-time jobs and “one summer mowing 600 lawns at $2 a lawn.” He was sure we could do the same. Ha! So really, all the conversations were about the importance of saving money and living within your means. We didn’t talk much about investments or other money matters. Even though I have a lot, to this day I still have problems spending money on anything beyond our basic needs.
What was your first job and why did you get it?
Besides babysitting neighborhood kids starting around age 10 (why did they trust me?), my first W2 job was at our town’s performing arts center, selling water and desserts during prep and recess. I got it for spending money and because I had to sneak in and see Broadway shows during recess.
Were you worried about money growing up?
Not really. We were upper middle class in a very modest little community. My dad had a well-paying, steady job, and my mom went back to work teaching computer science when my younger sister was in elementary school.
Are you worried about money now?
Yes and no. Despite the fact that B. has been out of work for a while, I earn a good salary and I like my job. However, we have moved around a lot and value spontaneity and variety in our lives. I always want to save enough money to feel comfortable quitting my job and doing something completely random for a while (get another degree, pursue a different career as a yoga instructor, join the peace corps) but I always worry about the balance of doing that and being financially comfortable in the long run.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and have a financial safety net?
My parents continued to help me and my siblings here and there during and for a while after college and are very generous, but I was mostly financially independent when I graduated and moved to Japan to teach English. My parents would absolutely be my financial safety net if I needed it. My husband’s parents are fine and would do the same.
Do you have or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If so, please explain.
My parents gave each of their three children $20,000 to use for college and $20,000 to use for a wedding.
