Industry: Research and government contracting
Age: 33
Location: Philadelphia
Salary: $94,000
Net value: $32,000 (in HYSA and checking account)
Debt: $0
Salary amount (2x/month): $2,400? I contribute 6% of my after-tax income to my Roth IRA and my employer matches 3%.
Pronouns: She/her
Monthly expenses
Monthly housing costs: $1,535
Monthly loan payments: $0
All other monthly expenses:
Rent: $1,535 (Live alone in one bedroom and den)
Utilities: $150
Gym: $120 for unlimited studio lessons
Internet: $40
Mobile phone: $40
Spotify: $16 (for premium dual, for my sister and me. I use her Amazon account.)
Hulu: $8
Apple Store: $0.99
Eyebrows: $17
Economy: I’m trying to move about $2,000 a month into my HYSA
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?
There was no added pressure, but I always knew growing up that I would go to college and get at least a master’s degree, because other than academically, I wasn’t good at anything else. I also really enjoyed learning and knew that college was the only exit strategy to leave my hometown. I had a (roughly) 80% scholarship for my undergrad and covered the rest and living expenses, with multiple jobs, additional scholarships, and about $2,000 a year in support from my family. My Masters and PhD were fully funded and I received a stipend of about $22,000 per year to cover my living expenses. I graduated with no loans or debt.
Growing up, what kind of money conversations did you have? Did your parents/guardians educate you about finances?
My father was a serious gambler and we were almost at a point of losing our house, so my relationship with money has always been scary and worrying. My parents were constantly fighting about finances, and my sister and I had a pretty traumatic childhood because of it.
What was your first job and why did you get it?
My first job was during college in the admissions office. It was a great way to earn money and friends from different companies.
Were you worried about money growing up?
Yes. While we never had to worry about necessities growing up, my father’s bad money habits and lack of savings or financial planning led me to constantly worry about money. This has scared me for life.
Are you worried about money now?
I worry about money — not about everyday necessities but about big purchases like buying a house or my retirement. Since I’ve been in college for so long, I’m just starting to save for retirement, which makes me nervous. I also want to buy a house late next year or early 2026, but I’m worried about doing it as a single person on my salary. I know I’m underpaid for my role. But I’m thankful I’m debt free. which helps calm me down a bit.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and have a financial safety net?
I left my hometown right after high school at the age of 18, so I’ve been financially responsible for myself ever since. But I always had my family if I absolutely needed them, and my sister and I occasionally relied on each other for financial support.
Do you have or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If so, please explain.
No.
