It’s Per$onal is an anonymous blog series designed to shed light on the intricate details of the personal finances and lifestyles of women.
Name:
Erica
How old are you?
35
Where do you live?
Austin, TX
What is your highest level of education?
Bachelor’s
Are you single or married?
Single
If you are married, do you and your spouse have joint or separate finances?
N/A
Do you have any children or dependents? If yes, please explain.
No
What is your total monthly rent / mortgage for your household?
$2100
Has Covid-19 impacted you financially in any way?
Not yet
What is your current occupation? If not currently employed, please say “Not Employed”
Director of Business Development
What is your yearly salary (or approximate yearly compensation) for your current occupation?
$120k base plus up $25-100k bonuses
If you are currently employed, do you like your job? Why or why not?
I do not like my and I’m considering leaving and taking a lower paying less stressful job. I’m in medical device sales and the industry is cut throat and male dominated.
Do you have a second job or side hustle? If Yes, please explain.
No, but I’m looking for one.
If you have a second job or side hustle, about how much money do you make monthly from your second job / side hustle?
N/A
Do you budget on a consistent basis? If so, please explain how you currently budget:
Yes, I budget monthly. I just keep an excel spreadsheet and watch my spending.
Are you debt-free?
No
If you are debt free, how much debt have you paid off and how long did it take you to pay it all off?
I started off with $80 in debt from traveling, I’ve paid off $65k in the last year by getting a consolidation loan and using 0% balance transfers.
Do you have any student loan debt currently?
Yes
If yes, about how much student loan debt do you have?
I have $30k in student loans. I went to school later in life so I’m still repaying them, they are government backed so the repayments are paused till the end of the year.
What is your monthly student loan payment amount?
250
Do you have any credit card debt?
Yes
If Yes, about how much credit card debt do you have currently?
I have $25k left that I will be using all of my bonuses towards.
Do you have any other kinds of debt? If Yes, please explain:
I have $1200 car lease – worst decision ever that you can’t get of!
Do you know what your credit score is?
Yes
If Yes, what is your credit score?
750
Are you currently saving for retirement?
Yes
If yes, about how much do you have saved for retirement?
$500 a month
What does an ideal retirement look like for you?
I will likely live abroad half the time, so I know my expenses won’t be as high. I will have a home paid off in the US. I hope to have 3mil+ saved by the time I’m 65
What’s your biggest purchase of 2020 so far?
I bought a duplex for $410k – it will produce about $1,300 a month for one side.
Biggest purchase of your life?
The duplex
What do you spend money on that brings you joy?
I love traveling and spend a good amount of money on it. I splurge on beauty items and treatments
What are your short term money goals, if any? ( < 1 year)
I want to pay off all debt and start saving for a home.
What are your long term money goals, if any? ( > 1 year)
Start investing in small apartment complexes
What is your #1 financial concern right now?
Changing job and earning significantly less
What financial victory/success are you most proud of?
Paying of $65k in debt in 1 year
Anything we didn’t ask about you that you want to include?
N/A
