It’s Per$onal is an anonymous blog series designed to shed light on the intricate details of the personal finances and lifestyles of women.
How old are you?
44
Where do you live? City and State (or Country if outside the U.S.)
Boston, MA
Do you like where you currently live? Why or why not?
Family is here, so it’s nice. But as soon as kids are out of high school, I’ll be selling the house and either moving out of state or downgrading.
I’ve stayed in this house to keep the kids consistent in the school district but it is definitely more house than I’d to have and it’s expensive!
What is your highest level of education?
Bachelor’s
Are you single / in a relationship / married?
Divorced, in a relationship
If you are in a relationship / married, do you and your partner have joint or separate finances?
N/A
More It’s Per$onal:
Do you have any children / dependents?
Yes, 3 – 17,15,14
Do you have any pets?
No
Do you find it easy or hard to make friends?
Very hard. Single working mom of 3 in a step ford town. I just don’t fit in. Divorce is treated like a disease, and I work hard, where I think most think I should be focused on the kids 100%.
I think my work ethic actually really is great for the kids to see and how aggressive I am.
Do you have any hobbies? Please explain.
Yes – working out, concerts, live sports, traveling with my kids
Has Covid-19 impacted you financially in any way?
Yes, but positively. While it was hard to keep having to work and home school the kids, I work in grocery retail and we benefited from people being forced to stay home.
About how much do you spend on groceries each week?
$250
What is your total monthly rent / mortgage for your household?
4222
What is your current occupation? If not currently employed, please say “Not Employed”
Director of Operations Support
If you are currently employed, do you like your job? Why or why not?
I’ve done it a long time and it’s very easy for me, so for that I love it because it lets me be with the kids as needed and I can still do a good job.
Now that I am solidified after divorce, I’ve started to invest in real estate and that really excites me!
What is your yearly salary (or approximate yearly compensation) for your current occupation?
$207K base salary, but with bonuses etc I made $371K last year
Do you have a second job or side hustle? If Yes, please explain.
Yes – Bought my first STR last year, and that’s been awesome. I also have tried to do some content creation but it’s been a slow go on that one. I want to do it anonymously, but it’s hard to know how to get it really going.
If you have a second job or side hustle, about how much money do you make monthly from your second job / side hustle?
$44K a year (prorated) for the STR, nothing on CC yet.
Have you ever been promoted at work? Please elaborate if so.
Yes – I’ve been in the same org for 22 years (Dumb? Or Lucky? IDK). I also have received several awards
Have you ever negotiated your salary?
Nope
Are you debt-free?
No
If you are debt free, how much debt have you paid off and how long did it take you to pay it all off?
N/A
If you do have debt, what kinds of debt (i.e. credit cards, student loans, car) and how much debt do you have?
Mortgage on main house and on STR, Car loan.
Are you currently investing for retirement?
Yes
If yes, about how much do you have invested for retirement?
%5 with company match into 401k
What’s been your favorite purchase of 2022 so far?
Remodeled the kids bath with a great tub!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self? (Doesn’t have to be money-related)
Follow your gut and passion. Don’t let other people’s weakness lower your confidence
What are your money goals, if any?
Have the kids have minimal debt for college, get out of corporate life ASAP via side hustles, impart my life lessons on money on the kids
What is your #1 financial concern right now?
How we will pay for college for the kids
What financial victory/success are you most proud of?
Keeping the kids in this house after the divorce and being able to handle life in general after divorce
What makes you imperfect?
Being risk averse. Life would be much more enjoyable if I could stress less and take a leap or two.
It’s Per$onal is an anonymous blog series designed to shed light on the intricate details of the personal finances and lifestyles of women.
