It’s Per$onal #183 – Age 32, Austin, Texas

How old are you?

32

 

Where do you live? City and State (or Country if outside the U.S.)

Austin, Texas

 

Do you like where you currently live? Why or why not?

I do! It’s expensive, hot, and filled with traffic everywhere you go, though. I enjoy being close to all my friends.

 

Do you have any hobbies? What are they?

I enjoy walking the greenbelt, reading books/comics, playing video games and doing pilates.

 

What is your highest level of education?

I’m currently working on my Associate’s.

 

Are you currently employed?

Yes

 

What is your current occupation?

Service Industry

 

Do you like your current occupation / job? Why or why not?

It’s ok. I make decent money and there are always hours to work if needed. It’s a place holder until I get my degree.

 

What is your yearly salary (or approximate yearly compensation)? Feel free to include any bonuses or other compensation perks you may receive this year.

Around $48k before taxes.
I also pet sit on the side which varies. The $48k doesn’t include how much I make from this.

 

Have you ever been promoted at work? What position(s) were you promoted to?

Yes! I’ve worked private events, been a supervisor and trainer.

 

Have you ever negotiated your salary? If so, how did that go / what was the outcome?

I’ve requested raises before and been denied.
I’ve had them tell me to name my price too.

 

Do you have a second job or side hustle? If yes, what is it and what do you do?

I pet sit on the side! It’s mostly for my neighbors and close friends. I get quite a lot of requests and have to turn down people constantly.

 

If you have a second job or side hustle, about how much money do you make *monthly* from your second job / side hustle?

It varies. I would say it averages out to an extra $600-$850 a month.

 

What is your relationship status?

Single

 

What is your *monthly* rent / mortgage for your household?

N/A.

 

Do you have any children / dependents? If yes, how many?

No.

 

Do you have any pets? If yes, what kind?

Yes! A cat.

 

About how much do you spend on groceries *each week*?

$70.

 

Are you debt free?

Yes

 

How much debt did you pay off and how long did it take you to pay it off?

I previously paid off old hospital bills (I was able to haggle down the price) and my auto loan in 3 years. It took a few years since I was also budgeting for an emergency fund.

 

How much *cash* savings do you have currently?

$10,000 +

 

Are you currently investing/saving for your retirement?

Yes

 

About how much money do you have invested/saved for retirement? Are you satisfied with this number?

It’s a very high amount.

I have a small 401(k), large saving that’s invested currently. I’m debating what it will be used for in the future – house down payment or graduate school (medical field).

 

What’s been your favorite purchase this year?

All the books and comics I’ve purchased.

 

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?

Learn about finance, investing and economics. It puts you at such an advantage with feeling stable. Start saving and earning compound interest on it. You can enjoy the small things just as much as the things that are fleeting!

 

What current goals do you have? (ex. Health goals, Fitness, Money, Career, Travel, etc.)

Fitness – Get very toned!
Money – Keep saving, investing and budgeting.
Career – Work on Associate’s, Bachelor’s and eventually Master’s.
Travel – Spend 6 weeks in Italy/Greece next summer!

 

What are you currently struggling with, if anything?

The past year has been one of the most overwhelming times in my life. I’m struggling with liking myself, feeling sad and learning how to move past things I can’t change. I just take each day as they come and try to remind myself that things do pass.

 

What accomplishments of yours are you most proud of?

I’m proud that I’m in school, educated in finance and working to better myself.
I like talking to people about finance and offering advice if they ask. I love putting others at advantage that could better their future.

 

What makes you imperfect?

I feel like a failure at this time in my life. It’s hard not to compare my life to everyone around me who has succeeded in various ways and I’m stagnant.

 

It’s Personal is an anonymous blog series about the personal lives and finances of women.