Where do you live? City and State (or Country if outside the U.S.)
San Diego
Do you like where you currently live? Why or why not?
I love where I live because the weather is just about perfect, there are many water options for swimming, but I hate our state taxes.
Do you have any hobbies? What are they?
Yes. Swimming, gardening, and volunteering.
What is your highest level of education?
Bachelor’s
Where did you go to school? What did you study?
I went to a state school for my teaching credential.
Are you currently employed?
Yes
What is your current occupation?
Grammar School Teacher
Do you like your current occupation / job? Why or why not?
Overall, yes. It’s changed over the years. Covid years were brutal.
What is your yearly salary (or approximate yearly compensation)? Feel free to include any bonuses or other compensation perks you may receive this year.
$75,000
Have you ever been promoted at work? What position(s) were you promoted to?
Nope
Have you ever negotiated your salary? If so, how did that go / what was the outcome?
I took on extra responsibilities and had to ask for more pay than they offered. It was a really weird feeling going back and forth with numbers.
Do you have a second job or side hustle? If yes, what is it and what do you do?
No.
What is your relationship status?
Married
Do you and your partner have joint or separate finances?
Joint
What is your *monthly* rent / mortgage for your household?
$5,000
Do you have any children / dependents? If yes, how many?
5
Do you have any pets? If yes, what kind?
Yes, a dog
About how much do you spend on groceries *each week*?
Easily $300
Are you debt free?
Yes
How much debt did you pay off and how long did it take you to pay it off?
We had medical student loans totaling $145,000. Took us so long to pay them off, about 10 years.
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?
Plenty, we’re good to go in retirement. We live beneath our income level, always have.
What’s been your favorite purchase this year?
A used Toyota with really low mileage.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
Don’t worry about what others think. It’ll work out the way it’s supposed to.
What current goals do you have? (ex. Health goals, Fitness, Money, Career, Travel, etc.)
I want to take about 30 pounds off, and continue to save for a vacation for just my husband and I.
What are you currently struggling with, if anything?
Time management for things I need to do for myself. I often put others before me.
What accomplishments of yours are you most proud of?
My kids, 25 years of marriage, and my work.
What makes you imperfect?
I’m disorganized at times. I hate paper work. I leave piles of stuff around the house and garage. I take forever to call friends back.
It’s Personal is an anonymous blog series about the personal lives and finances of women.
