Where do you live? City and State (or Country if outside the U.S.)
South Africa
Do you like where you currently live? Why or why not?
No, I don’t. I live with my brother and sister in law. They have two kids. I love them, but sometimes I want the space to be by myself. I grew up in this house so still being here feels like I haven’t made much progress forward.
Do you have any hobbies? What are they?
I have a k-drama club. I read. I am not much of an outdoorsy person. Currently learning Japanese, but I’m very slow and I keep comparing my progress which doesn’t help.
What is your highest level of education?
Bachelor’s
Where did you go to school? What did you study?
University of Cape Town. I studied English Language and Literature, and Media & Writing
Are you currently employed?
Yes
What is your current occupation?
Teacher
Do you like your current occupation / job? Why or why not?
I’m still new. So I like it for now, the salary is low, but I like the values of the school and their approach to teaching. But I don’t plan to stay longer than a year.
What is your yearly salary (or approximate yearly compensation)? Feel free to include any bonuses or other compensation perks you may receive this year.
$790 (this is before taxes) I don’t receive any bonuses.
Taylor’s note: I’m not totally sure how much this is in USD, sorry!
Have you ever been promoted at work? What position(s) were you promoted to?
I have never been promoted.
Have you ever negotiated your salary? If so, how did that go / what was the outcome?
I never felt comfortable enough to do so.
Do you have a second job or side hustle? If yes, what is it and what do you do?
What is your *monthly* rent / mortgage for your household?
None.
Do you have any children / dependents? If yes, how many?
None
Do you have any pets? If yes, what kind?
Yes, cats
About how much do you spend on groceries *each week*?
My mother helps with groceries as I’m still in the red.
Are you debt free?
No
What kinds of debt do you have?
Other
How much *cash* savings do you have currently?
< $500
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?
$670. I am not happy with this number. I don’t have an emergency fund. I have nothing that makes me feel like I am good with money.
What’s been your favorite purchase this year?
Study material to learn Japanese.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
You don’t have to buy things to make it seem like your life is put together. You don’t have to spend money with things feel out of control. It’s okay to build a life that suits you and makes you happy. You don’t have to follow everyone else
What current goals do you have? (ex. Health goals, Fitness, Money, Career, Travel, etc.)
My goal is to save and live below my means for the next few months until December and then review.
What are you currently struggling with, if anything?
I am struggling with small purchases that seem like they don’t make an impact but they do. Also my boundaries when it comes to borrowing money to my brother.
What accomplishments of yours are you most proud of?
Having my little savings.
What makes you imperfect?
I don’t have a great house, it’s not even mine. Everything is either broken or extremely old. I don’t own car. I have no money in my bank account. My mother helps out with the little that she has. I don’t have anything together and Instagram makes me feel like a failure. I’m not travelling multiple times a year, I’m not living the digital nomad life. It makes you feel like you living your life wrong, by being ordinary.
Taylor’s note: I hope my page helps you feel just a little bit better. You are not a failure. Just remember that what you see on social media is only part of the story. People who seem like they have a great relationship still argue. People who are renovating their home still have serious talks about money / worry if they’ll make it. People who travel often spend a lot of time away from their loved ones. There are pros and cons to everything. Hang in there <3
It’s Personal is an anonymous blog series about the personal lives and finances of women.
