Where do you live? City and State (or Country if outside the U.S.)
North shore Boston MA
Do you like where you currently live? Why or why not?
We LOVE it. Amazing schools and under 10 minutes to the beach.
Do you have any hobbies? What are they?
Running, budgeting, reading and paddleboarding
What is your highest level of education?
Master’s
Where did you go to school? What did you study?
Health communication Boston University
Are you currently employed?
Yes
What is your current occupation?
Administration
Do you like your current occupation / job? Why or why not?
I love it because it is part time (24 hours) and it is local so I can be with my kids after school. I stayed home with my children for 10 years and recently returned to work a few months ago. Prior to having kids I worked as a market research analyst in healthcare consulting.
What is your yearly salary (or approximate yearly compensation)? Feel free to include any bonuses or other compensation perks you may receive this year.
My part time job is $40k and my husband makes $290k. So $310k together
Have you ever been promoted at work? What position(s) were you promoted to?
Yes- I was promoted to manager before I stayed home with my kids
Have you ever negotiated your salary? If so, how did that go / what was the outcome?
Yes- I got what I requested.
Do you have a second job or side hustle? If yes, what is it and what do you do?
I love selling clothes on poshmark for extra cash!
If you have a second job or side hustle, about how much money do you make *monthly* from your second job / side hustle?
$150/month
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?
$4,699 (includes taxes)
Do you have any children / dependents? If yes, how many?
3
Do you have any pets? If yes, what kind?
2 dogs
About how much do you spend on groceries *each week*?
$275
Are you debt free?
No
What kinds of debt do you have?
Car payment
Student loan
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?
Having three kids (9,7,6) would love to see more in the 529’s since my oldest will be in college in a blink!
What’s been your favorite purchase this year?
I love my legend planner- and using monarch for our monthly budget has really helped keep track of our finances
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
You don’t need new items for specific events- a new dress for a wedding for example. Keep two dresses that you love and just use those! I’ve really simplified my closet and it all gets used. I rarely buy any clothes or shoes.
What current goals do you have? (ex. Health goals, Fitness, Money, Career, Travel, etc.)
I run quite a bit so I’m ramping up my marathon training for the fall. As for money goals I’ve started a sinking fund for a trip next year with my family for my 40th birthday. We are hoping to go to Sedona!
What are you currently struggling with, if anything?
We tend to have a house cost or random medical bill that really sets us back every year (ex: broken arm for my son this year $4k; $9k fix needed on our chimney last year) It is very frustrating to feel like we aren’t making progress. I would love to really beef up our savings so these surprises don’t frustrate me so much.
What accomplishments of yours are you most proud of?
Really enjoying what I have and own- creating contentment with what we have! It really keeps me from shopping
What makes you imperfect?
In my early twenties I was really struggling emotionally and turned to purchases to help try and feel a sense of control. It really did a number on my finances but I’m grateful for the work I’ve put in to understand finance and really lean into being more conscious consumer.
It’s Personal is an anonymous blog series about the personal lives and finances of women.
