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.
Name:
Courtney
How old are you?
28
Where do you live?
Houston, TX
What is your highest level of education?
Master’s
Are you single or married?
Single
If you are married, do you and your spouse have joint or separate finances?
N/A
Do you have any children or dependents? If yes, please explain.
N/A
What is your total monthly rent / mortgage for your household?
1475
Has Covid-19 impacted you financially in any way?
No
What is your current occupation? If not currently employed, please say “Not Employed”
Sr Financial Analyst
What is your yearly salary (or approximate yearly compensation) for your current occupation?
95000 incl bonus
If you are currently employed, do you like your job? Why or why not?
Yes! I love the company I work for and the team I’m on. My boss values personal/professional development and as the senior on my team I am given the more fun/challenging projects. I have opportunities to be creative, collaborate with people across the company, and still have work life balance.
Do you have a second job or side hustle? If Yes, please explain.
No
If you have a second job or side hustle, about how much money do you make monthly from your second job / side hustle?
N/A
Do you budget on a consistent basis? If so, please explain how you currently budget:
Not really. I have always been a fairly routine person so most of my expenses will not vary too much month to month. And the expenses that pop up are generally expenses that I need to pay for anyway.
Are you debt-free?
Yes
If you are debt free, how much debt have you paid off and how long did it take you to pay it all off?
$12K on my car, took about 2.5 years
Do you have any student loan debt currently?
No
If yes, about how much student loan debt do you have?
N/A
What is your monthly student loan payment amount?
0
Do you have any credit card debt?
No
If Yes, about how much credit card debt do you have currently?
N/A
Do you have any other kinds of debt? If Yes, please explain:
No
Do you know what your credit score is?
Yes
If Yes, what is your credit score?
736
Are you currently saving for retirement?
Yes
If yes, about how much do you have saved for retirement?
$136K total ($55K in 401k, $7K in Roth IRA, $14K in investments, $60K in savings)
What does an ideal retirement look like for you?
I’d like to have plenty of money to travel and not worry about day to day living expenses. I don’t need a lavish lifestyle, just enough to be comfortable with a little extra for travel.
What’s your biggest purchase of 2020 so far?
$3K for private dog training
Biggest purchase of your life?
$22K on my car
What do you spend money on that brings you joy?
Travel and creative hobbies. I love to spend money on experiences and shopping for fabric for future sewing projects.
What are your short term money goals, if any? ( < 1 year)
To automate my savings and investments; save $25k by the end of the year (not including 401k contributions)
What are your long term money goals, if any? ( > 1 year)
No specific goals
What is your #1 financial concern right now?
If I am doing enough, saving enough. I worry that I will not be prepared for the retirement I want.
What financial victory/success are you most proud of?
Living within my means and contributing to my 401k, savings, Roth IRA, and investments.
Anything we didn’t ask about you that you want to include?
N/A
