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:
V
How old are you?
29
Where do you live? City and State (or Country if outside the U.S.)
Manila, Philippines
What is your highest level of education?
Bachelor’s
Are you single or married?
Married
If you are married, do you and your spouse have joint or separate finances?
Joint
Do you have any children or dependents? If yes, please explain.
N/A
What is your total monthly rent / mortgage for your household?
2350
Has Covid-19 impacted you financially in any way?
My husband and I were evacuated to the U.S. for five months and initially had to pay for our Airbnb’s and a rental car out of pocket, but eventually we were reimbursed after we returned to the Philippines. Additionally my husband had to take leave without pay for those five months.
What is your current occupation? If not currently employed, please say “Not Employed”
Diplomat
What is your yearly salary (or approximate yearly compensation) for your current occupation?
Around 95k
If you are currently employed, do you like your job? Why or why not?
I absolutely love my career. I get to live all over the world and represent my country.
Do you have a second job or side hustle? If Yes, please explain.
Rental income
If you have a second job or side hustle, about how much money do you make monthly from your second job / side hustle?
2100 per month
Do you budget on a consistent basis? If so, please explain how you currently budget:
Yes, I use google sheets to track my budget, net worth, savings, expenses, and debt payoff.
Are you debt-free?
No
If you are debt free, how much debt have you paid off and how long did it take you to pay it all off?
N/A
Do you have any student loan debt currently?
Yes
If yes, about how much student loan debt do you have?
48k
What is your monthly student loan payment amount?
630
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:
Mortgage
Do you know what your credit score is?
Yes
If Yes, what is your credit score?
755
Are you currently saving for retirement?
Yes
If yes, about how much do you have saved for retirement?
72k
What does an ideal retirement look like for you?
Freedom to spend on what makes me happy without having to worry about my money.
What’s your biggest purchase of 2020 so far?
30k on Airbnb’s for 5 months
Biggest purchase of your life?
My condo
What do you spend money on that brings you joy?
Travel!
What are your short term money goals, if any? ( < 1 year)
Reach 120k net worth and max out my TSP and Roth IRA for the first time by the end of this year.
What are your long term money goals, if any? ( > 1 year)
What is your #1 financial concern right now?
Student loans
What financial victory/success are you most proud of?
My husband and I managed to pay off 41k of debt this year despite having our income temporarily lowered due to COVID.
Anything we didn’t ask about you that you want to include?
I have no housing/rent cost while serving abroad and we rent out our condo in the U.S.. This has allowed me to put an extra 2-3k a month extra towards my student loans.