The (NOT SO) Skinny Girl

As an early millennial- as someone who graduated HS in the early 2000's and then graduated college right around the time Obama became president- I am well aware of the reality of living with more debt than income. Borrowing $30-40k a year for 4 years of college put me behind the curve, since it's pretty hard for a full time college student to hold down a full time job. I worked numerous odd jobs and held a part time one, but I also had limited savings and money I made was quickly and easily spent on everyday living (necessity or not). Mom and Dad didn't provide much financial aid outside the academic necessities- books, food, health/car insurance. Even though I started looking about midway through my last semester, upon graduation I realized that I needed a full time job quickly- the loan companies had already let me know that repayment began 6 months after graduation and that they were in the process of calculating my monthly amounts😖. I looked as far away as Australia,...

It's official!! We are home owners!  This journey took about 1 year, almost 100 houses seen, multiple offers, 3 contracts, almost 2 months "homeless", and finally we have a deed and keys!  🍾 🥂  We are big kids now!!  It blows my mind that I am now "rooted" somewhere, as clearly buying and selling houses is a huge hassle. But even more mind-blowing than that is what the attorney said to me while reviewing the paperwork: "You have student loan debt and you were able to buy a house? That's amazing! That's wonderful! Good for you guys!" Yes, I still have about $50,000 in student loan debt just to my name. I personally make less than $50,000 a year. I personally live practically paycheck to paycheck and work a second job part time to offset some of the cost of my expensive hobby, horseback riding. I also 100% own my own truck. I also have a 401k with a couple thousand in it. I also now own a house. According to the bank I only own a percenta...

Let's talk about careers, jobs, income. Let's imagine you're a young kid. Before you even go to school, people ask you what you want to be when you grow up. And maybe you say fireman, policeman, doctor, builder, artist. Most likely you say something you've seen that stands out to you. Maybe Mom or Dad does it, maybe uncle or grandpa, or maybe just a character from TV. So you saw it and understand the job they do, and you decide that when you grow up that's what you want to be. So let's pick one... we'll go with firefighter. Because a lot of people perceive them to be heroes, and then maybe assume that such a dangerous and overly helpful job-because it benefits so many people- must be prosperous. So not only are you a hero, lots of people will need your help so you have job security, but it must pay well. So even as a little kid you put it together that it's a great job to have. Money, fame, etc. OK. Good choice. What's the reality of the job thou...