My parents are both educators so obtaining my bachelor’s degree was a non-negotiable (there wasn’t an expectation to obtain a master’s degree, but I can say I’ve learned more from experiences and failures than university).
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) educate you about finances?
I wasn’t educated about finances other than to save everything. We lived far below our means and our household was really rigid about money, mostly because of one parent’s perspective around scarcity and abundance after an unexpected death. It’s taken years to learn how to budget and not give in to temptation around things I want, especially since at 25 I was making $100,000 more a year than I do now. That’s been the hardest switch. (There’s an essay in me about the consequence of obtaining a higher salary before your frontal lobe is fully developed. Ha.)
What was your first job and why did you get it?
My first job was at a franchise smoothie shop when I was 16. I got it to have extra money that I could spend how I wanted.
Did you worry about money growing up?
Yes. I worried that there was never enough or that having more or wanting more was bad. I have unlearned that messaging… Maybe.
Do you worry about money now?
Yes. I worry that I won’t make enough to live the life I want without being constantly burned out.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
21. I have a minuscule safety net. (More like a rainy day fund.)
Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain.
No.
