Anonymous Turmoiler: No Money, Mo Problems
I have no idea how to save money.
I feel like I live paycheck to paycheck, each month trying to catch up from the previous. Student loans are eating away at my income, and what’s left of it goes to rent, food shopping, utilities, and other random expenses that pop up. I’m always thinking about money and how—at my age—my parents were close to buying a house. Are times different now? Do we live in a more expensive world?
I sometimes feel like I will never get on my feet.
I can’t even fathom what financial freedom must feel like. I see my friends going out and spending money on brunch and drinks, or clothes and makeup and wish I could shell out money like that without the side order of stress. But every time I swipe my card, I get the most gut-wrenching buyer’s remorse. Did I really need that? Will I have enough money to get by this month?
I want to start saving for my future—I’m not a kid anymore.
When I was in college, I didn’t think long-term. I saved for the short-term and spent for the short-term. If I knew I had an event coming up and I wanted to buy a new dress and shoes, I’d save up specifically for that event and then I’d spend it all. Every last penny. Now, I need to save for a down payment on a house and to send my future kids to college. And the worst part is, I feel like I’m floundering. I don’t know a single thing about how to budget, save, and build wealth to support my future family.
