FINANCE Archives - Our So Called 20s https://oursocalled20s.com/category/finance/ Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:22:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://oursocalled20s.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cropped-Gold-Ring-32x32.png FINANCE Archives - Our So Called 20s https://oursocalled20s.com/category/finance/ 32 32 11 Genius Ways to Save Money as a Student (Without Sacrificing Fun!) 0 (0) https://oursocalled20s.com/ways-to-save-money-as-a-student/ https://oursocalled20s.com/ways-to-save-money-as-a-student/#respond Fri, 13 Dec 2024 21:07:31 +0000 https://oursocalled20s.com/?p=1709 College can be one of the hardest times to save money. Hopefully, this list will give you creative ways to save money as a student.

The post 11 Genius Ways to Save Money as a Student (Without Sacrificing Fun!)<span class="rmp-archive-results-widget rmp-archive-results-widget--not-rated"><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i> <span>0 (0)</span></span> appeared first on Our So Called 20s.

]]>
ways to save money as a studentOur school years can be some of the hardest to manage financially. Odds are you aren’t bringing in as much money as you would be if you were in the workforce full-time, but there are still ways to save money and reduce your spending. It just requires a bit more creativity and resourcefulness. Hopefully, this list of ways to save money as a student, without sacrificing fun, will give you some useful insights to implement in your life.

 

 

 

Always ask for a student discount

I’m sure you’ve heard this one a million times, but it’s true. Most places, even online subscription services offer student discounts. It’s always worth asking for. At the end of the day, why would you pay for something when you can have it at a discount or even free? Some schools even have partner programs that you can claim with your school’s email address – locking you in for 4 years at that price. Amazon, Hulu, Spotify, HBO, and even an IKON Ski Pass are some of the companies I used while in college, off the top of my head.  Businesses want everyone’s money, even if it’s a discounted sale. Use this to your advantage! It is by far one of the easiest ways to save money as a student.

 

Check for discount days

Businesses are always trying new ways to market to students and discount days are one of the most common days. Your favorite spot might have free beer on Wednesdays or half-off cocktails. Some movie theatres also have discounted movie days and times for students.  You might be surprised by how many places will cater to students on random days of the week. When I was in college, Wednesdays were big discount days in the area. This meant Wednesday nights we went out and Saturdays we went to the beach. Almost like clockwork. Sure we weren’t going out on a Friday night, but honestly, Wednesday nights made the week fly by that much more. A lot of my friends did this throughout college and it was one of their most effective ways to save money as a student.

ways to save money a student as a student

Make Your Own Coffee or Matcha

Buying matcha in college was the achilles heel for me. I’d spend $7 per latte around 5 times per week if I was being honest with myself. $35 a week on a beverage I’d consume on the go in about 3.5 minutes. And that’s not even including all the times I’d get coffee with my friends during our morning walks around campus or the beach. I’m sure if I included that, I was at about $60 per week…or $240 a month. WILD! When I realized how out of hand this was getting I went on Amazon, bought a $10 matcha matcha kit and a $15 bag of matcha and started making it at home. This $25 switch saved me SO much money and is a habit I made sure to bring into my post-grad life as well. On the off chance that I wanted to treat myself, I learned that my local coffee shop would sell me matcha at a bulk price if I bought a half gallon – so naturally I’d do that from time to time. I still saved a ton of money.

 

If coffee is your vice, try getting your grounds from your local grocery store, like a Kroger’s/Ralph’s/Aldi instead of the $20 special bag you’re hooked on. Or if you have a Kreuig-like system, switch to a reusable k-cup and pour in your own grounds. Maybe pull back on the creamers, sugars, and syrups and adjust to a more simple cup of coffee. Whatever it is, there is a way to reduce this recurring cost and still enjoy the thing you love. There is always a way to treat yourself while finding ways to save as a student. It just takes some creativity and reflection.

 

Travel in larger groups

Traveling during college can seem impossible. My best piece of advice would be to start small. Learn what expenses come up before you plan a cross-country ski trip. Learn who you want to travel with and who never pays people back. You want to learn that when things are cheaper – trust me. Once you’ve figured this out, then get a group together and figure out how much everyone is actually willing to spend and where you want to go. Study that place! When are the cheapest times of the year to travel there? What are the room rates? Buddy up and share rooms. Getting a trip of 6 friends in a 3-bed Airbnb is something you will never regret. So many memories will be made, but then you also get to split every bill 6 ways! Oh and make sure you go grocery shopping on day one of the trip and have a plan for that too! Traveling in college is very possible, you just have to be smart about it and plan!

 

Sell Your Unwanted Items

We all have things lying around that we don’t want. Whether that is an old skateboard, your old computer, or clothes that no longer fit. Try your best to sell them and get something for it. Facebook Marketplace, Offer Up, and Poshmark, are just some of the resale sites/apps I can think of off the top of my head that are commonly used. Even if you can only get $10 out of it, that’s $10 more than you had before and less clutter in your living space. That sounds like a win-win to me!

 

Look for a Local Farmer’s Market

Local farmer’s markets saved me in college! It took me a while to find them, but once I did, I made sure to attend them every week. A local farmer’s market can give you access to even more fresh produce produced by local farmers in your area, and odds are, it’ll be tax-free upon purchase. Some of them only accept cash, so make sure you do your homework before you go. Some farmer’s markets even have meats and fish, depending on where you are. Of course, if you live in a place like Kansas, and your local farmers market has 50% off oysters, I wouldn’t take the risk, but your standard fruit and veggies shouldn’t be a problem no matter where you live. Pro tip: make sure you bring a large, or many large reusable bags and maybe a friend to go with you.

 

Keep Tabs on Your Impulsive Purchases

It’s so easy to swipe your card or tap to pay throughout the day and not even notice it. I’m a big Amazon person and it’s too easy to add to cart and move on with my day. Although these purchases may be things that you actually need, be careful to not fall into the pattern of buying things just because they come to mind. Think about whether or not you really want that thing and sit on it for a couple of days. Then if you really want or need it, then go ahead and buy it. Otherwise, you might find yourself stuck in buying everything that comes to mind. It’s really easy to make a purchase nowadays. It’s really hard to stop yourself from buying just because.

 

Skip the Appetizersways to save money as a student

I love an appetizer just as much as the next person, but I also realize that it can add another $15 to my bill – and we haven’t even gotten to the drinks yet. Of course, sometimes you just HAVE to have the mouthwatering appetizer, but I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that you don’t need them most of the time. Skipping this part of your meal out with friends will save you a lot of money in the long run. You’re still going out to dinner/lunch/breakfast, you’re just not ordering every part of the menu. Do this 2-3 times and you’ve already made back $50 let’s say. This little change might be one of the easiest ways to save money as a student.

 

 

Go Out When It Counts

Going out and being social is just a part of student life – you can’t escape it and you shouldn’t. You’ll probably find your best friend during this period of life, so enjoy it, just be smart about it! Think about what’s a more valuable experience for you. Is it grabbing Chipotle on a Wednesday afternoon because you are too lazy to make lunch, or would you rather use that $10 towards a fun night out with your friends on Saturday? I’m going to guess that Saturday means a lot more to you. It’s really easy to get into the habit of convenience and just pick up a small bite here and there, but when you add it all up, you’re actually spending more than you realize. Get a grip on this and break the bad habit of convenience spending while you’re in school. You can pay for convenience later in your life when time is actually limited.

 

Rent vs Buy

Textbooks can add up quickly from my experience, and if you don’t have to buy a textbook, odds are you have to pay a couple hundred to access online access key codes to view an online textbook. Although it may be harder to locate, a lot of these online textbook companies will offer a rental or semester-term rental. If you do have to get a hard-copy textbook, Amazon has a whole textbook rental service that will be a fraction of the cost of the book. Always check for this before buying – even if you’re looking to buy a used textbook. The odds are renting will save you a good bit, and then you won’t end up with a collection of books you’ll never use again. Books can be one of your biggest expenses as a student, so it’s always a great idea to focus on this category when thinking of ways to save money as a student.

 

ways to save money as a studentRefrain from Getting a Pet

As fun and exciting of an idea as this may sound to be, the financial implication and social inconvenience is something you probably don’t want to have to worry about in your college years. Owning a pet in college means more than just buying food. You’ll have to buy the basic pet care necessities, odds are you’ll buy your pet toys, treats, maybe even clothes.  Then what happens when you want to travel and go out of town with your friends? Either you’re going to have to pay extra to have your furry friend with you, or you’ll be paying someone else to watch it. And don’t forget about vet bills. Those are always a surprise. You might even have to worry about an increase in your monthly rent to have a pet. Worry about adding this expense later in your life. If you really want a furry friend, go volunteer at your local animal shelter and have all the fun without any of the daily responsibilities!

 

 

There are countless ways to save money as a student. With that in mind, it’s important to remember that it’s not a matter of what you do, that you are doing something at all. You’d be surprised how these small changes can make a huge impact on the finances you have available to you. Let us know what other ways you’ve been saving money.

The post 11 Genius Ways to Save Money as a Student (Without Sacrificing Fun!)<span class="rmp-archive-results-widget rmp-archive-results-widget--not-rated"><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i> <span>0 (0)</span></span> appeared first on Our So Called 20s.

]]>
https://oursocalled20s.com/ways-to-save-money-as-a-student/feed/ 0
How to Use a Credit Card Responsibly: Build Credit & Avoid Debt 0 (0) https://oursocalled20s.com/how-to-use-a-credit-card-responsibly/ https://oursocalled20s.com/how-to-use-a-credit-card-responsibly/#respond Sun, 08 Dec 2024 13:30:36 +0000 https://oursocalled20s.com/?p=1662 Learning how to use a credit card responsibly in your 20s is crucial. Make sure you develop good habits and practices now.

The post How to Use a Credit Card Responsibly: Build Credit & Avoid Debt<span class="rmp-archive-results-widget rmp-archive-results-widget--not-rated"><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i> <span>0 (0)</span></span> appeared first on Our So Called 20s.

]]>
How to Use a Credit Card Responsibly

Navigating the world of credit is a very new thing for many people in their 20s. It’s something we will all have to worry about, but it is a topic that not many people are informed about off the bat. The hope is that by the end of this article, you have a better idea of how to use a credit card responsibly, inturn building your credit score and avoiding any debt possible.

The Basics of a Credit Card

What is credit?

Credit (n) –  a contractual agreement in which a borrower receives a sum of money or something else of value and commits to repaying the lender later, typically with interest.

When you get a credit card, you are given a maximum amount that you are allowed to borrow at any given time. This is called a credit limit.  The amount that you are able to borrow is often determined by your income, credit history/duration, and your credit score, which we will get into next.

 

What is a credit score?

Credit Score (n) – a three-digit number that rates your creditworthiness. FICO scores range from 300 to 850. The higher the score, the more likely you will get approved for loans and better rates. 

Your credit score is based on a variety of factors like how many cards you have open, along with the age of each card, the credit card utilization of each card or your overall access to credit, payment history, debt to income ratio, and more. To learn more about the details of how a credit score works, click here to read more from Investopedia. 

Credit scores are graded based on the range they fall into. FICO’s credit score ranges are as follows:

  • Exceptional: 800 to 850
  • Very good: 740 to 799
  • Good: 670 to 739
  • Fair: 580 to 669
  • Poor: 300 to 579

You obviously want to have the highest score possible and make sure that you stay in the ‘good’ range at the very least. Anything below that and you can run into issues with future loans, qualifying for an apartment, and more.  A low credit score can also affect your cost of car insurance. Make sure you watch this carefully.

 

The #1 Rule of ALL Credit Cards

You HAVE to pay it back. I know this may seem obvious to some, but this is not something that everyone understands. Just because you have access to spend the money, you MUST remember that it is borrowed money. You have to give that money back to the people you borrowed it from, ie the bank. Otherwise, you owe interest

Interest (n) – is the charge for borrowing money, typically expressed as a percentage of the principal amount borrowed.

This is where people find themselves in trouble. Your interest amount is based off of the APR (annual percentage rate). As of December 2024, the average credit card APR is 20.37% . That means, if you don’t end up paying off your card in full by the end of the statement date, you’re looking at a nice added charge for borrowing. This is where people get into a pickle with credit cards.

Yes, there is something called a minimum payment (the minimum you have to pay every month to be in good standing on your card), but paying this doesn’t mean that you avoid interest. It just means that you won’t receive a negative hit to your credit card like you would if you did not pay the minimum balance. The only way to avoid paying interest is to pay off your credit card bill in full at the end of every month.

 

 

The Gnitty Gritty of How to Use a Credit Card Responsibly

1. Keep an Eye on Your Spendinghow to use a credit card

It’s really easy to get swipe-happy with a credit card. This is where you have to make sure you are disciplined enough to own a credit card. If you find yourself in a constant pickle of your credit card bill being higher than the money in your checking account, you’re going to find yourself in a bind sooner than you think. Keep in mind, that interest compounds a lot faster than your paycheck increases. Make sure you are keeping an eye on how much you are spending and cut back if necessary.

>Click here to read about the Best 5 Personal Finance Apps to help you track your credit card spending<<

 

2. Pay off Your Credit Card BEFORE It’s Due

If your credit card balance is due on the 30th, pay it off on the 20th, or better yet in 2-week intervals. This will help you in two ways:

  1. You’ll get a nice mid-month pulse on how much you have already spent for the month.
  2. You will likely see a positive impact to your payment history, as you are constantly paying off what was borrowed well in advance.

Sometimes life moves fast and we lose track of the days. The last thing you want to do is mistakenly miss a credit card payment. The best way to ensure this doesn’t happen is to set a recurring reminder on your phone, but more importantly, set up automatic payments from your checking account. With most major credit cards, you can set this up with an automatic full balance payment, or a set payment amount. That’s up to you and what you think is best for your situation. The most important thing is that your card is being paid off. This is the best way to avoid debt as well.

 

how to use a credt card3. Use Your Bills to Your Advantage

If you are responsible with your credit card, this might be a great way for you to get a nice kickback from paying the bills you already owe. Utilizing a rewards credit card can give you points that you can use for airfare, hotels, points on eating out, and more. Every card has different offerings, so it’s important for you to figure out what card is best for you and your lifestyle.

With this in mind, why not put your recurring bills on your credit card? These can be bills like your phone bill, your renter’s insurance, your subscription services, etc. Paying them on your debit card gives you no perks, but paying them on your rewards credit card will give you points toward something you would enjoy a lot more.

Again if you are someone who tends to have a higher balance du on their credit card than the number in their checking account, then this might not be the best option for you. It’s best that you focus on better credit card habits than trying to focus on how to squeeze points out of existing bills.

 

4. Stay Under 30% CCU

CCU (n) – stands for credit card utilization.

Your CCU can have a much bigger impact on your credit score than you may think. A high CCU can often be connected with overspending or being over-leveraged. Remember your credit limit is also determined by your income, so you’re given a credit limit that is partially based on what the bank thinks you can pay back every month. If you are getting to 90% CCU every month, the odds are higher that there will be a carry-over balance month to month, which is not a habit we want to get into with a credit card. Staying under 30% CCU also shows that you can be responsible about paying off your card balance and managing your finances.

An example of CCU:

Credit Limit: $1,000

Credit Card Balance: $851

CCU = 851 / 1,000 = .851 or 85% Credit Card Utilization. This is way above the recommended 30% and below.

 

5. Other Random Benefits of Credit Cardshow to use a credit card responsibly

Although many of the benefits of a credit card seem very obvious, there are some perks of purchasing a credit card that aren’t as widely spread. These benefits do not apply to all credit cards, but some major credit card companies do offer these benefits. Some of the random benefits of credit cards are as follows:

  • Protection insurance on technology purchases
  • Extended warranties
  • Fraud protection
  • Free TSA, Clear, and Global Entry
  • Travel concierge
  • Credit monitoring
  • Cashback
  • Waived food delivery service fees
  • Airport lounge access

 

If any of these seem appealing to you, it might be something to look into during your search. Again, every card is different, but it’s worth looking into!

 

Credit cards can be super useful when used correctly, but if you are not responsible with them, you can find yourself in a pickle VERY quickly. Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. It is critical to instill good credit card habits off the bat to stop you from getting on a slippery slope. Make sure you do your research before signing up for a card. You can also go in person and talk to a banker at your local branch to figure out what card is best for you. Whatever you do, make sure you do it with care. Learning how to use a credit card responsibly in your 20s will have a huge impact on your borrowing abilities and overall financial wellness later in life. Make wise choices and be responsible.

 

 

 

Sources

Team, Investopedia. “Credit: What It Is and How It Works.” Investopedia, 1 Oct. 2024, www.investopedia.com/terms/c/credit.asp.

“What Is a Credit Score? Definition, Factors, and Ways to Raise It.” Investopedia, 21 Sept. 2024, www.investopedia.com/terms/c/credit_score.asp.

Chen, James. “Interest: Definition and Types of Fees for Borrowing Money.” Investopedia, 19 Sept. 2024, www.investopedia.com/terms/i/interest.asp.

Rossman, Ted. “Current credit card interest rates.” Bankrate, 4 Dec. 2024, www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/advice/current-interest-rates.

 

NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE

The Content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on our Site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by Our So Called 20s or any third-party service provider to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

All Content on this site is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the Site constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information on the Site constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. Our So Called 20s is not a fiduciary by virtue of any person’s use of or access to the Site or Content. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other Content on the Site before making any decisions based on such information or other Content. In exchange for using the Site, you agree not to hold Our So Called 20s, its affiliates or any third-party service provider liable for any possible claim for damages arising from any decision you make based on information or other Content made available to you through the Site.

The post How to Use a Credit Card Responsibly: Build Credit & Avoid Debt<span class="rmp-archive-results-widget rmp-archive-results-widget--not-rated"><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i> <span>0 (0)</span></span> appeared first on Our So Called 20s.

]]>
https://oursocalled20s.com/how-to-use-a-credit-card-responsibly/feed/ 0
Best 5 Personal Finance Apps 0 (0) https://oursocalled20s.com/personal-finance-apps/ https://oursocalled20s.com/personal-finance-apps/#respond Thu, 28 Nov 2024 22:13:15 +0000 https://oursocalled20s.com/?p=1562 Personal finance can be a daunting subject for many. Utilize these apps to help you build a strong foundation.

The post Best 5 Personal Finance Apps<span class="rmp-archive-results-widget rmp-archive-results-widget--not-rated"><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i> <span>0 (0)</span></span> appeared first on Our So Called 20s.

]]>
personal-finance-reddit

Personal finance can be a daunting subject for many. As we all navigate the early years of our careers and financial independence, it is important that we start off on the right foot and build a solid foundation. Below are some of the top 5 personal finance apps out there.

 

1. Rockey Money

Rocket Money, formerly known as True Bill, is one of the top personal finance apps out on the market today. With Rocket Money, you can track all of your subscriptions, checking, savings, and credit card expenses all in one place. You can also set up a budget within Rocket Money and set up alerts for when you get close to your allotted budget. Additionally, Rocket Money lets you know what bills you have upcoming and when your next paycheck is set to hit. Rocket Money allows you to compare your spending categories from one month to the next, enabling you to really see where you are spending your money. You can also automate your saving goals to once again simplify your personal finance journey. Rocket Money also has a web-based software for those who like to have web and app-based software for their personal finance.

personal-finance

 

2. YNAB (You Need a Budget)

You Need a Budget is a great resource to get you started in building out your personal finance framework. YNAB requires more of a manual set-up and can be a bit more time-consuming, but it can still be just as effective, once completed. With YNAB, you can give every dollar a purpose to make sure that you are fully accounting for every dollar that comes in. YNAB can also help you manage your debt and come up with a plan to crush it once and for all. YNAB also has a web-based platform for those who prefer it.

personal-finance-reddit

 

3. Mint

Mint is a personal finance app from Intuit that is now integrated with Credit Karma. With Mint, you can track all of your assets including your home whilst also keeping tabs on the other elements of your personal finance. Mint also allows you to track the categories of your expenses over different months to see how your spending compares to the previous month’s goals. Unlike RocketMoney, Mint mostly focuses on spending and budgeting, while RocketMoney can help you get a 360-degree view of your personal finances. Mint also has a web-based version for those who prefer it.

personal-finance-article

 

4. EveryDollar

Every Dollar, from Dave Ramsey, is a newer personal finance app that focuses primarily on budgeting. Similar to YNAB, it is budgeting-heavy, but EveryDollar has a more simplified interface for those who might find YNAB to be too granular. EveryDollar gives you a cleaner overview of where you stand in your overall budget and utilizes predictive measures to see how likely you are to go over this set budget at that point in the month. EveryDollar also has paycheck planning, so you can keep track of expected income. It also has a “financial roadmap” feature that gives you each stepping stone to get to your end goals. EveryDollar also has a fully free version, unlike other personal finance apps. EveryDollar also has a web-based version for those who prefer it.

personal-finance-app

 

 

5. Monarch Money

Monarch Money is a newer personal finance app that is powered by AI. It is focused on budgeting and utilizes its AI technology to give you recommendations as to where you can best optimize your spending to increase your odds of reaching your personal finance goals. The app also has unique charts and graph overviews to empower you to truly see where all of your money is going. This app lands on the higher end for subscription prices out of all the ones mentioned previously. This might be something to consider in your decision-making process.

personal-finance-reddit

 

Finding the best personal finance app for you is truly a matter of preference, so give them a try and figure out which one you align with most. What is most important is that you are tracking your personal finances and doing so consistently. It doesn’t matter that you have the best tool if you never use it.

 

 

NO INVESTMENT ADVICE

The Content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on our Site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by Our So Called 20s or any third party service provider to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments in this or in in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

All Content on this site is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the Site constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information on the Site constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. Our So Called 20s is not a fiduciary by virtue of any person’s use of or access to the Site or Content. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other Content on the Site before making any decisions based on such information or other Content. In exchange for using the Site, you agree not to hold Our So Called 20s, its affiliates or any third party service provider liable for any possible claim for damages arising from any decision you make based on information or other Content made available to you through the Site.

The post Best 5 Personal Finance Apps<span class="rmp-archive-results-widget rmp-archive-results-widget--not-rated"><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i> <span>0 (0)</span></span> appeared first on Our So Called 20s.

]]>
https://oursocalled20s.com/personal-finance-apps/feed/ 0
Spend on Experiences, Not Things 0 (0) https://oursocalled20s.com/spend-on-experiences-not-things/ https://oursocalled20s.com/spend-on-experiences-not-things/#respond Tue, 15 Oct 2024 02:15:34 +0000 https://oursocalled20s.com/?p=1416 Don't give in to consumerism. Spend your money on making memories and experiences that will last a lifetime!

The post Spend on Experiences, Not Things<span class="rmp-archive-results-widget rmp-archive-results-widget--not-rated"><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i> <span>0 (0)</span></span> appeared first on Our So Called 20s.

]]>
We live in a time when consumerism is at an all-time high. There is always something new for us to buy, a new tech product that we need, some subscription that is supposed to help us revitalize our well-being, or some other trendy consumer good. Although it’s nice to live in a world where you can arguably buy a solution to anything, odds are, you won’t find the fulfillment you desire in what you purchase. Experiences, though, are what you will remember, what will make you laugh, create memories, and reboot your mind. Although these opportunities may not appear as often as the next ad on your feed, I highly doubt you will regret spending money in this area of your life.

Experiences

In our 20s, we arguably have more time than we will ever have to live, explore, grow, learn, and make memories with our friends and family. This can look as simple as attending a concert that comes to your city or as exciting as going on an international adventure with your closest friends from college. I LOVE spending on experiences, and I’ve never once regretted it. Half of the fun is coming together with a group of people, or even just your best friend, and brainstorming where to travel. I’m super grateful to have a group of friends who are always down for an adventure no matter where it takes us. My friends and I come up with an idea, plan out the trip, set a date, save for it, and make it happen. More often than not, it is the highlight of my year. I never want these trips to end.

When you look at the total cost of an experience surrounded around travel, for example, the number can be daunting, but you can always scale this up or down! It’s totally customizable. Some people see a number and instantly think, “I can’t afford this.” But if you plan far enough ahead, save for it, and sacrifice in other areas, the odds are that you can make it happen. Sometimes I think we forget, or genuinely don’t know, how much money we spend on going out, drinks with friends, random Amazon purchases, or the biggest culprit of them all…food delivery. If you cut back in some of these areas or all the areas you deem unnecessary, you will likely find you do have the funds to go on such a trip. Just re-allocate those funds to something that is more fulfilling to you.

How to Make It Happen

When it comes to big trips, like a long ski trip or an international adventure, my friends and I try to plan about six months out. This may seem really far away, but the reality is, it’ll be here before you know it. Once we come up with a place and a plan, we start running basic numbers on how much it is going to cost us. Travel tip:the farther out you book flights and hotels, the better the deal you will get!

Once we have the lump sum individual cost, we increase that number by 20%, because chances are there are some things we haven’t accounted for. We would much rather over-save than under-save. For this example, let’s say the all-in cost is $2,500 per person. This would include airfare, the housing accommodation split, an average cost of food/groceries (determined by local market research), and any other ground transportation or big excursions we plan to take.  Now remember, we are trying to make this trip happen in six months, and we want to pay for airfare and housing sooner rather than later, as this is often the biggest expense. By paying early, we will save as much as possible here. Take that $2,500 (which includes the 20% buffer) and divide it by the six-month window. That comes to $416.67, which is the amount you need to save per month to make this trip happen on time.

$416.67 might seem like a lot of money, and I won’t scoff at its value, but if you break it down, it actually isn’t that daunting. $416.67 per month is just $104.17 per week, or $14.89 per day. Before you say you don’t have enough money to put away – ask yourself how many times in the last week you went out to Chipotle or CAVA, how many lattes you bought, or how much you spent on drinks, dinner, and Ubers/Lyfts with friends. I’m going to bet the $104.17 per week is somewhere in there. This is what I mean by making sacrifices and spending on experiences instead of things. I doubt that $12 Chipotle brought you more joy and fulfillment than sitting on a European beach with your closest friends would. If it does, I commend you for finding such joy in the little things in life.

Now I know what you might be thinking: by the time I save all the money, the flights and housing accommodations will cost a lot more. This is true. But that’s where you have to change your thinking. Instead of waiting till month six to make all of these bookings, you make these bookings during months one to three. Typically, the prices won’t change much three months out from the trip, along with your housing accommodations. Honestly, those are often prime times to book! So, when you have enough money to book the flight (usually possible after month one or halfway into month two), book those flights! Follow the same rule with making housing accommodations, too. Not only will this save you money, but it will also lock everyone in on the trip, including yourself, and ensure that you continue to save for the trip. Now, in only a handful of months, you’ll be on a plane somewhere with your name attached to a reservation. Something tells me booking early will actually only incentivize you to follow through on your plan.

But what if I don’t have a full six months to plan a trip?” Easy, save more aggressively, or scale back on the trip! Even if you only
had four months with the same trip example in mind, $2,500 divided by four months is $625 per month, $156.25 per week, or $22.32 per day. That’s a difference of an extra $7.43 savings per day on a two-month shorter timeline. You can probably still make that work, too! Don’t hesitate to get creative with it!

Only You Will Know

I 100% acknowledge that everyone is different! Some people love to travel abroad, some people love to camp, and some people just love to find all the coolest speakeasies and restaurants in their city. There’s no right or wrong way to go about finding what experiences fulfill you. I just want you to take the time to figure out what you actually value and find a way to support that vision. I think we often get so caught up in consumerism, trying to gain a glimpse of enjoyment, when the reality is material goods do almost nothing for us. Save and prepare for the things you do value, then make invaluable memories along the way. I’m certain you won’t regret it, and you and your friends will have a laundry list of places to go next!

The post Spend on Experiences, Not Things<span class="rmp-archive-results-widget rmp-archive-results-widget--not-rated"><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i><i class=" rmp-icon rmp-icon--ratings rmp-icon--star "></i> <span>0 (0)</span></span> appeared first on Our So Called 20s.

]]>
https://oursocalled20s.com/spend-on-experiences-not-things/feed/ 0