Finances

 

I've never really been one to be financially sound. I'll be honest about it- I'm horrible at saving money, spending money, anything to do with money. In my mind money really does seem to 'grow on trees'.
Growing up I always got along well with my Dad, except for the topic of money. I can't tell you how many fights stemmed from the subject. ESPECIALLY in college. I won't lie- I was very irresponsible. I would just charge everything and anything I want.

I have a very impulsive personality- in all respects. Normally this is fine and tends to lead to a fun life, but in respect to money it really puts a dent in my wallet. I'm a marketers dream. I always fall for the 'sales', the $1 bins or aisles, and all the little items they put up next to the cash register.

Moving to NYC and having a pretty decent rent payment and still funding my car back in Pgh (which, BTW, you should buy it: BUY MY CAR!!!) while still trying to maintain my not so cheap life is proving to not be so financially sound. I have an upcoming trip to Africa (yay! can't wait) and about a million other things I want to do and I really need to start thinking about my future. Turning 25 this year has affected me more than any other birthday. I realize I'm on a path that's really setting up my future (not saying the rest of my life didn't), but within the next few years I'd like to see myself married, starting a family, buying a house, etc. And the way I'm going right now I need to stop being so selfish and start to plan.

While Brad was in town we had a conversation about savings accounts and he was explaining to me what he does. I always find it interesting to see how people manage their money. It's funny, because I really do ask a lot of people how they manage their money, yet I've never really taken the steps to go down a road myself. (that's a lie... I have started and usually end up stopping because I find something that I really 'need' at the time)


Example of what'd 'need'... actually this is really cute.
I hope I don't see it out in the store.

So last week Brad sent me an invite from ING to open a savings account. I had to laugh about this. I've dated others in the past who have been just as careless as I with money (which really scared me because with my track record I need someone who's responsible with their finances) and was really shocked by the email. When I said something about it at work my one manager responded with 'Awe, he's starting to plan for the future' and the other responded with 'He probably just wanted the $10 you get from having someone else open up an account' Hahaha! Both made me laugh. Whatever the motivation was it gave ME motivation to get my act together.

I'm making a commitment (live on the internet haha) that from this day forward I'm really going to start thinking twice before I buy things. That I'm going to start planning for my future and really think, in terms of all my goals, what I need to save- how much I need to save- and exactly how I'm going to do it. (my Dad would be proud)

And with that, I leave you with this...


Peace, Love, and Savings Accounts