Ohhhhhh my goddddddddd so I’ve basically been to the doctor three times since turning 18 and aging out of the pediatrician because of my horrible doctor fears and issues. So it’s a MOMENTOUS occasion and the culmination of years of glacial self-work that I felt ready FINALLY READY to sit down and make a doctors appointment for a routine visit!! Like that is give or take a decade in the making…….and all the ethereal alchemical elements were correct so I could finally do it this morning. But the clinic is closed and you can only do it weekdays ☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️ ok guess I am going to the doctor in 10 years probably. See you 2034

After a historic 6 week strike, the Temple University Graduate Students Association - the first graduate worker union in Pennsylvania - has WON.

When we went out on January 31st, I don’t think any of us thought that we would end up here. This was a long and arduous process that could never have been accomplished without everyone involved—and I do mean everyone.

Numerous news outlets have been reporting throughout the whole strike, but I’d like to run through what, exactly, it is we’ve done.

After well over a year of negotiations (we went to the table in January of 2022 after the administration delayed responding to our RFIs for months) and more than a year without a contract (it expired on February 15, 2022), we were stuck with an administrative team whose position was, resolutely, “we are happy with the contract as it is.” Their belief was that teaching and research assistants, who facilitate—at a conservative estimate—approximately one-third of all instructional work here on campus were “not a core function of the university.” Pay was structured around a tier-based system that generated inequity as part of its structure which ultimately manifested as race and gender based wage gaps, and that pay averaged out between 19k and 20k for the majority of our bargaining unit. We had only five days of parental leave in the event of childbirth. To cover a single dependent on the dependent healthcare plan required an individual to spend approximately 30% of their paycheck. There had been no substantive raises or adjustments for the cost of living since our first contract as a union.

During the strike, Temple university cut our healthcare and revoked tuition remission, attempting to break us through punitive bills and threats. They quite literally threatened peoples’ lives in addition to their livelihoods. International students were threatened for daring to exercise the rights they have as visa holders to engage in protected concerted activity. They attempted to break our will and our organization.

They failed. We didn’t.

On Monday, voting on a second tentative agreement closed. The contract negotiations team and the executive board unanimously endorsed that TA. It passed at an overwhelming 98% vote among our members. That TA, which will now become our contract, did the following:

Eliminated the tier system completely

Brought our pay up to 24k at the beginning of our contract, reaching pay of 27k by its end in 2026

Introduced 25% dependent healthcare coverage which, in addition to the pay raises, lowers the burden of single dependent care to just about 18% of one’s paycheck instead of 30%

Increased parental leave to 21 days

While this contract is not the most perfect contract, it is one of the largest single contract wins in recent history. It signifies an incredible amount of organizing power and it opens the door for future negotiations that will make TUGSA even stronger.

But more importantly, this strike and this contract are incontrovertible proof that graduate worker unions can win. They are proof that we can do it, and that administrations cannot expect to silence us through retaliation. We are stronger than them.

The fight doesn’t end here. The union of graduate workers, faculty, postdocs and more at Rutgers University has passed their strike authorization vote. The graduate workers at Duke University are fighting for their right to be recognized as employees, and that fight will soon be passed up through the nation to challenge rulings made at the National Labor Relations Board. Graduate workers at other universities in Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia area are moving to unionize. TUGSA continues to organize—our next contract negotiations will begin in less than two and a half years. Now is the time to support graduate workers. We cannot backslide. We have to fight for each other, because when we fight, we win.

Financial Planning for Freelancers

Being a freelancer comes with many perks - flexibility, independence, and the ability to work on your own terms. However, it also comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to financial planning. Without the stability of a regular paycheck, freelancers need to be proactive in managing their finances to ensure a secure future. 1. Create a Budget The first step in financial planning for freelancers is to create a budget. This will help you understand your income and expenses, and allow you to make informed decisions about your spending habits. Start by tracking your income and categorizing your expenses into fixed (rent, utilities) and variable (groceries, entertainment) costs. Once you have a clear picture of your finances, set realistic goals for saving and spending. Allocate a portion of your income for taxes, emergency fund, retirement savings, and business expenses. Remember to review and adjust your budget regularly as your income and expenses may fluctuate. 2. Separate Personal and Business Finances One common mistake freelancers make is mixing personal and business finances. This can make it difficult to track your income and expenses accurately, and can lead to tax complications. Open a separate bank account for your business and use it exclusively for your freelance income and expenses. Having a dedicated business account will not only simplify your financial record-keeping but also provide a clear distinction between your personal and business finances. This will make it easier to calculate your business expenses and claim deductions when filing your taxes. 3. Build an Emergency Fund As a freelancer, your income can be unpredictable. It's crucial to have an emergency fund to fall back on during lean months or unexpected expenses. Aim to save at least three to six months' worth of living expenses in a separate savings account. Having an emergency fund will provide you with peace of mind and protect you from financial hardships. Treat it as a non-negotiable expense and contribute to it regularly, even if it's a small amount. Remember, it's better to be prepared for the unexpected than to be caught off guard. 4. Plan for Taxes Freelancers are responsible for paying their own taxes, including income tax and self-employment tax. It's essential to set aside a portion of your income for taxes throughout the year, rather than being hit with a large tax bill at the end. Consult with a tax professional or use accounting software to estimate your tax liability and make quarterly tax payments. Keeping accurate records of your income and expenses will make it easier to file your taxes and claim deductions. 5. Save for Retirement As a freelancer, you don't have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan like a 401(k). However, that doesn't mean you should neglect saving for retirement. Look into individual retirement accounts (IRAs) or other retirement savings options available to self-employed individuals. Start contributing to a retirement account as early as possible to take advantage of compound interest. Even small contributions can add up over time and provide you with a comfortable retirement. 6. Get Insurance Coverage While freelancing offers flexibility, it also means you don't have the safety net of employer-provided benefits. It's crucial to have insurance coverage to protect yourself and your business. Consider obtaining health insurance, disability insurance, and liability insurance to safeguard against unexpected events. Research different insurance options and choose the ones that best suit your needs and budget. Insurance may seem like an additional expense, but it can save you from significant financial burdens in the long run. 7. Diversify Your Income Relying solely on one client or one source of income can be risky for freelancers. It's important to diversify your income streams to reduce dependence on a single source. Look for opportunities to expand your client base, offer additional services, or explore passive income streams. Diversifying your income not only provides financial stability but also opens up new opportunities for growth and professional development. Financial planning is essential for freelancers to navigate the unique challenges that come with freelancing. By creating a budget, separating personal and business finances, building an emergency fund, planning for taxes, saving for retirement, getting insurance coverage, and diversifying your income, you can set yourself up for a secure and prosperous future as a freelancer. Read the full article

2023-06-25

Singapore

Changi, Simei, Siglap, Bedok & Chai Chee residents aged over 40 to receive targeted health advice

1,000 attend funeral of worker who died in Tanjong Pagar worksite collapse

Men using parents to hide money from ex-wives in divorce cases involving distribution of marital assets

Car driver arrested after fatal accident involving 59-year-old e-biker in Yishun

Ex-director in research department under Prime Minister’s Office charged with corruption - apparently, receiving a huge, fat paycheck every month for doing nothing still isn’t even enough for these scumbags

Botanic Gardens’ heritage museum reopens with new exhibits - installations highlight Singapore’s green history ...I guess this is now super important because soon this country will become a complete concrete jungle, so we need to have something to remember our once beautiful forests by!

七夕节 returns to Chinatown after half a century - I don’t care either way, as long as people DO NOT BURN OFFERINGS IN PUBLIC SPACES, DAMAGING THEM & POLLUTING EVERYONE’S AIR

Nature

Over 7.3K species assessed in latest report on conservation status of Singapore’s biodiversity - I only believe what I see: that our forest habitats are diminishing at an alarming rate thanks to our government, which can only mean wildlife here is less well off than before!!!

Politics

Humiliated Prigozhin sent into exile in Belarus after aborting coup at 11th hour - idiot had no balls to carry his plans through

Travel

Singapore’s high cost deterring China tourists

Cathay Pacific flight incident injures 11 in Hong Kong - happened while passengers were being evacuated from plane

Entertainment

Taylor Swift adds 3 dates to Singapore concert, taking total to 6 shows

Art

^ Dali created his own Tarot deck

Maritime

Titan family tragedy averted thanks to son’s warnings about safety of sub - this is why not trusting what others say & doing your own research is so important!!!

*Trigger Warnings: Descriptions of physical abuse, mental abuse, emotional abuse, parental abuse, verbal abuse, child neglect, threats, anxiety, panic attacks, violence towards children.* Monday, June 19th, 2023 Part 4 6:32pm

When I was 15, I was forced to get a job to pay for all of my school fees. I had to convince my future manager to give me the position illegally because I would eventually turn 16 in 3 months, which was the legal age to work at the time. After I got the job, you told my mom to force me to give her all of my paychecks to help her with the bills and groceries, and confiscated my money to use as an allowance for me. So, when I continued to be your perfect little pawn, then, I would slowly get the money I needed for my school activities. You used that opportunity to stop helping my mother with the bills, even though she made half as much as you, and a little after I was 16, you had 2 new cars and started your impulsive Amazon shopping habit that turned the extra bedroom into the “workout room” that it is today. I wasn’t even allowed to save for a car because I didn’t have my permit, which is because you and mom decided not to teach me until a year later because I wasn’t “making enough to get a car in the first place”. How does that make sense?

I decided to take inspiration from my father and turn vegan during my sophomore year. I had to learn how to grocery shop on my own for my diet, and cook for myself because he didn’t need “his wife” taking extra time to focus on my “unnecessary needs”, which was fine, I learned so much from that time. But, he also asked me questions everyday about the benefits of veganism and the recipes I was making and how much things costs because he wanted to “cut down from 330lbs to 260lbs”. He tried to make me feel antagonized for being vegan and that I was a burden on my mother for it, but also showed interest in it, then all these years later, he’s vegetarian now because he was inspired by me.

When I was 17 and a senior in high school, I didn’t have the motivation to truly apply for scholarships and to college due to my severe depression. No one ever asked or checked in on how that process was going, because it was assumed that I was doing great in school and would go to college, true, but still. I received no assistance searching for schools and scholarships, and it was because of my teachers that I received my full-ride scholarship to an almost Ivy League-level school. I wasn’t even excited when I received it because I was anxious to tell you all. And, I was right to, because you both weren’t even excited when I told you, the interaction lasted 2 seconds. Yet, you both turned around and gushed to everyone who would listen and on social media of how proud you were of me and how hard I worked. You wouldn’t even tell me that yourself.

I told my counselor about some of the trauma that you put us through because I wrote about it in my essays. I also wrote about how I found out that you were beating my mom, after she told me that she wanted to divorce you. I made the counselor promise me that she wouldn’t report it because the abuse stopped years ago, but while I was house-sitting for my mom’s boss, CPS came to the house. I admitted that I talked to the counselor about some things that happened at home, and my mom told me that she was glad that I was staying at that house because you were threatening to kill me.

I was part of the ever-controversial class of 2020. So, before the COVID lockdowns started, I was already planning for prom and graduation. I asked my “parents” for assistance paying for some of the costs needed to have the prom and graduation that I deserved, I guess I should have expected that you would say no. And, it was a slap in the face when you both told me to research how to make my graduation invitations and find a photographer, to not only pay for by myself, but to send to all of my and my mom’s family and to yours. And after the lockdown, and all those plans were canceled, you only threw me a party after my Nana told me she was making me a cake.

James decided to “gift” me his second pickup truck for graduating. Not mentioning all of the functional issues the truck had, and directing me to pay the $3,000 dollars worth of work that needed to be done to it. Then, after asking him if the truck would survive the 3-hour trip to Atlanta, he told me that he didn’t know and that I should continue fixing it. 2 weeks of me starting college, the truck was out of commission and he refused to help me figure out what to do. And a year later, after paying $1,500 of parking fees for a broken truck, he finally came down and scraped the truck, but kept all the money from it. It’s no surprise though, since through my 2 and a half years of college before this “gap year”, I never received any financial support from my adults.

I spent every break trying to avoid coming home. I took advantage of the fact that my college offered to house students who have abusive households over the break. Especially after my first Christmas break, where mom and I had our fight about literally all the trauma that I have endured from my supposed “father-figures”, that she continues to ignore, excuse, defend, and support. When my school denied me the opportunity to stay on campus the summer after my sophomore year, I thought I was going to be homeless. I wasn’t allowed back home after the fight, and I had no where else to go. But, after talking to my dad’s side of the family, I went back to where I grew up to stay with them. Of course, only to endure more abuse and more “conversations” of them defending my dad, because apparently, my whole family is fucked all the way up!

After I returned for my junior year, I thought things were going to be great. I was finally moving on from all the shit that you and everyone else did to me. But of course, scary men still exist, and after experiencing yet another triggering, traumatic event, I was done with this life that I’ve been dealt. Hence, the medical leave, or as most people refer to it, “a gap year”, and moving to New York with my sister, and then, having no choice but to move back home when everything fell apart.

Part 1 -- Part 2 -- Part 3 Part 5

Day 1 [Restart] 6/5/2023 of building Elsa's Ice Palace

Ok, so yesterday (Sunday) there wasn’t much to report, since Sundays are usually my rest days. I wound up sleeping through church (whoops) but it ended up working in my favor since it gave me time to write out my blog and get everything ready.

Today will begin Day 1 of my journey to build Elsa’s Ice Palace, and we’re already off to a better start than I anticipated. I don’t have enough for any major projects just yet, but I do have a good practice run in the making.

The property I’m looking at is a flipped house and was a bit of a fixer upper (I believe I said that in my previous post) so it’s running for relatively cheap since there’s still some work to do. It’s fully done on the inside, and the location is great. I really do think once it’s fixed up it will make a great airbnb.

Here’s the kicker that I hadn’t been thinking of when I first saw the property: the attic space in this house has a similar ceiling shape as the top floor of Elsa’s Ice Palace. I can easily transform that into a mini version of the space!!! That will give me good practice of designing, finding materials, and all the things I would need to do for the full scale version!

It would be a project I would probably have to do next year however, since I still need to save up enough to even tackle it. I can wall off the attic for now and just try to make some money on the house itself. I can’t show the pictures yet since it’s not my house, but once you see it you’ll agree it makes a cute getaway cottage! I’m actually really excited!

Today I'll be making the offer for the house, then it will be a long road to see if they accept, and ultimate close. It can take a month and a half before closing the deal on the house, so wish me luck on this emotional rollercoaster, lol.

On a funny coincidence, my discord chat was saying how we should keep each other accountable for skincare routines. We all seem to have the stuff, but none of the discipline XD. It started as a joke but now this may become a part of my daily life too. Which is just as well- how can I be a famous youtuber if I don’t have gorgeous skin?

(I told you I’m a performer, right? I’d like to actually sing someday.)

I decided to make the font a different color because I thought it would be pretty, and wanted to make it stand out. Do you like it?

Well anyway I need to go do my coach classes then try to wind down for bed. I’ll see you all later. Thank you for reading!

Day 1 [Cont] Of building Elsa’s Ice Palace

Ok so slight snafu, I can’t ask for the full seller concessions like I had hoped. Basically it’s when the buyer asks for the seller to pay for all of, or in this case most of, the closing costs of the house sale. There’s the down payment itself, which is to pay part of the house price, and then the closing costs, which is how much money it takes to actually do the house sale transaction, so normally you pay for both. Because of the amount of money I’m approved for, I can only ask for so much in concessions when I make my offer, so I’ll still need to pay for $5,000 for the down payment and closing costs combined.

I know, it’s a big chunk of cash. That’s why you need to spend YEARS saving up before buying a house. Or in my case, live with family for a while and just put away half your paycheck each time until you save up enough. Trust me, it’s painful for me to watch too, but I know it will be worth it.

So far we don’t think there will be a problem. We put in an offer to the house, which is lower than the asking price, then they’ll counter with a slightly higher price until we settle on something. Basically, you haggle for the house. I think we’re in a really good position buyers wise in the market right now.

It’s a shame I can’t use that extra thousand toward furniture, but oh well, lol. If it can seal my possession of the house, it’ll be worth it. Once I have it I’ll have all the time in the world to buy what I need.

I’m starting to have doubts about being a life coach. I don’t mean to talk badly about myself, but with everything that’s happened the last few years I’m not 100% sure about my own mental stability. I have major triggers and I do have a tendency to people please. I’m not sure that’s actually best for a life coach, especially since sometimes you need to speak frankly to people to get your point across.

I’m going to talk frankly to my instructors and classmates about it and see what they think. If I should back out of it I should do so now before it’s too late lol.

Ok, NOW it’s time for bed. G’night, folks!

hello! im river, im a 22 year old trans man and im 6 months on T. i am raising money for top surgery. my chest dysphoria is becoming unbearable and binding is very hard on my body due to the size of my chest (they're at least a DD but it's been years since ive been properly sized). my binder doesn't even make my chest flat. my job can also be very strenuous, so binding while at work is very difficult if not outright painful.

im hoping to get surgery from Dr. Kenneth Wolf in michigan as he has a lot of successful, aesthetically pleasing results in people w my body type.

Dr. Wolf doesnt take insurance, but the flat rate for top surgery with him is $6400. this includes a down payment to secure a date, anaesthesia, the surgery itself, and the post-op binder. im also going to need to be able to cover the flight to and from michigan, prescriptions, and money for food (since i won't be able to work while i recover). im estimating the total cost of the whole ordeal to be about $7000.

i want to try and save half of the total cost on my own, so im only fundraising for $3500! i live paycheck to paycheck on floridas shitty minimum wage, so raising the full amount on my own would take a very, very long time. my body is tired of binding, and im tired of not feeling at home in my own body, so id really love to get top surgery as soon as i possibly can.

every donation means so much to me!! thank you so much for reading. if you can't donate, please share this post! it would mean a lot to me.

7 Ways 2020 Exposed America

If America learns nothing else from these dark times, here are 7 lessons it should take away from 2020:

1. Workers keep America going, not billionaires.

American workers have been forced to put their lives on the line to provide essential services even as their employers failed to provide them with adequate protective gear, hazard pay, or notice of when COVID had infected their workplaces. Meanwhile, America’s 651 billionaires – whose net worth has grown by over $1 trillion since the start of the pandemic -- retreated to their mansions, yachts and estates.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos sheltered in his 165,000-acre West Texas ranch while Amazon’s warehouse workers toiled in close proximity to each other, often without adequate masks, gloves, or sanitizers. The company offered but then soon scrapped a $2 an hour hazard pay increase for warehouse workers, even as Bezos’ wealth jumped by a staggering $70 billion since March, putting his estimated net worth at roughly $186 billion as the year came to an end. 2. Systemic racism is literally killing Black and Latino Americans.

Black and Latino Americans account for almost 40 percent of coronavirus deaths so far, despite comprising less than a quarter of the population. As they’ve borne the brunt of this pandemic, they’ve been forced to fight for their humanity in another regard — taking to the streets across the country to protest decades of unjust police killings of their community members, only to be met with more police violence.

Among Native American communities, the coronavirus figures are even more horrifying. The Navajo Nation has had a higher per-capita infection rate than any state but can’t adequately care for the sick, thanks to years of federal underfunding and neglect of its healthcare system.

Decades of segregated housing, pollution, lack of access to medical care, and poverty have left communities of color vulnerable to the worst of this virus, and the worst of America.

3. If we can afford to bail out corporations and Wall Street, we sure as hell can afford to help people.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell continues to insist we can’t “afford” $2,000 COVID survival checks for Americans. But the latest coronavirus relief legislation doled out over $220 billion to powerful business interests that could instead have been used to help struggling working families.

Another way of looking at it: The total cost of providing those $2,000 checks ($465 billion) is less than half the amount America’s 651 billionaires added to their wealth during the pandemic ($1 trillion).

4. Health care must be made a right in America.

Even before the pandemic, an estimated 28 million Americans lacked health insurance. After it struck, an additional 15 million lost employer-provided coverage because they lost their jobs. Without insurance, a hospital stay to treat COVID-19 cost as much as $73,000. Remember this the next time you hear pundits saying Medicare for All is too radical.

5. Our social safety nets are woefully broken.

No other advanced nation was as unprepared for the pandemic as was the United States. Our unemployment insurance system is over 80 years old, designed for a different America. We’re one of the few countries in the world that doesn’t provide all workers some form of paid sick leave.

Other industrialized nations kept their unemployment rates low by guaranteeing paychecks during the pandemic. But Americans who filed for unemployment benefits often got nothing or received them weeks or months late. Under new legislation they get just $300 a week of extra benefits to tide them over.

6. The Electoral College must be abolished

Biden won 7 million more popular votes than Trump. But Biden’s margin in Arizona, Georgia, and Wisconsin totaled just 45,000. Had Trump won these three states instead, he would have gained 37 more electoral votes, tying Biden in the electoral college. Under the Constitution, this would have pushed the election to the House of Representatives, with each state delegation getting just one vote. Even though Democrats have a majority in the House, more state delegations have Republican majorities. Trump would have been reelected.

The gap between the popular and electoral college vote continues to widen. The Electoral College is an increasingly dangerous anachronism.

7. Government matters.

For decades, conservatives have told us that government is the problem and that we should let the free market run its course. Rubbish. If nothing else, 2020 has shown that the unfettered free market won’t save us. After 40 years of Reaganism, it’s never been clearer: Government is in fact necessary to protect the public.  

It’s tragic that it took a pandemic, near-record unemployment, millions of people taking to the streets, and a near-calamitous election for many to grasp how broken, racist, and backwards our system really is. Biggest lesson of all: It must be fixed.   

Saving Tips for Hard Times

I found this old document where I collected a series of tips to save money. This is all part of my experience of when I was near homeless, and some work depending on where you live, some don’t. Here we go.

BILLS:

1. The optimum temperature for refrigerator operation is 5°C, and -18°C for freezer operation. As a rule of thumb, for each additional degree of refrigeration output about six percent more electricity is used.

2. Unplug your appliances. Lamps, microwave, tv, computers etc. They don't need to be plugged until you use them, and it saves energy to keep them unplugged. Therefore, money.

3. Do homework for phone companies and internet plans. Call them! Often they are toll free and if you mentioned that you were already with them or thinking of going with them and then found out another company had a better deal, they could offer you deals for lower prices. I had to do it all the time for my phone, until they couldn't really offer anything better.

4. BIKE. Invest in a used bike if you can, especially for the warmer months. It offsets the transit costs and better your health.

5. WALK. That's the same as the bike, honestly.

6. Pay your bills on time, you will avoid late fees which can up to HUNDREDS of dollars wasted over the course of a year. If you can, set up automatic payments so you don’t forget.

FRIDGE:

1. Every time the refrigerator door is opened, cold air escapes and warm ambient air enters. To compensate for the temperature increase in its interior, the refrigerator must then use energy to bring the temperature back down. Always avoid opening the door unnecessarily and for too long.

2. When defrosting frozen food place it in the refrigerator. Not only does this ensure that the food is carefully defrosted, its presence cools down the refrigerator interior, reducing the amount of work that the compressor has to do, and therefore lowering energy consumption.

3. Never put warm food in the refrigerator as this will heat up the interior, as well as other stored foods. Hot food should always be allowed to cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator

MONEY:

1. Keep all the containers like glass bottles, juice bottles, jars, cans etc. Look for your Return-It depot and have trips to return them. They give back coins for laundry, small expenses etc

2. Use that junk mail. Go through it, find coupons for food, for essentials like toilet paper or shampoo.

3. CHECK. THAT. DOLLARSTORE. They often have things like pasta, ketchup, toilet paper, batteries etc for literally 1 dollar.  Pasta is pasta, toilet paper is toilet paper. Seriously. Don't need to spend 5$ on a shampoo bottle when you can have it for 1/5 of the price.

4. Do homework and check with different banks for which one offers a better plan. Some of them are willing to help out. Sit down with their advisors, find the best solution!

5. Use the envelope system! For example, one envelope with a label “food” the other with “entertainment” the other with “bills”. Then set the right amount of cash for each. That’s what you’re allowed to spend each month. If you realize you need more for food, grab it from the entertainment envelope. Adapt and arrange as needed.

6. If you can, set up an automatic saving (example 50$ every paycheck) for both regular saving AND an emergency fund.

7. Use the 24-Hour Rule. Avoid purchasing expensive or unnecessary items on impulse with a self-imposed 24-hour rule. For any non-essential item, wait 24 hours before purchasing. It’s perfect for online shopping where your items can simply be added to your cart to purchase later.

8. Make a grocery list BEFORE going to the grocery store and STICK to it. You’re going to avoid buying things you don’t really need.

9. DO. NOT. SHOP. WHILE. YOU. ARE. HUNGRY. Or you’ll end up buying food that you actually don’t need just because you feel snacky!

10. Only use ATMs from your bank, or you get charged small fees.

11. Set a “No Spend Day” per week, where you consciously DO NOT spend any money for that day.

12. Ditch the paper: Cutting out paper towels and using cloths and napkins that you can simply wash and reuse is a simple way to save.

13. After you wear clothes, hang them outside your wardrobe, on a door or something. You can air them out a bit, then stick them in the closet without washing. You can basically reuse the same clothes two or three times without having to wash them, sometimes they just need a bit of air and they won’t smell AT ALL.

14. If you don’t own or want to spend money on an iron, hang whatever blouse you need to iron in the bathroom while you shower. The steam will humidify the fabric and straighten it up.

15. Hang stuff to dry. Really don’t need to spend money on the dryer.

16. Sign up to the library. They have so many books and DVDs nowadays. You can also just go, sit at the library and stay warm for a while, so that you don’t have to sit at home and either suffer the cold or use money on your own heat.

17. Budget, budget, budget. Get a lil notebook, write down the monthly expenses, cut what you don’t need. It gets easier with time.

 FOOD:

1.       Make a meal plan. Write 10-14 days worth of dishes that you can do (lunch, dinner, everything you need). You can then toss them around as you go on with your week, but that way you have a pretty clear idea of what you use and the food you go through for how long. It also reduces the risks of getting take out since you already have plans for what to eat.

2.       Cook double! Seriously. Make that dinner and double it up. Leftovers can be frozen or put in the fridge for the day after.

3.       Meal prep. Once a week, prep a bunch of different recipes. Let them cool down, stick them in the freezer. At that point you’ll already have all these meals at the ready to just thaw/microwave or oven up.

4.       You don’t need pop. You don’t need alcohol. You most likely don’t need milk, but go for it if you wanna. Just remember dairy products go bad WAY more quickly than non dairies, so consider getting food and drinks with no dairy in them. Mainly, though. Water. Just drink water. Lots of it too! Sometimes our brain can’t tell the difference between hunger and thirst. You think you’re snacky? Drink some water instead! It’ll quell your hunger.

5.       Freeze fruit! If you think you’re not gonna be able to eat fruit in time, put it in a Tupperware or a ziplock and slap it in the freezer. You’ll be able to then use it for smoothies.

6.       Use the Italian saying “Colazione da re, pranzo da nobili, cena da poveri.” Which quite literally means “Breakfast as a king, lunch as a noble, dinner as a poor.” Breakfast should be very filling, carbs, protein, vitamins. It carries you for the whole day. Lunch should be quite filling too! But supper doesn’t really need a lot of it, and if you REALLY have to skip a meal, skip supper. Your body doesn’t need that much sustenance while sleeping.

7.       This is for the desperate times but I’ve done it, and I would do it again if I ever had to. Go to markets that have like… Fruits and veggies. Talk to them. Ask them “HEY, can I have the fruit/veggie that you have to throw away?” Ask them if you can have the ugly produce, the one that doesn’t look pretty enough to be put out. Or ask them to have whatever extra they have to dump because is past the expiry date. EXPIRY DATE IS USUALLY MUCH LONGER THAN WHAT THE LABEL SAYS. I wouldn’t risk it with dairy stuff or with things that are VERY expired, but one or two days? Totally fine, I promise. And if you have to? Dumpster Dive. Especially at markets with fruit and veggies that have to be sold on the same day (because it’s not considered “fresh” past that day.) Or behind pizza places like Dominos or Panago or whatever chain. They get pizza orders wrong all the time. Just give a peak behind these buildings and look inside their boxes. You have no idea how many times I found perfectly fine pizzas. For free! IF YOU DUMPSTER DIVE, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE GLOVES, A MASK AND PLASTIC BAGS TO PUT YOUR STUFF IN. ONCE AT HOME, DISCARD GLOVES AND WASH PRODUCE THROUGHLY. Also check tumblr for your divers community, they usually know the best spots.

 CLOTHES:

1.       Thrift shop! So many GOOD used clothes are out there! Honestly! My whole wardrobe is thrifted and everything looks brand new. It takes a bit of research and maybe that shirt you liked is not in your size, but you can find EVERYTHING, from socks to bras, at a thrift store. Don’t thrift underwear though. You want to go new with those.

2.       Invest in some needle and thread, then open youtube. There are SO MANY tutorials that teach you how to mend holes in socks and underwear. And really, no one will really notice if a mend is perfectly done or not. After a week, you’ll forget it too! But that prevents you from throwing away clothes that could just be mended a little.

3.       Something doesn’t fit you? Too small, too big? YouTube, homie. They have tutorials on how to fix these kinda things! All you need, again, is needle and thread.

4.       Organize clothes swaps with friends and/or neighbors. Everyone brings clothes they don’t need, put them in a pile. Go through the pile and grab whatever there is. There’s no money exchange, one could go home with 1 item and one could go home with 50 items. Who cares? The extra stuff… DONATE IT TO A SHELTER.

Feel free to add more, and stay safe!

A Holly, Jolly Crisis (Teaser)

Posting Date: December 18th, 6:00 PM CT (UTC/GMT-05:00)

Creative Contributor: @underthejoon​ for this wonderful banner!

Genre:  Rom-Com / Ex-Childhood Best Friends to Lovers 

Pairing: Hoseok / Reader

Synopsis:  At this time last year, you thought you had it all. A kick-ass screenwriting job for the hottest TV show in LA, an actor boyfriend whose career was taking off and an affordable apartment with not one, but two bathrooms. Fast-forward to now and you’re single, soon-to-be jobless and searching for a way to scrape together January rent. Everything seems to be falling apart, which was why you told your family you weren’t coming home for the holidays. Enter your little sister, Sara, who recently became engaged to her boyfriend, Yoongi and needs you home to celebrate. The biggest problem? Returning home means you’ll be forced to face everything and everyone you left behind, including Yoongi’s best man – and your ex-best friend, Hoseok.

[ PART OF THE ONCE UPON A HOLIDAY COLLABORATION ]

Estimated WC: 37K

Rating: 18+

Preview: 2,455

Dear Y/N Y/L/N,

Thank you for taking the time to send our team your screenplay for One for the Money. It was a pleasure learning about your characters and ideas.

Unfortunately, we did not select your spec script at this time for further consideration.

Not wanting to read the rest of the rejection email, you clicked back to your inbox and moved the message to trash. Releasing a sigh, you slumped in the hard, plastic airport chair beneath you. This had to be your fifteenth rejection email this month, which didn’t bode well for your screenplay’s future.

The screenplay in question was your self-written TV series – One for the Money. You’d been working on it for years and had just begun sending it out to studios. If a screenplay was written outside a studio and shopped around after, it was often called a spec script. This stood for speculative screenplay and you supposed that right now, this was the best descriptor.

A screenplay without a studio was practically nothing. Speculative, indeed.

Glancing up from your phone, you saw the flight’s status on the board had moved from green to red – delayed. Stifling another sigh, you switched apps on your phone to check the weather. Winter storms were sweeping through the Midwest, resulting in a delay of holiday travel. This was precisely the reason you hadn’t wanted to go home this year.

Well, it wasn’t the only reason you were dreading your return to Josen Falls. You hadn’t seen your family in over a year but had still planned on staying in LA for Christmas and New Years. A wrench had been thrown in these plans when your sister, Sara, became engaged to her boyfriend, Yoongi.

Yoongi had only had one request when it came to wedding planning – that they be married in the same church his parents had been, a beautiful venue up north of the city. Of course, the only available date at said church within three years was June 30th. Seven months was practically nothing to plan a wedding, but Sara was determined to make it happen. Hence the need to have you at home.

Don’t get you wrong – of course, you were excited about Sara and Yoongi. You’d been the one who introduced them, after all, through your former best friend. They were perfect together and you were nothing but ecstatic to see your little sister so happy. The only unfortunate part about her life coming together was it happened to come at the same time as yours falling apart.

One year prior, you would’ve said you were on the right path. Things had been going well in nearly every part of your life. Your TV show was about to release its second season, you’d been dating Darren for nearly nine months and had found a reasonably priced one-bedroom apartment in a coveted neighborhood. Everything had been looking up, considering your previous year in LA, where paychecks had been scarce, and you’d been dangerously close to asking your parents for money.

Now, you found yourself back in the same situation. Uncertain where your next paycheck was coming from, recently single and unsure how you were going to make rent next month.

Your coveted Hollywood job had been as a screenwriter for The Drop, a critically acclaimed show which ended abruptly this year after a dispute with the main actor. The third – and final – season was set to air in the new year on Netflix, but after that you’d be out of a job.

Hence the desperate pitch of your spec script to every mainstream television producer with an open inbox. Suffice to say, things were not going well.

This was evidenced by the uncomfortable chair you’d squeezed yourself into at the airport, having been forced to give up your pass to Admirals Club. The cost just couldn’t be justified right now. Forlornly, you stared at the ticket you held in your hand.

It had been nearly a year since you’d last visited home. At first, this hadn’t been a purposeful decision. You’d been swamped at work, preparing for the Golden Globes and seasons one and two of The Drop. Your ex-boyfriend, Darren, had been nominated for an Oscar last year, resulting in a lot of holiday parties to attend.

Last year had simply been too busy to come, but all that had changed in just a few months. It all started in March, when contract negotiations stalled with your leading actor, Tory River. Tory fancied himself a method actor, so when you refused to pay him the GDP of a small country, he decided to walk. Without him, the studio had to scrap the show. Better to leave things at three solid seasons than add a lukewarm fourth without the star.

You were told in May the third season would be the last and were highly encouraged to apply to other shows. Nothing had panned out from there and then, at the end of the summer, you were dealt another blow.

You should’ve known things were bad when Darren, your ex-boyfriend, called you himself instead of Molly, his assistant.

When you first met Darren Carmichael in LA, he was a struggling actor from Des Moines, Iowa. The Darren of September 2020 was no longer the Darren of early 2019, though – he’d long ditched the Midwest accent in favor of designer shades and loafers. High off an Oscar nomination and with job offers rolling in, you should’ve suspected something was wrong from the genuine contriteness to his tone.

The first thing he said to you was, “Did you pass a newsstand today?”

At first, you’d been baffled since no one walked past newsstands anymore. Logging into Twitter, you immediately saw why your boyfriend had been worried.

DARREN CARMICHAEL AND CO-STAR, JESSICA AVEC, CAUGHT CANOODLING ON SET OF RECENT MOVIE!

Frozen in place, you’d barely listened while he pleaded his case. Instead, you scanned the article and felt your emotions deaden with each word you read. Darren and Jessica had been caught making out when no cameras were rolling. You were only mentioned as a footnote, and not even by name.

Darren was previously dating a screenwriter in LA, although this seems to have ended several weeks prior.

You had wanted to scream at that point, wanted to call up the author and berate them for proper sources, but you didn’t do any of that. Instead, you sat eerily still while Darren yammered on and on about why he’d done what he’d done.

That had been the worst part. He hadn’t apologized – not really. Instead, he’d gone on about how hard it had been for him to be away, surrounded and worshiped by more available people. You had your career, he’d argued. You had other things, you didn’t need him and what he felt for Jessica seemed like the real thing.

Darren thought you should break up so he could begin dating her.

Numbly, you’d hung up the phone and blocked his number. That had been nearly three months ago at this point, but the sting of the breakup remained.

It wasn’t as though Darren had changed overnight. When you’d first met, he had been the super-cute barista at your favorite coffee shop. You two had bonded over being unable to find appropriately caffeinated beverages in LA and the rest, as they say, was history.

Then Darren landed a role as a recurring character on a popular Netflix show. What seemed like overnight, he became America’s heartthrob. Still, Darren had remained mostly the same at first. He went to work every morning, came home in the evenings and you continued to attend the same parties, run in the same circles.

Soon though, Darren was invited to more exclusive gatherings and slowly, his invitations transitioned from “Darren plus date” to “Darren.” You hadn’t protested at the time, not overly interested in canapés and pretentious conversation. The time you did spend together dwindled, going from Facetiming each night on his movie set to a harried phone call every other day.

Maybe you should’ve been more suspicious. Looking back on it now, the warning signs were all there, but you’d been too busy with work and worried about your show’s future. Darren had been distant and withdrawn, but you’d been okay because you’d been distant, too.

After you blocked his number, you’d kicked him out of your apartment. Packing everything he owned in boxes, you’d set these on the lawn and firmly shut the door. It was unfortunate that it rained before he could pick them up, but that couldn’t be helped. You refused to see him again – you even went so far as to have your assistant, Jimin, pick up Darren’s keys.

Jimin had done so gleefully, perhaps too gleefully, but that couldn’t be helped. Darren had tried to contact you a couple more times, but eventually he got the hint and the last you’d looked, he seemed blissfully happy with his vapid co-star.

Gritting your teeth, you exhaled. That wasn’t fair – you had no idea what Darren had told Jessica about you. For all you knew, she could’ve thought you’d been broken up.

Regardless, things had gone steadily downhill for you the past year. Single, nearly unemployed and running low on your savings, you could easily call this a low point in your life. Worst of all was your family didn’t know the true extent of it.

They knew you’d broken up with Darren, of course – that had been front page news for the nation. They also knew your TV series had ended, but they had no idea you were struggling as much as you were. Each time they called, you meant to tell them, but something managed to choke you every time.

Maybe it was that your mom was so excited about Sara’s wedding. Or maybe it was how diligently your dad had watched The Drop. Admitting you didn’t have a next step felt like defeat, so you’d purposefully kept things brief until you had something to tell.

The problem was none of your next steps seemed to be panning out. Again, your mind wandered to the rejection email in your trash.

“Excuse me? Are you Y/N Y/L/N?”

Blinking, you looked up and felt your heart sink.

The guy standing before you looked around college-age, dressed in a MORDOR FUN RUN t-shirt and wire-rimmed glasses. Clutching his laptop, he looked at you hopefully and you felt your heart sink even further. He had to be a film nerd.

“Um, yeah,” you said, trying to smile. “That’s me.”

This had happened to you a few times before. Even if you weren’t an actress, your name appeared at the end of every episode of The Drop. It hadn’t taken long for starry-eyed screenwriting ingénues to find you on Instagram.

Usually, you were patient in your responses, giving them as much advice as you could without being discouraging, but Lord of the Rings here had caught you on a bad night.

“No way!” he gushed, grinning widely. “I’m such a big fan of your writing. I swear, I’ve memorized the entire first season of The Drop.”

“Not the second, though?”

His face fell. “No, well – I, it’s a long series and…”

“I’m kidding,” you said with a smile. “That’s really nice.”

“I want to be a screenwriter myself, someday,” he said, shoving his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “I’m in a program at UCLA and am searching for a summer internship. Any advice for someone who’s just starting out?”

Hesitant, you looked him up and down and wondered how honest to be. He seemed nice, looked hopeful and you were one hundred percent sure the industry would crush him.

“You want some advice?” you said as you stood from your seat. The light on the departures board had changed from red to green.

Eagerly, the guy nodded.

“Alright, here it is.” Slinging your bag over your chest, you said, “Don’t be a writer.”

The guy’s expression faltered. “What?”

“Don’t be a writer,” you said. “Screenwriting is one of the most fickle, unforgiving jobs in existence. Job security? None. Creativity? Only as much as shareholders allow. The industry will eat you up, spit you out and no one will give a damn. The glamorous profession you’ve dreamt of doesn’t exist. The best advice I can give you is run the other way.”

The guy stared at you, wide-eyed and for a moment, you felt a modicum of pity. Brushing this aside, you steeled your spine – better for him to find out now, while he could still change his major to something stable, like accounting.

“I, uh…” He paused, and then swallowed. “Thanks, I guess?”

“No problem,” you said, brushing past him as group numbers began to be called. At the last second, you turned around. “Best of luck in whatever you decide, though. Happy holidays, and all that.”

“Happy holidays,” he mumbled, in a daze.

As you entered the line, you bit down on your lip and began to regret your outburst. Some of your bitterness was based on your own experience; maybe his would be different. The guy had seemed excited and you’d just crushed his dreams.

Narrowing your gaze, you straightened. It would’ve happened to him sooner or later; of that you were certain. Better to warn him now than for him to learn it the hard way. You only wished someone had been kind enough to tell you this years ago.

Actually – a sliver of discomfort entered your thoughts, since someone had told you this last year. Someone had warned you about Darren, about your job and LA, but you’d chosen not to listen. Instead, you’d let your friendship crumble and hadn’t spoken to them since.

Just another reason going home for the holidays was going to suck. Going home meant you’d be forced to see Yoongi’s friends, which meant you’d be forced to see Hoseok. Yoongi and Hoseok were close, after all – they’d become friends in college, which was when Yoongi had been introduced to Sara.

It had been nearly a year now since you and Hoseok last spoke, despite having once considered him to be your best friend.

So, there it was. Reason six hundred and sixty-six why the holidays would suck. You were single, jobless and facing the imminent prospect of two weeks with people who either had their shit together or were a constant reminder of why you did not.

As you boarded the plane and settled into your seat, you pulled out your headphones and cranked up the volume. If you weren’t feeling particularly Christmas-y, you could at least try to numb the pain with alcohol and music.

Starting now, you decided, as you closed your eyes. Happy holidays, indeed.

[ TO BE CONTINUED ] 

© kpopfanfictrash, 2020. Do not copy or repost without permission. 

Financial Planning for Freelancers

Being a freelancer comes with many perks - flexibility, independence, and the ability to work on your own terms. However, it also comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to financial planning. Without the stability of a regular paycheck, freelancers need to be proactive in managing their finances to ensure a secure future. 1. Create a Budget The first step in financial planning for freelancers is to create a budget. This will help you understand your income and expenses, and allow you to make informed decisions about your spending habits. Start by tracking your income and categorizing your expenses into fixed (rent, utilities) and variable (groceries, entertainment) costs. Once you have a clear picture of your finances, set realistic goals for saving and spending. Allocate a portion of your income for taxes, emergency fund, retirement savings, and business expenses. Remember to review and adjust your budget regularly as your income and expenses may fluctuate. 2. Separate Personal and Business Finances One common mistake freelancers make is mixing personal and business finances. This can make it difficult to track your income and expenses accurately, and can lead to tax complications. Open a separate bank account for your business and use it exclusively for your freelance income and expenses. Having a dedicated business account will not only simplify your financial record-keeping but also provide a clear distinction between your personal and business finances. This will make it easier to calculate your business expenses and claim deductions when filing your taxes. 3. Build an Emergency Fund As a freelancer, your income can be unpredictable. It's crucial to have an emergency fund to fall back on during lean months or unexpected expenses. Aim to save at least three to six months' worth of living expenses in a separate savings account. Having an emergency fund will provide you with peace of mind and protect you from financial hardships. Treat it as a non-negotiable expense and contribute to it regularly, even if it's a small amount. Remember, it's better to be prepared for the unexpected than to be caught off guard. 4. Plan for Taxes Freelancers are responsible for paying their own taxes, including income tax and self-employment tax. It's essential to set aside a portion of your income for taxes throughout the year, rather than being hit with a large tax bill at the end. Consult with a tax professional or use accounting software to estimate your tax liability and make quarterly tax payments. Keeping accurate records of your income and expenses will make it easier to file your taxes and claim deductions. 5. Save for Retirement As a freelancer, you don't have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan like a 401(k). However, that doesn't mean you should neglect saving for retirement. Look into individual retirement accounts (IRAs) or other retirement savings options available to self-employed individuals. Start contributing to a retirement account as early as possible to take advantage of compound interest. Even small contributions can add up over time and provide you with a comfortable retirement. 6. Get Insurance Coverage While freelancing offers flexibility, it also means you don't have the safety net of employer-provided benefits. It's crucial to have insurance coverage to protect yourself and your business. Consider obtaining health insurance, disability insurance, and liability insurance to safeguard against unexpected events. Research different insurance options and choose the ones that best suit your needs and budget. Insurance may seem like an additional expense, but it can save you from significant financial burdens in the long run. 7. Diversify Your Income Relying solely on one client or one source of income can be risky for freelancers. It's important to diversify your income streams to reduce dependence on a single source. Look for opportunities to expand your client base, offer additional services, or explore passive income streams. Diversifying your income not only provides financial stability but also opens up new opportunities for growth and professional development. Financial planning is essential for freelancers to navigate the unique challenges that come with freelancing. By creating a budget, separating personal and business finances, building an emergency fund, planning for taxes, saving for retirement, getting insurance coverage, and diversifying your income, you can set yourself up for a secure and prosperous future as a freelancer. Read the full article

Hi, I am very interested in being a flight attendent and I've seen your post about the positives, but do you have any negitives?

Oh, loads. You will never sleep. I mean never. My first year i think i averaged 4 hours a night and that was a good night. You will get sick a lot. You're coming into contact with tons of new germs everyday, you're in 3 different climates a day, the plane's dehydrated air will mess with you, plus as previously stated you're not getting enough sleep. You'll be spending so much money on food. More than you expect. And mostly on airport or hotel restaurant food, which is already more expensive. And if you're commuting like i did, expect to also spend a lot of money on hotels. Actually if you're planning to commute (which is 100% doable, i did it for my first 1.5 years, and i know people who do it their whole lives) then expect to blow at least $200 a month on commuting costs (hotels, rental cars, more food etc)--probably more if you have a crashpad. The airlines will tell you not to expect to make a lot of money, and if you're coming from minimum wage, toeing the poverty line like i was, then you'll probably laugh them off. This is the highest paying job I've ever had. But it also costs a lot of money, especially that first year before you get the hang of things. The clothes you wear for your interview, the clothes you wear to groundschool, transportation to and from your airport, food that lasts you through your reserve period (which can mean up to 6 days away from home if you're commuting, and 6 days of airport food adds up fast), all of that costs money. It took me about 6 months to really level out so i wasn't hemorrhaging my paycheck just trying to feed myself and get to/from work. And that's another thing: this job will take over your life. That first year at least there will be no such thing as work/life balance. You will eat, sleep and breathe airports and hotels. What little time you are home will be spent in a cloud of exhaustion and doing laundry, and then you'll hit the skies again. You will miss out on things. You will miss birthdays, holidays, anniversaries. My friend missed the christening of her goddaughter. I know several who have missed seeing their kids walk, say their first words, grow up. Again, after a while, you start to get the hang of things. You learn how to work the system and get the days you want off. You gain more control over your schedule. But this job has a high turn around rate for a reason. A lot of people realize within the first 2 years that it's not for them. The airlines, of course, are the biggest problem. They ask too much and give too little. I love flight crew culture, which really did give me support and help when i needed it. I can't tell you how many flight attendants have upgraded me without a word, or how many gate agents got me on the last flight home so i wouldn't have to sleep in the airport, or how many pilots gave up their passenger seat and took the jumpseat so i could get on the flight. But the airlines themselves care about one thing only--making money--and they will try to convince you otherwise, but that's the truth. You'll be a cog in a machine that cares very little for people, and that will be the worst part. Make sure you study up on them, because not every airline is equal and you really don't want to get trapped in a company that will treat you like dirt.

You worked at joanns? 😍 dream job

In all fairness, a large part (and I do mean a LARGE part) of why I enjoyed working at Joanns were the managers.

The store manager was a guy named Richard, one of maybe two or three men who worked there total, and this man was practically a saint as far as retail goes.

This was a man who would, with no hesitation, get on the floor to help customers, or hop on the registers to check customers' purchases out, or pop on to the cutting counter to cut fabric. He remembered the names of regulars, would chat and smile while getting shit done, and was the type of guy to speak slowly and softly when we had shitstains explode at us measly peons for not giving them the full cost of an item back in a return (ex $200) when they used a coupon to purchase an item to begin with and only paid a portion of the cost (ex. $150). No joke, this actually happened to me on Black Friday with a man who stood at about 6 foot with a crewcut and a snarl (the military Karen, if you would)

Richard, of course, stood at about 6 foot 5 inches, and reminded me of a ginger grizzly bear in some ways. Very few customers continued to be assholes when they asked to speak to the manager and Richard came over, smiling wide. He encouraged us to chat with the customers while we worked the cutting counter - it was a good way to learn about what they were making, encouraged general conversation and lent itself to a better environment for everyone, worker and customer alike, so we weren't just awkwardly standing in silence the whole time.

The assistant store manager (aka his second in command - we had two other assistant managers, but she wielded more power than both of them) was Farrah, and she was basically Cool Wine Aunt, but with weed. She was open about smoking it (but not in a pressure-the-underlings kind of way, but more of a 'yeah, it calms me down' kind of way) but never on the clock, and was just really chill in general. She was also a 'jump on the registers' type of manager, and on occasion would take the closing staff out to get a drink from the texmex place next to us in the shopping center, and cover one for each of us - particularly during the Holiday Clusterfuck of October, November, and December (their Frozen Kahlua Mudlslide was my alcoholic drink of choice - they also had these spicy chicken strips that were amazing with it, but I digress).

Both of them were amazing people who would support and back us up without hesitation (if they weren't dealing with corporate or stock trucks coming in), and both routinely worked 15 to 20 hours UNPAID overtime during the Holiday Clusterfuck so that we the underlings could get more hours without Corporate jumping up our ass about going over budget.

They were also refreshingly upfront in our monthly meetings about profits and meeting them, as well as why company policy was the way it was, and how to work within the boundaries so we got more hours. One of my favorite moments was when they said the fabric sales essentially covered their own cost (production and delivery); the rest of the cheap crap in the store was what covered our paycheck and electricity, so hawk it as much as you can if you want extra in the bank (paraphrasing here, but that's not that far off what they actually said tbh).

With some Karen-y exceptions, the customers were honestly pretty chill. There were two women from a nearby church who bought well over 200 yards of cut fleece to make no-sew fleece blankets for children and the poor in December (it took forever to do, but they were so cheerful about it and told some funny anecdotes in between, kept the counter clear as soon as they were cut, etc. Took them three carts to haul everything to the register XD).

There was the slew of quilters making everything from baby blankets to anniversary gifts to quilts for their grandkids attending the local university that they could wear to football games in the colder weather, while still showing team pride. They always bought quarters and eighths and the end of the bolt for half price, digging thru our remnants bin for something they might have missed they could get for half price. They always talked about what they were working on, and spoke in great detail on their kids or cousins or niblings or grandkids. I saw so many pictures on phones, in wallets, and they loved them to absolute pieces.

There were cosplayers making their first costume to comicon, halloween goers trying their hand at making their own outfits, and a few furries making custom suits for order or just updating their own personal outfit. There were the usual school and church Christmas plays that needed costumes, and folks making custom table runners and place settings for family holiday meals.

One notable young man bought out 30+ yards of our 65" inch wide bolt felt for JEWELRY projects he was making as a part of his business and as a part of his art program (you can major in art with a concentration in jewelry making, and he was using it for that). He didn't leave a card, but the pictures he showed us were STUNNING.

We had a few elderly mothers come in with their daughters, to pick out fabrics so they could make their own wedding dresses, or quinceanera outfits, or veils; they showed us the patterns they had, or the pictures they were basing the designs off of, and all of them were STUNNING. (One came back in with the finished dress in the bag, this intricately beaded poofy dress that had to have taken days, hot pink and shiny).

We had local restaurant owners pop in for re-upholstery projects and curtains and vinyl; same with teachers and deck dads and furniture restoration workers that would gush about the design, what they had planned. Some would bicker with their spouses on the pattern, but it felt good-natured on the whole.

We had some elderly men come in to peer over our sewing machines - "How much it run for? My wife's birthday is coming up and her old machine's about done, and I want to surprise her. She had a Singer, but she hates the electronic screens on some of these newer ones, they hurt her eyes." - and moms coming in to sew some custom bed sheets for their kids - "My son really likes the new My Little Pony show, but he's a little shy about it. Do you think the blue's okay? Only he like yellow more, but they don't have any back there and he doesn't MIND blue really but - Actually scratch that, how wide is the fabric? My pattern says it needs to be at LEAST 22 inches wide, does it say on the box?" - and people coming up with some WILD craft ideas that were always a delight to hear them gush about - "So this MAY seem crazy, but I can turn these plastic pumpkin trick-or-treat pails into SNOWMEN heads with felt like this. We fill them with treats for the kids since we don't have a fireplace and they like it fine, but someone said I should sell these on Etsy and people really like them! But I've run out of pumpkins, and you have NO idea how happy I am that you guys still have some left."

The group we had to work with was also pretty crafty; a few were chronic call-outs, some a bit lazy, some perpetually done-with-this-nonsense, but we were mostly on the same page on shift, and all of us were crafty as heck. The employee discount was a blessing AND a curse, lemme tell you.

Stock was the best part, for me. Hours before the store opened at 9 AM, we would rip open the boxes and stuff everything onto the shelves, organizing anything the closing shift missed the night before along the way, updating new stickers or shuffling pegs over for new product arrangement, etc. We could listen to music or podcasts as we worked, and I ended up impressing some of them bc of how fast I tore through everything some mornings (the music definitely helped out there).

I was actually about to be promoted to assistant manager after 6 months, but then I got my job with the university, and they had federal health benefits AND dental, so... yeah, no contest there. Richard actually laughed when I told him I'd been hired at the university and was giving my two week notice, since it meant he didn't have to do the slew of paperwork that accompanied new assistant manager hires. He congratulated me on the job, especially the health benefits - he said that was a perk worth leaving any job here for. I nearly cried with relief that he wasn't mad.

He and Farrah chipped in and got me a small music box that plays Man of La Mancha's Dream the Impossible Dream on my last day. It still sits on my desk at work.

It was honestly my favorite retail job out of the bunch I've suffered through. Surprising at first, since I initially received a rejection email bare HOURS after my interview with Farrah, but about a month later (as I trawled endlessly through interview after interview, desperate for anything those first few months ), I got a call back from them asking if I was still interested (which I was, bc hey a job!). They remembered me specifically bc I had missed my bus to the interview, called ahead to let them know I would be late, then walked the whole way there in the rain to get there. (It was only about a mile and a half away, so not a terrible journey, but flooding is an issue in our flat-ass city; I looked like a drenched afghan hound holding a useless umbrella, so enjoy that imagery).

They were particularly impressed by the calling-ahead part.

Unfortunately, both of them ended up moving on to different paths over the year after I left - apparently they had been friends with benefits (? I say hesitantly, since I ran into one of my coworkers at an art show later on and she spilled the beans there - she was a bit flighty in nature though, and got caught up in gossip a LOT, so who knows. Lovely brocade custom projects though), and his ex girlfriend had called corporate on them and got both fired.

I think Farrah came back some time later, but the damage was done after that - the new manager came in and operated SOLELY to corporate policy. A LOT went to pieces in terms of store cleanliness, order, and general camaraderie after that - the new fabric counter folks look and sound dead inside, and barely interact with customers (not even a 'whatcha making' in passing, which is kind of sad - the stories I got helped to pass the time, and kept me from using up all of my Set Conversation Phrases for customers that actually WOULD leave us standing in silence). Corporate also stopped some of the smaller store policies that made our job easier and gave the customers a little something extra (the 'end-of-the-bolt' discount - if, after the customer orders say, 2 yards of fabric on the bolt, and there's say, a half yard "remnant" left on the bolt, we can sell them the remnant for half-price. A LOT of quilters LOVED this, and we did too, since it saved us from filling out the remnant tag and printing a sticker later on).

Just goes to show how important good management is in a business; especially when it can kick a store previously part of the top 50 stores in the NATION (while being a medium store at that - smaller place, NOT Hobby Lobby size like the Large stores) to something much less pleasant. I could be rose-goggling the situation thought - retail is still retail, no matter how nice some aspects are - but it still sticks with me as to how good he experience was even taking into account that it WAS minimum wage retail.

Food for thought, lads, food for thought.

OC Masterlist

In order to help me to get back into writing, I thought it would be a good idea to write down a list with brief little tidbits on my OCs!

Nearly a month later and it’s done. I’m real bad at this, aren’t I? XD It’s a little messy and not good, and took faaaar too long, but it’s here. If y’all have any questions I’ll be more than happy to answer some.

Constantine Aurelius

23  

Male

6′2

Dark golden brown hair with dark violet eyes

Bisexual

Connie is, by and large, a simple man looking for a simple life. While it may vary depending on the AU, Connie is typically a quiet, warm hearted man who spends his time reading books, spending time with his few close friends, or composing music. An avid fan of John Williams, he seeks to, perhaps one day, create works worthy of his heroes legacy. All the while looking for a special someone (or someone's) to spend his days with

Annabella Aurelius

25

Female

5’8

Shoulder length dirty blonde hair with lilac eyes (essentially lighter colors than Connie)

Bisexual

There are many similarities between Anna and her younger brother. A quiet, introverted demeanor, similar interests, fashion sense, and even birth month (November 20th to his November 5th). If it wasn’t for the differences in eye and hair color, many people would’ve considered them to be twins. However, if one to look more closely, the differences would begin to appear. While Connie can be more laid back, Anna is more driven, and focused. Not stopping until she achieves her goal. And, depending on the AU, at whatever the cost. Typically a geneticist, she is determined to leave her mark on the world, one way or the other.

Kane/Freya Tuchavesky

25

Female

6’0

Upper back length golden blonde hair with deep blue eyes.

Pansexual (More rather, if you have a pulse and within an acceptable age range, she’ll fuck you)

Kane is a broken soul reforged in blood and violence. After witnessing the murder of her parents at a very young age and a few, terrible years, in the “care” of a dark and shadowy organization, Freya ran away and never looked back. Quickly turning to crime, she evolved into the red coated psychopath as she stole, killed, and (when she reached a certain age) fucked her way out of the gutters and into a position of power. Now she is a mob boss of considerable power, running various businesses both legit and otherwise, while plotting to take her revenge on the world that wronged her. But it didn’t have to be this way… Freya’s parents could have lived. She could have grown into a cheerful ray of sunshine that brought joy and comfort to the lives of all she interacted with. If only…

Trinity

24

Female

6’4

Close cropped dark grey hair with green eyes

Bisexual

Trinity has no memory of her former life. It has been wiped clean from her mind. Along with all of her emotions. Named after the world's first atomic bomb, she is a weapon, genetically overhauled and implanted with a small supercomputer to be the world’s most lethal killing machine. The final touches were being made to make her a mindless slave… when the accident happened. Trin never saw what the cause of it was… she only heard the maniacal laughter. Now, she’s a freelance mercenary, using her superhuman skills to get her next paycheck and keep ahead of her makers. Always wondering if there’s anything more to life than death and violence.

Tal’runa

??? (True birth date unknown, estimated to be at least 10 million years old)

Female

8’5

Ear length raven black hair with dark crimson eyes

Bisexual

Amongst the mortal realms, there is no deity more respected than the Goddess of Knowledge, Justice, and Death. Even if the death itself may seem grossly unfair, a great many are mollified knowing that they will get the afterlife they deserve under her stern yet fair gaze. To many of the pantheon, however, she is an object of mystery and, in some cases, fear. Tal was not born or made like the others, she was found. Simply floating amid the void between the stars, she was brought in and raised as one of the god’s own. It readily became apparent that she was different from the others, powerful even at her “young” age. It only grew as she did, along with an increasingly cold and aloof manner that pushed many away, including her closest friend, the Goddess of Life. Only time will tell what designs Death has in store.

Kai’borzo

12 million years 

Female

9’2

Close cut (pixie?) dark brown hair with amber eyes

Pansexual 

The Goddess of Life and Love, Kai has always been a warm and gentle soul, even when she was young. She was one of the few that befriended Tal'runa when the latter was adopted, and, despite the antagonism caused by the mantle of their respective roles, Kai still holds some affection for the Goddess of Death. While seemingly laid back and even decadent at times (the orgies she holds with her acolytes can and have reached legendary proportions) she takes her role very seriously, tending to all life with the care of a master gardener. And woe betide those who dare defile her domain, for her deep love can be matched by an equally deep anger...

Zhilova Maximovna

10,000+ years

Female

12 ft

Neck length black hair with dark green eyes.

Bisexual 

Zhilova is a Primarch, a genetically engineered transhuman created by the Emperor of Man to help Him in the Great Crusade. (Before you ask, yes, this is a 40k thing) Master of the 2nd Space Marine Legion, the Crimson Eagles, she led them throughout the Great Crusade… until their disappearance before the Horus Heresy. Now, over 10,000 years later, after the fall of Cadia and the Great Rift split the galaxy in two, they have returned, Zhilova still at their head. Whether or not she means good or ill for the Imperium remains to be seen.

missing linc // chapter one

pairing: ceo!steve x reader

word count: 2670

series summary:  you are a college student working at a daycare full time during your summer break, and you have grown especially fond of one of the toddlers in your class, lincoln rogers. you are certainly not expecting to develop such a huge crush on his dad steve when you meet him for the first time, but you can’t help but be attracted to the businessman– despite the fact that he’s married. however, as intelligent and mature as steve comes across, he has a few secrets behind his marriage- one in particular he may never be able to make up for.

series themes: romance, drama, age gap, infidelity, smut in later chapters

chapter summary: reader meets steve rogers for the first time.

taglist: @viarogers , @evanstush , @chibi-crazy , @chalamet-evans , @world-of-losers , @songforhema, @sebabestianstan101 , @tanyam93 , @bval-1, @wonderwinchester , @little-miss-exo, @poerebel , @pining-and-tired , @gogomez-509 , @patzammit, @a-distantdreamer, @malthestorytellerblog, @rainbowkisses31, @jbug491writinghelp, @quaiderade, @melannie77, @gigistorm, @lille-kattunge, @teller258316, @rohaintahquil, @deidrashouseofpain, @firstangeldragonranch, @peach-acid, @allsortsofinterests, @xoxabs88xox, @honeyloverogers, @capsiclesdoll, @qrndevans, @mcueveryday, @drkstrangeson

note: tbh this is inspired from my real life job at a daycare except the only difference is that nothing has happened yet from my crush on a hot dad but heY who knows what the future holds!!! 

** please send an ask if you would like to be added to the taglist! also shoutout to @thewritingdoll for the graphic!

You exhaled loudly as you finally got a moment to relax, one of the program support staff of the daycare currently covering for you so you could go to the bathroom. 

You absolutely loved working with kids and were striving to be in the field of developmental psychology one day-- but for now, while you were still working on your bachelor’s degree, working at a daycare where you could at least observe and work with kids and their development would have to do. You loved every second of it, but it was certainly exhausting taking care of eighteen toddlers. Thankfully, you had the help of other toddler teachers; there was no way you could have done it yourself.

You had only just recently switched to working full days; now that it was summer vacation, you could work from 9 to 6 as a closer rather than only going for a few hours here and there before or after your classes. It was your third day of working full time, and while it was a lot, you were still happy with the job. 

You felt especially attached to one of your toddlers. Lincoln Rogers, or more commonly referred to as Linc, was a bright, happy, and cheeky boy, and although he had his naughty moments, he just had so much personality you could not help but be in love. He seemed to be especially fond of you too, constantly following you around, liking to cling to you, and even crying when you left for your lunch break.

He had blonde hair, shining blue eyes, and was quite big for being only eighteen months old; he practically looked like a two-year-old already, what with his head full of hair and his adorable clothes. He often wore cute little polos and colored shorts or cool, dark “jeans”, only of course, made more comfortable than actual denim in order to better suit a child. 

You had only ever seen his mother, Tiana, drop him off and pick him up, and based on her appearance, it seemed like the boy had inherited a majority of his looks from his father. She had chestnut brown hair and matching eyes, and was on the more petite side compared to her son who was probably in the 95th percentile for his height. She seemed nice enough, always polite with you and thanking you for taking care of him, but you could see that she always seemed so tired, so stressed. Was it work? Personal problems? Did it have to do with why Dad was never picking up? For obvious reasons, you could not ask these things, but being so attached to Linc, you wish you knew just to satisfy your intrusive curiosity. 

It had been about a week into your new schedule when you would finally meet Dad, and the day of, before you even knew anything about it, the staff was absolutely buzzing. When your co-teacher, Stephanie, walked into the room that morning wearing a slightly low cut shirt, you glanced at her chest before looking to her, eyebrow raised in amusement. “What?” she asked defensively, giggling. “Yesterday at pick up, Linc’s mom said that Dad is dropping off this morning. I know you haven’t met this man yet, but trust me, he is gorgeous.” You were immediately intrigued. Not because of his apparent good looks (okay, maybe slightly because of his apparent good looks), but because you would finally be able to place a face to the father figure in Linc’s life, the little boy who you practically saw as your own baby. In as non-creepy of a way as possible. “What’s he like?” you asked curiously, simultaneously keeping your eye on the few children in the room that had been dropped off early. “He’s only a literal God,” another teacher scoffed as she walked in, having overheard your question. “We are talking about Steve, right?”

“Brittany, you’re not even a toddler teacher,” you said to her with an amused laugh, arching an eyebrow. “What are you doing in this room and why are you on a first name basis with his dad?” 

“Leanna is with the preschoolers, I don’t need to be there too!” she defended herself playfully before fanning herself in an exaggerated lustful gesture. “Before you worked here, I would help out in the toddler room sometimes. I only knew Tiana then, but she asked if I could babysit this one time. When I went over, I met Steve- they were both getting ready to go on a date or something. And Y/N, let me tell you,” she paused, letting out a whistle, “this man is beautiful. Linc’s a little replica of him- the blond hair, blue eyes, and he’s so tall. Probably slightly over six feet.” You listened in awe, cocking your head. “How come he never usually drops him off or picks him up?”

“He’s a CEO,” Stephanie answered, sighing dreamily. “So as you can imagine, he’s pretty busy. Meetings, calls, traveling all the time-- I guess he happens to be in town now. And you can bet he’s going to walk in here in a suit and tie, one that probably costs more than all my past paychecks put together.” 

You looked down at your own outfit, consisting of a tee from the college you attended and leggings. Because it was a daycare job, it was not really necessary to dress up considering you had babies spitting up on you or smearing dirt on you when they went in for hugs. Still, you found yourself suddenly feeling a little self-conscious, even though you knew that was ridiculous. “He travels a lot?” you asked, trying to distract yourself from your simple wardrobe. “So I guess Linc doesn’t get to see him too often, then?” Such a thought seemed sad. 

“Oh, no. That man loves his son way too much. Even if he’s all the way in London or Tokyo, he flies back for the weekend just to be able to see his family. Even though Linc doesn’t see him as much as Mom, you should see the bond they have.” Brittany sighed, shaking her head adoringly. “God, it’s so hot when a man knows how to be a father.” 

“I need him to be my daddy,” Stephanie commented, and you laughed loudly, playfully nudging her. “There are innocent children in here, would you chill?” She laughed too, going over to scoop one of the girls up, bouncing her and making her laugh. “It’s okay, they don’t understand yet!” 

You were about to ask Brittany what Steve’s relationship with Tiana was like, just out of curiosity, but then another parent came in the classroom. Turning to greet him and his son, you couldn’t help but feel impatient and excited, wanting to finally be able to meet Linc’s dad.

It was nearly 10:15 AM and still no sign of Linc; all the kids were generally dropped off by 9:30, considering that most parents had to go straight to work after, and you wondered if he would be coming at all today seeing that he was normally there before you even came in for your shift.

You were standing by the baby slide outside, supervising the kids playing on it when the door to the playground opened. As you looked up to see who it was, your breath was practically taken away. 

He was just as Brittany described. Tall, blond, piercing eyes-- you could not see them up close just yet, but they already looked pretty. He was carrying Linc in one arm and you could see the shocking resemblance between the two, their facial features practically identical let alone the hair and eyes. Linc was generally a pretty happy child, but he looked even more ecstatic now, practically glowing as he bounced around in his father’s hold. You were incredibly confused at how such a scene could be so painstakingly adorable and so sinfully sexy at the same time. Brittany was right, a man who could be a father was hot, and his looks definitely helped too. Stephanie had also been correct; he was adorned in a very expensive looking suit, matched with a blue tie that complemented his pacific hues. 

“Hi, Steve!” Stephanie greeted, and you watched her come over to him with a wide smile on her face. “Hey there, Linc! Look at you, you happy little man! Are you happy that Daddy’s back in town?” You chuckled as you watched; she was not being over-the-top simply for Steve, she was always this happy and playful around the children and you respected her for not letting this bizarrely gorgeous man disrupt that. “Hey there, Miss Stephanie.” Steve greeted in return, and you bit your lip from hearing his deep voice, wondering if this man had any flaws. “Sorry we’re late. I took the morning off today to spend some quality time with the little man. I should have let you guys know,” he apologized, eyes now scanning for the other teacher, then blinked as he saw you. “Oh, hi there. Are you new?” he asked with a charming smile, and you forced yourself to get it together.

“Yes, hi!” You walked over, though still making sure the children were in your periphery. “I’m Miss Y/N, I’ve actually been working part time here for a while but I just recently switched to full time.” You explained, then smiled as you reached out to playfully poke Linc’s cheek. “And I absolutely love this little guy! He’s such a sweetheart.”

Linc immediately giggled upon seeing you, suddenly reaching his arms out towards you. Steve blinked before chuckling intrigued, cocking his head. “Wow. I rarely see him do that with anyone. You already ready to leave Daddy for Miss Y/N, huh, tiger?” he asked him playfully, mocking offense. He handed him to you, handsome smile still gracing his lips. “He must really like you. Though I’m not surprised, he always likes the pretty girls.” 

He said it so casually, your shocked brain could not even fully process that it was a flirtation-- he was already looking back towards Stephanie as if his comment was a perfectly natural thing to say in conversation with someone he had just met. “I’ll come pick him up too, I’ll probably be here around 5:30.” Looking back at you and him, he smiled and leaned down, kissing his son’s head. He was so close you could smell his cologne, even his minty breath. “I love you,” he spoke in a deep rumble, and your heart practically sighed. “Be good, kiddo. Don’t drive these ladies too crazy.” He straightened up again before winking at you, then turned around to head back inside. 

You were standing there still in shock, but when you heard a whimper slowly sound from Linc’s throat upon seeing his father was gone, you snapped back to reality. “Shhh,” you comforted him, running your fingers through his blonde locks. “He said he’s coming to pick you up tonight! You’ll see him before you know it, okay?” The little boy sniffled and buried his face in your neck, hugging you tightly. 

“Um, so, is he like that with everyone?” you asked Stephanie in reference to Steve, turning to her still a little bit in disbelief over what had just happened. She even looked shocked herself, scoffing amused. “Uh, no? I’ve never seen him flirt like that. Ugh, you’re so lucky.” You blinked and cocked your head. “Doesn’t he have a wife, though…? I mean, he and Tiana are married, right?” Stephanie nodded but made a slight face as if to indicate it was a bit more complicated than that. “I don’t know anything for sure, obviously, but something definitely seems off about that relationship. The only time I’ve seen them together was for Linc’s enrollment meeting, and… they didn’t really seem like they were vibing, you know? It wasn’t like they were arguing or upset with each other, it just seemed like they barely even knew or wanted to know each other. It was so weird, I had never seen a couple like that before.” She shook her head, continuing as she leaned over to pull a rock out of a kid's hand before he could eat it, “I mean, how could you not want to know that man? He’s practically an angel.” 

You frowned thoughtfully. “Brittany said they had been getting ready to go on a date though, that one time she babysat. Maybe it had just been an off day for them when you saw them?” She shrugged her shoulders, though still looked uncertain. “I don’t know. After what I saw, it’s hard to imagine them even eating dinner in the same house. But who knows.” Stepping forward, she stroked Linc’s hair too, playfully poking at his hip to tickle him slightly. “What I do know, though, is that they definitely make cute babies!” 

You smiled and nodded in agreement, deciding to drop the subject. It wasn’t any of your business anyways, the gossip simply kept you and your coworkers entertained through the hours of singing children's songs and chasing around hyperactive toddlers all day. Still, you could not help but think of that damn smile and wink for the rest of the day, even blushing like a little schoolgirl upon remembering Steve calling you pretty. As a twenty year old, you were more used to being called cute if anything at all, and so the compliment coming from a grown man (and a very attractive one at that) meant all the more. 

F.I.R.E

Financial Independence, Retire Early

Disclaimer - I have not yet retired. However, I decided to start this blog to track my journey, and hopefully give others ideas on where to go. I am located in the US so I will be referencing US Tax law, the general principals should translate to other countries (or not be applicable in the case of healthcare costs!)

Below is a summary of the advice in this post, and below that is the actual post. 

Questions welcome! 

Pieces of Advice:

If you’re young invest in high risk high growth stock funds (preferably 0 fee index funds), then transition to lower risk lower growth bond funds as you get older.

If your job offers an FSA or HSA choice: Get the FSA if you have consistent known medical expenses each year because those funds won’t roll over. Get the HSA if you don’t (and MAX it). Check to see if your HSA allows you to invest funds. Mine allows investments past the first $2,000 and any gains are 100% tax free.

Max out your 401(k) if you can. If you can’t at least get the max company match.

IRAs are great. If you don’t make much now and hope to make more in the future use a Roth IRA. If you plan on retiring early and living on a low income use a Traditional IRA.

If you want to invest for fun while also building some value Robinhood is free and I’m a personal fan.  join.robinhood.com/amandaw1188

Real estate investing can be a good way to build your assets. But REITs also work if you don’t want to buy a house (or aren’t able to yet).

You need a budget!

First, I’ll give you some background. I am 24 years old (okay 23, but I turn 24 in a month) and have been working since I was 17. I also SUCK at budgeting! So where have 6 years of work and 9 years of budget gotten me? A net worth of about $50,000 

Which, as it turns out, is slightly above average for the above average person (according to Financial Samurai - which is an excellent FIRE blog if you want something established rather than evolving). 

I’ve been investing since I was 18 when I opened an American Funds account. Unfortunately, I opened it with someone who was used to handling money for people in their 60s so he put it all in a bond fund (read terrible returns!) so I lost out on years of growth before I thought to check and see why the returns were so much worse than my other investments. I’ve made more in the last year in a Growth Fund than the first three in the Bond fund. 

Speaking of other investments, Robinhood is Really good for shits and giggles! I don’t recommend it for long-term investing goals, but if you have $100 to spare (or really like $5 you don’t need to start big) it can be fun to invest just to see where you go.

If you sign up with this link: join.robinhood.com/amandaw1188 you get a free stock too! My coworker, the lucky bastard, got one worth about $400. The max is $500 and in my experience the average is ~$5. But hey, that’s $5 free dollars.

I went to college when I was 18, and was lucky enough to take out minimal loans. I did that by attending a lower cost college, taking advantage of education tax credits, working ~45 hours a week during the semester and ~70 during the summer, and getting some scholarships. 

In Spring of 2019 I transitioned to a “Big Girl” job (by only taking night classes that semester) and was working a corporate job as a Financial Data Analyst a few months before I graduated. 

In the first year I maxed my HSA and put some money into my 401(k) - though I didn’t put anything into an IRA (My Bad!). Instead I built up enough cash for a deposit on a duplex. 

An aside on the HSA - check to see if you can invest a portion of your funds. I’ve been dumping mine into stock and made an extra $1,300 that will never be taxed. Even if you are a relatively healthy individual - you will get old and having some money set aside for medical expense will be useful. If you aren’t a relatively health individual it’s even more important to be building funds for medical expenses. (Part two of that plan is to retire to somewhere that isn’t the USA since we have such a terrible healthcare system).

Now I live in one side of the duplex and have renters on the other side. Unfortunately I live in a housing bubble so the mortgage - rent = ~my rent prior to buying the house. But at least now I’m building equity! 

This year in 2021 I will be maxing my 401(k), HSA, and IRA. (The alternative is to save for another house but my area is expensive and I don’t really want to manage a rental from a distance).

To manage all of this I will be living on less than half of my original paycheck. So when I say I suck at budgeting - I mean I have an unfortunate problem to overcome! However, I also have the benefit of hating to spend money. . . I blame spending my childhood thinking I was going to be homeless (fun times. . . )

Okay so that was a long and probably not that interesting post! But future ones should be more finance focused. I’m always happy to answer questions, and if I don’t know the answer I will research it for you because I love any excuse to learn! 

P.S. I chose Tumblr as a platform because I hoped that a lot of you young’uns might be interested in planning your finances before you get to the money making stages. And because I hoped that some older users would also be willing to share their perspectives and experiences!