After graduating high school I was under the impression that I was a trust fund baby. It’s amazing how quick that delusion can fade. I come from a supporting family, but a family of UAW’s. I took our lifestyle to mean we were wealthy.
Following years of hyper consumption, wasted savings, accumulating debt, and gambling, I finally saw the light. I decided I wanted to be financially free.
In one short year I have kicked gambling, got out of debt, and invested over $9000 in retirement. I don’t make much, but I have found a comfortable lifestyle in the DC metro area that blends a social life, activities and fun with being frugal. Over the course of 2009, I will have lived in one of the most expensive cities in the country for under $28,000. It can be done. Here at My Next Buck, I will talk about how I have managed this, as well as other personal finance related issues.