Wow, I don't think I've ever commented on an article before, but I have to agree with commenter GR -- useless and insulting. Thanks, I was totally unaware that now that I'm 30 I should avoid paying late fees on bills.
Enjoy all the sleepless nights, the escalation of business, and the occasional beer fuel chaos that brought you to this point. But recognize that although age is just a number, the Big 3-0 may indicate a turning point in relation to a financial background might weigh down. If youve spent the last decade the aversion to the life of a budget, it may be time to take a crack at, you know, keeps track of your income and debts.
Make your own laundry detergent. Yes, it can probably save you money, but when you're talking $40 / year balanced against the time it takes, I'd rather have the convenience.
I think this is a great article, and definitely something to ponder. As a person in this phase of life (mid-twenties to early thirties), what I find even more depressing is that its not really a "quarter" life crisis, but rather a "third"-of-your-life crisis, optimistically. Out of curiosity I once put my birth date and estimated death date (based on the IRS life expectancy tables) into a count down timer. It said "your life is 33% complete", which was a major wake up call.
Hah, enjoy aflatoxin. I know the liver certainly enjoys it. Despite that, peanut butter is over hyped for many believe it has "good fats" because saturated fat has wrongfully been demonized. You wouldn't believe how many skin conditions clear up once one severaly reduces the amount of polyunsatured fat in the diet.
I think a lot of the quarterlife crisis comes from reaching "the goal" that society pushes people towards from a very young age.
You do well in school so that you can get into a good college. You do well in college so you can get a good job. You get a good job so you can...there's not a lot of definition about what comes next, especially for those who don't marry in or just out of college. And for those who move away from family and friends to take that first job, I think it's even more difficult.
Trying to figure out your place in the world when there's not a very detailed road map can be scary and stressful. And without a good support system of family and friends (and friends who are family you just don't happen to be related to), young adults are going to have a difficult time.
What can be done?
For those in this situation, reach out to those around you. Get to know the people you work with. Make friends of all ages. Get involved in some sort of community and find a place where you can help people as well as being helped by people.
For those who are past this stage, reach out to those who are in it. Get to know the "new kid" at work or church or the gym. Invite them over for dinner or to come out with you and your friends for an event. And not just once. Do what you can to involve them in your life and get involve in their life. Don't forget holidays, especially for those without family in the area. And not just the big holidays. See that they've got somewhere to go and people to be with on Memorial Day and 4th of July as well as Thanksgiving and Easter.
For those who haven't reached this stage yet, know that it's coming. Especially if you're going to stay in the area after college, get to know people off campus. Get involved in a community that you can be involved in after you graduate. If you're not going to stay in the area, before you leave, talk to those people you already know. See if they know anyone in the area where you will be moving. Perhaps there's an established community you can become a part of. Better yet, perhaps there will be people waiting for your arrival, ready to welcome you to the area and the family.
Stupid machines I always see people on them at the shops and stuff I hate them why don't you just buy the toy if you really want it half the time the stupid thing dosnt even touch. I feel like a bit of an idiot because the other day I played one just for a stupid eagles football stuff me it cost $2.00 and no I did not win it.
I always enjoy your posts "Silicon Valley Blogger". I am definitely the frugal one between my wife and I. She had to teach me to enjoy life and spend a little money once in a while! It has been great, and I wouldn't trade her for the world.
I applied for one job for a company locally recently. I was called back by a screener first, then I had a telephone interview with HR a few days later. The local job I applied for I don't qualify for for specific experience, however because of my general experience in the field, I qualify for a job in Las Vegas basically doing the same thing for their "umbrella" company. This annoyed me. Furthermore, I've been unemployed for a year and have absolutly no savings. It would seem I would have to pay for travel there for training, however they said they would pay "some" for the relo. I knew this was the worst end of the work in my field, and most likely wouldn't enjoy it. I just don't have any money that I fly to Las Vegas for training. Asked at the end of the interveiw whether I had any questions, I declined to stick them with any specifics about pay or relocating expenses for the job. Believe me, I DO want a job desperatly because my unemployment insurance is ending! I don't know what the company is willing to commit to me for, and seeing the job was the horses rear of the spectrum as far as the work, I wasn't motivated and I said "Sorry, I don't think this is the best match for us at this time." Besides, I don't want really want to move. Especially to Las Vegas. I'm a sucker for a slot machine and it would be just a matter of time before I wound up fishing coins out of the fountains of the casinos (Remember Jerry Van Dyke in Drew Carey(get Married episode)? "STUPID!STUPID!STUPID!
Not all super savers are as compulsive about saving as you imagine them to be. My wife and I retired last year at age 56. We've saved an average of 50% of our income for most of the thirty years we have been married. We live modestly, true, but we aren't lacking anything that is of value to us, even in retirement.
We saved as much as we could, when we could, because we never knew if we would be able to save later on. In reality, no one knows if he has saved too much until he is dead. Old age requires a lot of money. Besides, if we discover that we have saved too much, we can always spend some of it. It's never too late to spend. On the other hand, if we discover in old age that we have saved too little, it's too late.
The whole business of "one size fits all" mentality of the so-called financial experts. A few of these people thought up a few good ideas (and some not-so-good ideas) years ago and now they all just repeat them over and over. And they get rich from passing on this kind of hyped up advice. These advisors are so removed from the people they are supposed to be helping, that the babble they spew forth is useless to most.
I am tired of news outlets running "special" articles on careers that supposedly pay at least $38,000 with almost no education.
First off, there are few nursing programs (which always rank 1st in the article) that are as short as advertised. The graduates from those that really do take just a few years will tell you that jobs are scarce and there are plenty of better trained competitors for the positions.
Second, if I had the money to freely spend on 1-2 two years of education minimum, I would probably not be looking for advice on how to reduce my costs.
I'm fine with a little tough love in regards to consumable spending but stop assuming I am squandering 50% of my pretax dollars on coffee and shoes. Someone that reckless is beyond your help and probably not reading your blog. (their money comes from daddy anyway!) It is the financial equal of the movie where the ugly girl takes off her glasses and the quarterback notices how beautiful she is. If we all had a simple $10 daily habit we were free to invest in a magic compounding stock, you'd be out of a job!
Surf a few financial blogs with a bottle of moonshine and one could get completely hammered with a shot each time the latte factor is mentioned. Every budget deserves a latte. If I want to spend it on coffee, graphic t-shirts or glass unicorns I think I am allowed to do that without judgment. The size of my fool budget in that area will depend on my debt/income level obviously. Get serious about budgets, but I'm a big girl and can spend my allowance as I please. Now show me real ways to save money!
I work at a bank too, and as a Private Banker where my clients are supposed to be "wealthy." What I've learned is that most of the "wealthy" people you see driving luxury cars and shopping constantly and living in million dollar homes are living paycheck to paycheck - they just have a bigger paycheck than most.
Thank you Jaime! :)
Wow, I don't think I've ever commented on an article before, but I have to agree with commenter GR -- useless and insulting. Thanks, I was totally unaware that now that I'm 30 I should avoid paying late fees on bills.
Well written Ash - Congrats!
Enjoy all the sleepless nights, the escalation of business, and the occasional beer fuel chaos that brought you to this point. But recognize that although age is just a number, the Big 3-0 may indicate a turning point in relation to a financial background might weigh down. If youve spent the last decade the aversion to the life of a budget, it may be time to take a crack at, you know, keeps track of your income and debts.
I liked the explanation with real life scenarios. Great work.
Naveen from Winning Ideas
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Great stuff. I've been telling anyone who will listen that persistence is a skill and hard work will pay off! Hopefully more people will believe!
Make your own laundry detergent. Yes, it can probably save you money, but when you're talking $40 / year balanced against the time it takes, I'd rather have the convenience.
I think this is a great article, and definitely something to ponder. As a person in this phase of life (mid-twenties to early thirties), what I find even more depressing is that its not really a "quarter" life crisis, but rather a "third"-of-your-life crisis, optimistically. Out of curiosity I once put my birth date and estimated death date (based on the IRS life expectancy tables) into a count down timer. It said "your life is 33% complete", which was a major wake up call.
Read your article and came to know how a glass of wine help to lower blood sugar level.I am a juvenile diabetic patient.
Hah, enjoy aflatoxin. I know the liver certainly enjoys it. Despite that, peanut butter is over hyped for many believe it has "good fats" because saturated fat has wrongfully been demonized. You wouldn't believe how many skin conditions clear up once one severaly reduces the amount of polyunsatured fat in the diet.
Great stuff--but why wait till you're 30 for any of them except partying???
I'd start now...if I were stil under 30 that is.
I think a lot of the quarterlife crisis comes from reaching "the goal" that society pushes people towards from a very young age.
You do well in school so that you can get into a good college. You do well in college so you can get a good job. You get a good job so you can...there's not a lot of definition about what comes next, especially for those who don't marry in or just out of college. And for those who move away from family and friends to take that first job, I think it's even more difficult.
Trying to figure out your place in the world when there's not a very detailed road map can be scary and stressful. And without a good support system of family and friends (and friends who are family you just don't happen to be related to), young adults are going to have a difficult time.
What can be done?
For those in this situation, reach out to those around you. Get to know the people you work with. Make friends of all ages. Get involved in some sort of community and find a place where you can help people as well as being helped by people.
For those who are past this stage, reach out to those who are in it. Get to know the "new kid" at work or church or the gym. Invite them over for dinner or to come out with you and your friends for an event. And not just once. Do what you can to involve them in your life and get involve in their life. Don't forget holidays, especially for those without family in the area. And not just the big holidays. See that they've got somewhere to go and people to be with on Memorial Day and 4th of July as well as Thanksgiving and Easter.
For those who haven't reached this stage yet, know that it's coming. Especially if you're going to stay in the area after college, get to know people off campus. Get involved in a community that you can be involved in after you graduate. If you're not going to stay in the area, before you leave, talk to those people you already know. See if they know anyone in the area where you will be moving. Perhaps there's an established community you can become a part of. Better yet, perhaps there will be people waiting for your arrival, ready to welcome you to the area and the family.
Stupid machines I always see people on them at the shops and stuff I hate them why don't you just buy the toy if you really want it half the time the stupid thing dosnt even touch. I feel like a bit of an idiot because the other day I played one just for a stupid eagles football stuff me it cost $2.00 and no I did not win it.
I always enjoy your posts "Silicon Valley Blogger". I am definitely the frugal one between my wife and I. She had to teach me to enjoy life and spend a little money once in a while! It has been great, and I wouldn't trade her for the world.
I really believe in keeping a balance with spending and saving and these balancing will differ from person-to-person.
Wise Bread, you lost me with this one. Terrible article. Silly, useless, insulting, and patently false.
I applied for one job for a company locally recently. I was called back by a screener first, then I had a telephone interview with HR a few days later. The local job I applied for I don't qualify for for specific experience, however because of my general experience in the field, I qualify for a job in Las Vegas basically doing the same thing for their "umbrella" company. This annoyed me. Furthermore, I've been unemployed for a year and have absolutly no savings. It would seem I would have to pay for travel there for training, however they said they would pay "some" for the relo. I knew this was the worst end of the work in my field, and most likely wouldn't enjoy it. I just don't have any money that I fly to Las Vegas for training. Asked at the end of the interveiw whether I had any questions, I declined to stick them with any specifics about pay or relocating expenses for the job. Believe me, I DO want a job desperatly because my unemployment insurance is ending! I don't know what the company is willing to commit to me for, and seeing the job was the horses rear of the spectrum as far as the work, I wasn't motivated and I said "Sorry, I don't think this is the best match for us at this time." Besides, I don't want really want to move. Especially to Las Vegas. I'm a sucker for a slot machine and it would be just a matter of time before I wound up fishing coins out of the fountains of the casinos (Remember Jerry Van Dyke in Drew Carey(get Married episode)? "STUPID!STUPID!STUPID!
thanks bro , ive been having headache all week like **** its annoying im gonna try the tea and the steam shower . thanks again dude = )
"And everybody around you really enjoys your Eminem ringtone" - Yeah, like the dig!
Not all super savers are as compulsive about saving as you imagine them to be. My wife and I retired last year at age 56. We've saved an average of 50% of our income for most of the thirty years we have been married. We live modestly, true, but we aren't lacking anything that is of value to us, even in retirement.
We saved as much as we could, when we could, because we never knew if we would be able to save later on. In reality, no one knows if he has saved too much until he is dead. Old age requires a lot of money. Besides, if we discover that we have saved too much, we can always spend some of it. It's never too late to spend. On the other hand, if we discover in old age that we have saved too little, it's too late.
The whole business of "one size fits all" mentality of the so-called financial experts. A few of these people thought up a few good ideas (and some not-so-good ideas) years ago and now they all just repeat them over and over. And they get rich from passing on this kind of hyped up advice. These advisors are so removed from the people they are supposed to be helping, that the babble they spew forth is useless to most.
I am tired of news outlets running "special" articles on careers that supposedly pay at least $38,000 with almost no education.
First off, there are few nursing programs (which always rank 1st in the article) that are as short as advertised. The graduates from those that really do take just a few years will tell you that jobs are scarce and there are plenty of better trained competitors for the positions.
Second, if I had the money to freely spend on 1-2 two years of education minimum, I would probably not be looking for advice on how to reduce my costs.
I'm fine with a little tough love in regards to consumable spending but stop assuming I am squandering 50% of my pretax dollars on coffee and shoes. Someone that reckless is beyond your help and probably not reading your blog. (their money comes from daddy anyway!) It is the financial equal of the movie where the ugly girl takes off her glasses and the quarterback notices how beautiful she is. If we all had a simple $10 daily habit we were free to invest in a magic compounding stock, you'd be out of a job!
Surf a few financial blogs with a bottle of moonshine and one could get completely hammered with a shot each time the latte factor is mentioned. Every budget deserves a latte. If I want to spend it on coffee, graphic t-shirts or glass unicorns I think I am allowed to do that without judgment. The size of my fool budget in that area will depend on my debt/income level obviously. Get serious about budgets, but I'm a big girl and can spend my allowance as I please. Now show me real ways to save money!
I work at a bank too, and as a Private Banker where my clients are supposed to be "wealthy." What I've learned is that most of the "wealthy" people you see driving luxury cars and shopping constantly and living in million dollar homes are living paycheck to paycheck - they just have a bigger paycheck than most.
Do you think this is bad advice?