Haved You Saved Any?
I’ve always worked. Well, at least since college. I guess I’ve been very lucky. Even though my early childhood was a bit tough for my parents I always remember our lives as being comfortable, especially for Indonesian standards. That’s why there was no need for me to work. My job was to go to school and earn good (great) grades. So that I did (though I have to admit I had too fun of a high school year and my grades reflected it).
But even though I was comfortable one thing that my parents and grandpa always asked me to do was to save my money. Every week I’d get an allowance and out of the total amount, I had to save 25% of it. So that childhood habit continues on to this day. I always save and even though it wasn’t possible to save much when you’re just starting out or when there’s a major life event, I always try to save.
I was so surprised, especially after meeting my husband, how many young airmen are either strapped or have very little savings. Many have really nice cars and clothes though. I understand that the enlisted people are not paid much but if you’re single, living in the dorms, and too young to drink, how much really do you need every month? At that young of an age, they can literally save only $100/mo and be set. Of course as the pay raise, the savings amount would increase. But $100/mo I think is pretty reasonable to start out with.
The same with those who just graduated. From ramen noodles to eating out every other night at a nice restaurant (hey, I’ve done this), all the whiz bangs that you can imagine, nice loft apartments, but no savings. Ok, yeah it’s great to have fun after all those years of studying and being broke, but do remember that one day you might regret your financial decisions.
Maybe my judgment on young people, some older people are still clueless about money, are a bit harsh and by all means I’m no financial expert but being a tight wad, watching my family’s steady financial growth, and having the savings habit have always made me want to strangle anybody who has no financial responsibilities. Yeah you need to enjoy life but you need to also remember that we all will get old one day. Pay yourself first!