‘I’m finally middle class. I feel like I made it.’: I have overcome debt and secured financial stability. How can I continue to grow and give back?

Hi Money Minder,

I’m not trying to show off, I promise. I know I’m lucky as heck and I’m so freaking grateful for everything. I’m just really relieved and happy. I’m a 27-year-old female and my hubby is 28. We’re selling a rental property that used to be our home sweet home, and we’ll be able to kiss our student loans/credit card debt goodbye. Thanks to VA loans, we can snag a place at much lower interest rates. I’m a nurse now, pulling in $132k (that’s about 132,000 USD) between my full-time and part-time gigs, and he can focus on being a full-time student without stressing about a job. No more skimping on groceries. No more living paycheck to paycheck. No more debt – just the usual monthly bills and grocery runs. I’m never signing up for another credit card again. We might actually get to have a savings account. We passed up on a lot of opportunities in our twenties to build a nest egg, and now it’s paying off big time.

I’m beyond thankful for all the luck we’ve had and grateful to my hubby for sticking by my side through it all. I dream of starting up a soup truck. Donating quality pet food to animal shelters. I want to give back so much.

Stay awesome, Money Minder!

Cheers,
Dreaming Big

Response from THE MONEY MINDER:

Hello There,

Congratulations on your financial success and all the hard work that led you to this point! It’s clear that you and your husband have made significant sacrifices to secure a bright future, and it’s truly inspiring to see your dedication pay off.

As you embark on this new chapter, it’s important to approach your newfound financial stability with thoughtful planning. While it’s tempting to splurge after years of financial strain, I recommend taking a practical approach to managing your finances. Set up a budget that includes regular savings contributions to build an emergency fund and plan for future expenses.

Since you mentioned wanting to start a soup truck and donate to animal shelters, consider establishing separate accounts for these initiatives. This can help you track your spending and ensure that you’re able to give back without compromising your financial security. Additionally, consider meeting with a financial advisor to discuss long-term investment opportunities that align with your goals.

Remember, financial freedom is a journey, not a destination. Stay consistent with your budgeting efforts, continue to prioritize saving, and be mindful of your spending habits. With your dedication and hard work, I have no doubt that you will continue to thrive financially and make a positive impact on those around you.

Best of luck with your future endeavors, and remember, THE MONEY MINDER is always here to support you on your financial journey.