#and i need to save that money for paying off student loans or whatever

[orcelito]

Man in my dream last night I found out that there was another life insurance payout thing that we hadn't discovered before now and it was for $280k fucking dollars and I was So pumped about having that much money, thinking about buying a house and everything

Then I woke up and instantly knew it wasn't real. And Man. The Disappointment.

[honeytonedhottie]

financial literacy continued⋆.ೃ࿔*:･👛💵

so i released a poll if you guys would like a post on financial literacy and the results are here. so im gonna share some things that i learned while taking a financial literacy course…💬🎀

HOW TO SAVE MONEY ;

automatically deposit a certain percentage of ur income into ur savings account so that u dont even have to think about it

to do something more FUN tho, (at least in my opinion) is to make a challenge where u have to save every $10 dollar bill, or $20 dollar bill or whatever. just something to make saving money seem like a game if u wanna have some fun with it.

EMERGANCY FUND ;

most experts will tell u that ur emergency fund should be 3-6 months of ur needed expenses. so calculate ur needed expenses and multiply that by 6 to figure out how much you'd need to have in ur emergency fund.

PAYING YOURSELF FIRST ;

you should always put urself first in every single situation including financially. so to pay urself first simply means to put ur future and needs before anything else. FOR EXAMPLE... let's say u wanna buy an ipad by the end of the year, an ipad is $345.

lets also say that u get paid weekly, so you'd divide $345 by the number of weeks in a year (52) you'd get 6.6. so you'd have to save roughly $6-$6.50 a week which isnt a lot at all. and you'd be getting what u want.

INTEREST AND CREDIT ;

interest is like a reward that the bank gives you for trusting them to look after your money. the more money you have in your account, and the longer you keep it there, the more interest you can earn…💬🎀

so the bank calculates interest as a percentage of the total amount in a bank account. so if the bank pays a 1% interest you'll earn $1 for every $100 in ur bank account over the course of a year. so if u have $500 in ur account you'll get $5. its not a lot, but interest builds on itself.

credit is the ability of the consumer to acquire goods or services prior to payment with the faith that the payment will be made in the future…💬🎀

for example missing payment deadlines can negatively affect ur credit score. why is this important? if u wanna go to college and wanna use student loans, u might not be able to if ur credit history is bad. as ur credit history grows you'll get a credit score. the higher ur score, the better ur credit is.

BUILDING CREDIT ;

get a secured card. a secured credit card is a special type of credit card with a down payment. when you open the card, you will give the credit card company a deposit to hold. it can be as little as $100. the company holds the money for you and gives you a credit card with a line of credit equal to your deposit

sign up for victoria's secret direct paper mailers. you'll get a coupon each month for 1 free panty for every purchase. when u go to the mall, get urself a panty and a sweet treat 🧁 (DO NOT PUT ANYTHING ON THE CARD THAT U CANT IMMEDIATELY PAY OFF)

and then go home and pay ur credit card bill off, and then dont use it again until the next month.

[jaemified]

last christmas | part 2

“this year, to save me from tears ; ill give it to someone special.”

❆ pairing ; strangers to ?? park gunwook x fem reader

❆ genre ; fluff, slight drama +(ft taesan/jaehyun of bnd and yunjin of lsrfm ^^)

❆ warnings ; swearing, and kinda toxic relationships

❆ wordcount ; 2.4k

❆ synopsis ; beginning your second year of college and you feel youve hit rock bottom. on your own after your ex kicked you out, and taking on a seasonal job at a christmas shop to pay off student loans? everythings gone to shit. but then, you see him for the first time. and you realize there really was a little light in the darkness — your someone special.

♡ kona speaks ! - vaguely follows the plot of the film last christmas (2 part story)

read below the cut !

you cant say you were all to proud of yourself now.

sure, you were a pretty incredible student by high school graduation, with a 3.9 gpa and all (not to mention making it to seoul national university with your beloved boyfriend).

but, that was a year ago.

who wouldve thought it was possible for your life to go so far downhill, in just a span of roughly over 12 months?

your parents had found a better job opportunity in london, but your mom wanted you and your brother to be nearby.

meaning doing so without running it by you of course, which led to her enrolling you into imperial college as a foreign transfer student.

your boyfriend was pretty upset, but nevertheless, followed you despite your best efforts telling him not to (which meant him forfeiting his scholarship at snu).

once your family first heard he would follow suit to london, they gave you an ultimatum. and stupidly, you chose love over family.

they never approved of him anyway.

it was fine for the meanwhile.

at least until you broke up, and he decided to place the blame on you.

it was your flat you bought with your own money anyway. what did he ever do for you? how dare he kick you out of your own home!

-

you watched while gyuvin pulled your luggage out the closet, pushing it towards you.

“what the hell are you doing!” you exclaimed as he began to pull your clothes off hangers and throw them towards your direction.

“helping you leave.” he muttered.

“what did i even do? you just wake up one day and decide its my fault you followed me to another continent despite me saying you shouldnt? i told you not to leave your dreams behind, and you chose to ignore me!”

“well maybe you didnt try hard enough! i just know that i dont feel the same about you now as i did then.”

“so thats it?” you scoffed. “you realize this is my apartment? i pay the rent. you just practically live here for free. you cant just kick me out of my own home!”

he only ignored you and shoved piles upon piles of clothing into 2 separate suitcases, before gently escorting you to the door.

“gyuvin. gyuv! kim gyuvin! you cant just leave me here!” you begged.

“im sorry y/n. but its over. maybe if you hadnt taken all that mattered to me we couldve worked out.” gyuvin spoke before slowly closing the door, leaving you out in the cold wearing only pajamas.

“what the fuck am i supposed to do now..” you whispered to yourself, thinking of the only possible places to go.

sure your number of options was minimal, but you began with the only person you thought you could count on anyway.

“what the hell are you doing here?” taesan expressed in shock while he stared at you standing at his front door.

“need somewhere to crash.. surprise?” you shrugged jokingly, trying to lighten the mood as you and your brother werent on the brightest terms.

“goodbye y/n.” he sighed as he turned to lock you out.

“han taesan you let me in this instant! you cant just leave me to die in the middle winter!” you exclaimed, stepping through the door frame so it couldnt close.

“wheres gyuvin?” he scoffed. “i mean, youre the one who left me with mom and dad to buy a house for him anyway.”

“we broke up. blamed me and said i was the reason he lost everything in seoul or whatever. and he still kicked me out of MY home.”

taesan let out a heavy breath, looking around before pushing the door out more for you to walk through.

“..you mean it?” you pondered hesitantly.

“i suppose. i know we warned you about him and all, but youre still my baby sister.” he half heartedly grinned, pointing his head in the direction of his hallway as a gesture for you to come in.

you knew he was still mad at you despite not showing it, but knowing your brother, hes still someone who you could rely on in any situation.

“yeah. and uh- just a heads up, i still live with jaehyun and leehan, plus we dont have an extra room so.. we’ll just figure it out later.”

“thank you.”

-

a week later and you were doing better than before. though it wasnt easy to forget the incident, you still managed with the new living situation and all.

you woke up bright and early the following morning for work, ready to sell christmas ornaments for the rest of your life under your boss, huh yunjin, as you were now on break from school.

considering jaehyuns bed wasnt all too comfortable, you still slept pretty well. youre grateful he took the couch for you during that first week. ‘maybe ill get him something as a thank you.’

“what are you doing up so early?” taesan asked, holding off on the toast he was about to eat as he watched you rush downstairs.

“got work. not like dads willing to pay student loans anymore right?”

“the christmas shop, still?” jaehyun asked from his seat on the couch.”

“cant have a full time job as a full time student. it just worked out while im on christmas break.”

your brother nudged you in your stomach, motioning for you to thank his friend for his deed.

“-oh and thanks for taking the couch. i owe you. if you want food or anything ill cover the cost and pick it up in return.” you continued.

“its fine. i get it, the last few days were rough. dont worry about it.” he smiled.

-

after a quick 10ish (or so) minute walk to the street side store you worked at, you realized you were about 5 minutes past the time you were meant to clock in for your shift.

walking into the store, it was no surprise it was already crowded by 8:36am seeing as christmas was 2 weeks away now.

“y/n! y/n get over here! where is your uniform?” yunjin questioned as more of a whisper yell.

before you got the chance to reply, she quickly cut you off and said, “nevermind that. just please hurry to change and come help me with all these people!”

you wave off her dismissive behavior, and speed walk to the bathroom, making sure to pass the lockers to grab your uniform on the way.

“i forgot how itchy this was..” you grumble as you slip on the ugly elf costume yet again before leaving to the front desk.

“welcome in! please let us know if theres anything you need help with!” yunjin smiled as another person walks through the door, putting on her customer service voice.

“guess you dont need me anymore?” you asked jokingly, noticing there was no one within a 10 foot distance of the check out line.

“why must you take so long to change? i only had enough time to help half those people. the other half left after mr smith came in to return all the ornaments he broke again. he really knows how to hold up a line.” she sighed, moving in the direction of a huge box of broken material.

“you cant keep letting them return damaged product. we are losing enough money as is, santa.” you gestured to her new character change yet again as you realize where a good chunk of the budget went. “what was wrong with the reindeer costume?”

“it didnt make it clear that im the owner. the shop is called santas workshop dont you know? cant call it santas workshop if theres no santa.”

you laughed brightly at yunjin while she picked up the box to bring it to the back, just as another person walked in.

“welcome in!-” you call out, before cutting yourself off as you caught a glimpse of his face.

he was pretty gorgeous, you couldnt lie. from what you noticed, he had shortish black hair and big eyes to compliment his soft lips (not to mention his build was pretty insane too. he definitely works out).

the very same guy who caught your attention came to you shortly after, seeking some assistance on picking a gift, so you were happy to comply.

“im not sure what she’d like. its hard shopping for a 14 year old.” he said.

“what’s your relation to her? just like so i know how close you are so its easier to help.”

“my younger cousin. we arent that close, but its our first family gathering in a while and my mom wants me to get something for everyone. but shes always been.. far from an open book. so im lost”

you thought long and hard about what your cousins around that age like, before coming to a final decision.

you attempt to reach for the legos, but you almost fall over as it was just barely out of reach, sitting on one of the higher shelves.

carefully, he steadies you by holding your arm and reaches to grab the item you were aiming at.

“this?” the guy questions as he hands you the orchid lego set.

“yeah! im not sure if it suites her or anything but you cant go wrong with legos. the price isnt too bad and its suitable for anyone at any age for the most part.” you shrugged.

“that actually.. makes perfect sense. youre really good at your job, no? thank you.”

“no worries. if theres anything else i could help you with, weve got a new selection of stuffed animals your girlfriend might like.” you spoke like it was nothing, acting as if you werent just trying to get information.

“i actually.. dont..i don’t have a girlfriend.” he chuckled awkwardly as he brought up a hand to rub the back of his neck.

“oh really? im surprised someone like you doesnt have a pretty girl on your arm.” you said nonchalantly while you attempted to hide your smile (as if you were going to make a move).

“oh stop!” he waved off when you pointed out how red his ears were getting, assuming you only were trying to boast his ego (hes so unaware)((please get the hint)).

you walk back with him to the register so he could pay after realizing there wasnt much more he needed. “that’ll be 45 charged to your card.” you smiled.

“thank you, ms..?” trailing off as he notices he never actually got your name.

“han. y/n han. glad to be of assistance.”

“oh and- one more thing?”

“sure, what else?”

“what time does the store close?”

“10 at night. extended business hours every saturday.”

“surely youre joking? theres no one else here but you and the owner! thats in like 13 hours. youre working a 14 hour shift?”

“yeah but i get paid way extra so its fine, i really do need it. and yeah we are beyond understaffed but its alright.” you laugh, masking your exhaustion and dread with a bit of your lighthearted energy.

“really? i could never, must be so tiring.”

“it is, beyond imagination. but we do what we can.”

“get home safely then alright? its scary leaving that late especially considering the predators go after pretty ladies.”

“youre a tricky one arent you! how dare you mask that as an attempt to flirt.” you gasp playfully, “ill be fine, its not that far of a walk.”

“walk? youre not really walking home are you?” “well yeah, its not like i can drive when i dont have a car myself.”

“by any chance, might you need-”

“y/n! leave the poor man alone! i need you to stock the shelves in the ornaments section!” yunjin calls out from the storage room and interrupting the conversation.

“ill get to it.” you call back.

“well, i should get going then. it really was lovely meeting you.” he smiles.

“thank you, take care!” you reply, waving as he leaves.

it only hit you many hours later (quite literally an hour before you clock out) that you never got his name, and you regret it oh so much!

even yunjin felt pity for you, multitasking and listening to you ramble about the mysterious man despite all the work she had going on whilst you both sat in her office seeing as there were no customers beyond 9:30pm.

“why cant we close early if theres no one coming past a certain time? its not like anyone needs to be christmas shopping at.. 9:49 at night.”

“its just in case theres anyone who needs something, we cant miss a chance to make more money when we’re low on rent money.” she reminded.

“its only 11 minutes though.”

“and where do you have to be in 11 minutes? you live with your brother and his two roommates with no boyfriend and instead worry about a man you just met.”

“ouch, you need to go out more.”

“y/n you know i love you but i have no time for that nonsense. i need to have fun, yes, but money is essential. clubbing and drinking does not get you there, we both know that.”

-

finally, the dreaded 11 minutes were up and it was time to lock up after a crazy long shift. though, you cant say you were looking forward to walking home after standing in heels all day.

it was all most as if your prayers were answered (or just by a really strange coincidence(?)) that someone on a motorcycle stopped in front of you as you crossing the street.

“heard you needed a ride?” the guy from earlier said as he took off his helmet.

“what are you doing here? its late out.” you replied, acting calm as if your heart wasn’t beating out of your chest.

“cant leave you to walk alone in the dark, can i, pretty lady?”

“youre smart, ill give you that.” you smile when you feel your cheeks go hot.

“ill take you home. come on.”

-

maybe it wasnt the best idea to give a stranger your address, but he seemed nice enough, and pretty trustworthy to say the least.

you sat behind him as he drove through the streets, with your arms wrapped around his waist, your chest flush against his back as you wore the helmet he let you borrow.

he was so naturally warm you felt his body heat through the sweater he wore, thankfully keeping you from being to cold.

soon enough you were home, and he was walking you up to the front door.

“thank you for today even if it wasnt all that much, i had a lot of fun. you made my work day more.. bearable.” you smiled.

“of course, you can always call if you need a ride or anything. dont want you getting sick when its storm season.” he reminded before slipping you a postcard with his number on it.

“id love to get to know you more, but i just broke up with my boyfriend last week.. give me some time?”

sure you technically were the one who found him attractive first but, you never actually thought about initiating something more.

he smiled without a second thought, nodding his head slightly. “of course, i understand. just know ill be here, waiting.”

“wait! i never got your name?”

“ill see you later y/n!” he called out as he left, driving off in the opposite direction.

you sighed and unlocked the door with the spare key leehan gave you, and notice him sitting next to jaehyun when you walked in.

“you have a boyfriend and you didnt tell me? how could you! i thought we were friends.” leehan expressed dramatically from the couch as you took off your shoes at the door.

“not a boyfriend, just a friend. why were you even- whatever. wheres taesan?”

“in the bathroom.”

“thanks. uh- jaehyun is it okay if i change in your room since i left my clothes there?”

“go ahead.” he reassured. “oh! also, by the time you come back the pizza we ordered should be here too.”

you close the door behind you and pull out the index card from earlier to save the number as a contact. however, you couldnt help but smile as you read what it said below.

“your personal uber when you need it! +44 28xxx0xx29 -xoxo gunwook park :)”

[justagalwhowrites]

HI BESTIE !!! 🫂

i was wondering how Joel would react to Doc spoiling him ROTTEN after she got that big girl money 🫦 (in the lavender au)

(because i know she will spoil him so much as a thank you for his unwavering support throughout her career 🥹)

OMG Hi Bestie!

I love this ask so so SO much. Joel is so soft with his girls and he deserves all the good things, including his wife treating him to all the best things once she's a big time surgeon.

This is just the perfect prompt for our favorite man's birthday, too! I hope this is just what you were hoping for. Love you!

Spoiled

After years of Joel taking care of you, you take care of Joel. A one shot set in the Lavender AU timeline.

Yes I know it's not a Joel gif but it fits the fic so well I had to.

Pairing: Joel Miller x Female Reader (Joel and Doc from the Lavender AU)

Warnings: Fluff and smut, smut and fluff. No use of Y/N. Minors DNI 18+ only.

Length: 4.4K

It started with a shopping trip in Houston for Sarah’s wedding. 

She needed a dress for the rehearsal and her bachelorette party and the malls in Austin just weren’t cutting it. 

“I’m telling you,” she said after coming up empty handed on another Saturday spent shopping as the two of you ate salads and drank sweet tea at a patio cafe. “We need to go to Houston. We haven’t found anything for you, either.”

“I can just…” you began, but Sarah cut you off. 

“Mom,” she raised her brows. “You do not get to say ‘just’ anything about my wedding, come on.” 

You rolled your eyes a little but smiled. 

“Alright,” you put your hands up in surrender. “I’ve got the weekend off again in two weeks, I’ll get us a hotel room in Houston and we can shop til we drop.” 

“I’m going to get you comfortable with spending some of those big surgeon bucks one of these days,” she said. “You need to treat yourself! Live a little!” 

“I live plenty, thank you,” you replied. “And I do it just fine in my Goodwill jeans.” 

“Whatever you say,” she smirked a little, flagging down the server and grabbing the bill before you had a chance to fight her on it. 

Sarah might have had a point. You’d been an attending for the better part of a year now and the jump in pay had been staggering. You were making more now in a year than you had your entire life - or it felt that way, anyway. You’d already made good progress paying off your student loans but you made quick work of the rest. Joel had asked if you wanted to move - something bigger or better somehow - now that you could easily afford it but you’d just frowned at him, almost hurt. 

“This is our home,” you said. “I fell in love with you here, Sarah grew up here, we made Evie here. This is the first place I ever really felt like I belonged, I don’t want to leave.” 

Joel just smiled and kissed your forehead. 

“Then we’ll stay,” he said. “Moving’s a fuckin’ hassle anyway.” 

You’d just been saving money, not really sure what to do with it. You donated some of it, stopped spending time clipping coupons, finally bought a car that was from this decade (but still used). But actually spending it made you anxious. You’d never had money before. You weren’t poor, exactly. You’d always had enough to eat and a roof over your head but you almost never bought new clothes, had never really traveled outside of places that you could easily get to by car. You were pretty sure you’d never even been in a car that wasn’t at least 10 years old before you came to college and your friend Cassie gave you a ride to the store in her new BMW. It was hard to get used to the idea that money could be spent at all, that it wasn’t already earmarked for some bill or, if there was any left, that it had to be saved for a rainy day. 

“You gotta actually spend some of that hard earned money on yourself, Baby,” Joel said as you headed outside to meet Sarah for your weekend in Houston. “Buy some ridiculously expensive dress that I’m gonna want to rip off you in seconds or some purse that’s $1,000 for reasons I don’t understand.” 

“That’s two mortgage payments,” you said, eyes wide. 

“Baby.” 

“Right, right,” you nodded. “On a mission, spend money. Got it.” 

“On yourself,” he added. “Not Sarah. Or not just Sarah, anyway. You two have fun.” 

“You too,” you said, stretching up to kiss him goodbye. “Don’t let Evie con you into giving her candy when she gets home from school.” 

“What wild thing and I get up to when you’re not around is none of your business,” he gave you one last peck on the lips. “Now go, stop worryin’, live a little.” 

The mall in Houston was almost overwhelming. Not in the crowds way malls sometimes were for you, thank goodness, but with the kinds of stores. There were names you recognized from Cassie’s closet and from some of the trust fund girls in your med school program but you realized quickly you had no concept of what things like this actually cost. 

Sarah picked a dress for the rehearsal that was nearly $600 and you choked on the champagne the sales person had given you to sip while Sarah tried on options. 

“You really buy $600 dresses?” You gaped at her as you wandered back into the store from the dressing rooms. 

“Not all the time,” she shrugged. “But we make good money and sometimes it’s fun to buy something nice.” 

She held up a floor length gown to you, the bottom pooling on the ground. 

“That’s too long,” you said. 

“Well we’d get it tailored,” she laughed a little. “Come on, try it on.” 

Another sales person wandered over and offered to set up a fitting room and you snuck a peek at the price tag. Your eyes went wide. 

“That dress is $1200!” You whispered at Sarah as you trailed after the attendant. 

“And it’s for my wedding,” she replied. “And don’t you have that gala thing every spring for work? You can wear it for that, you need a new dress for that anyway. Plus I’m the bride and I say you have to try it on. You can’t disappoint the bride.” 

You sighed and went into the fitting room, feeling utterly out of place in your second hand Levis and vintage top you’d picked up on a shopping trip a few weeks back that felt much more your speed. 

But the dress - outside of the length - looked like it had been made for you. The silk hugged your every curve, the neckline dipping just low enough to display just enough cleavage to be sexy but not so much that it would be scandalous. It was simple, no embellishments beyond the structure of the dress and the deep emerald green of the fabric. Normally you’d have scoffed at something so basic fetching such a high price but, now that it was on your body, you understood it. It was like you’d put on a work of art and, in doing so, become art yourself. 

“OK you can’t laugh,” you said. “But I’m coming out.” 

Sarah was waiting patiently in the little show room attached to your fitting room and you had to hold up the hem of the dress to not trip but she gasped all the same. 

“Oh Mom,” her hand went to her mouth, her eyes wide. “You look incredible.” 

“Yeah?” You asked, turning in the mirrors to look at yourself from every angle. “I don’t look like I’m playing dress up?” 

“Not at all,” she spoke with almost a sense of reverence, looking you up and down. “You’re getting that dress. I’ll buy it for you if you won’t…” 

“No, Sarah,” you protested but she pulled out her phone and snapped a picture before you had a chance to really realize what she was doing. “What was that for?” 

“I’m sending this to Dad…” her voice trailed off and she took a sip of champagne just as her phone rang. She smirked and answered, putting it on speaker phone. “Speak of the devil. Hey old man, your wife is trying to tell me this dress costs too much.” 

“I don’t care if that dress costs $200,000 she’s bringing it home,” Joel said. “She hear me?” 

“Yes,” Sarah smiled, a shit eating grin if there ever was one. 

“Good,” he said. “Baby, you look so damn amazing I’m about to jump in the truck and drive over there just to see you in that thing in person sooner. Save me a trip, bring it home, alright?” 

“Alright,” you sighed. 

“Didn’t quite hear that,” Joel said. 

“I said alright you dork,” you said a little, grinning in spite of yourself. 

“That’s my girl.” 

You bought the dress. And a bag that Sarah insisted you needed for work because she was tired of seeing you haul around a canvas tote. And shoes for the dress. 

When you passed the jeweler window, you were on the way to the car after spending so much money you were surprised you hadn’t fainted. You stopped, the hanger with the garment bag for the dress hooked in your fingers over your shoulder, and looked at the watch sitting in the window. 

It was large and silver but not too ornate, no diamonds or anything like that. The face of the watch was black with elegant white roman numerals on the face. 

“What?” Sarah asked, stopping next to you. 

“Do you think your dad would like that?” You asked, head cocked a little, still looking at the timepiece through the glass. 

“Yeah,” Sarah said after a moment. “Seems like a him watch, if he were going to wear a nice watch, anyway.” 

Joel did already have a watch. A simple one with a green strap and silver colored case and a black face. You and Sarah had picked it out together for his birthday one year. She’d been giddy about it, you had to all but beg her to keep it a secret for a few days until it came time to give it to him. He loved the thing, wore it every day, even more than a decade later. 

But your career wasn’t the only one that had advanced. Joel was no longer doing the manual labor of a contractor every day. More often than not, he was going to meet with clients and arrange contracts and make plans. For a lot of those meetings, he wore a suit and, for a lot of those meetings, you saw him stick his watch in his pocket before leaving the house instead of putting it on. 

“Hard sometimes,” he said when you’d asked him about it. “Fittin’ in with these clients.” 

“Let me just…” you doubled back to the entrance to the store and went inside. 

The watch was more than you thought it would be. A lot more. So, so much more. You watched as the sale’s person’s eyes went from encouraging and hopeful to let down when you reacted to the price. 

“One second,” you smiled sheepishly and pulled out your phone, going into your banking app. Even after spending an arm and a leg on yourself that day, the number in your personal checking account seemed obscenely high. More money than you’d ever had at once until very, very recently. You could afford the watch. You looked at the sales person and smiled. 

“I’ll take it.” 

You had several very strong cocktails when out to dinner with Sarah that night to make yourself feel a little better about spending thousands of dollars on things like clothes and a watch and she just smiled. 

“See, Mom? You spent some money on yourself and the apocalypse did not happen, I think you can actually buy yourself things from time to time.” 

“And things for your dad,” you said. “Because he needs nice things, too.” 

When you got home, Joel insisted that you model the dress for him. 

“It needs to be tailored,” you tried to protest. 

“Not for me to take it off you it doesn’t,” he smiled from his spot on the couch, beer in hand. 

“Fine,” you said. “But only if you let me model everything I bought and you can’t return any of it.” 

“Deal.” 

You went to your bedroom and put on the dress and the shoes and took the watch out of the bag, the face almost comically large on your wrist, before going back to the living room, hem of the dress in hand. 

“Jesus Christ Baby,” he looked at you, his eyes wide. “You look… fuck me.” 

“That is the idea,” you winked. “You like it?” 

“Like is a fuckin’ understatement,” he said, getting up and walking around you slowly, his eyes going up and down your body. “You know, Evie’s at a friend’s for two more hours…” 

“So you’re not going to make me return anything I have on?” You asked. 

“Fuck no.” 

“Not this dress?” You started unzipping the side before sliding the straps down your arms. 

“Dress stays,” he said, gently tugging it down and exposing your chest, kissing the swell of your breasts. 

“What about the shoes?” You asked, putting a sandaled foot out from below the hem. He glanced down, eyes ranging over the straps. 

“Those stay, too,” he said, going back to kissing your chest. “Everything you’ve got on stays, already agreed to that.” 

“Good,” you said as he made it to your neck. “Even this?” 

You held up your wrist, the watch sliding down your arm. 

He frowned, looking at it. 

“Don’t look like you’re style,” he said. “But if it makes you happy, Baby, keep it.” 

“Never said it was for me, Joel,” you smiled a little. You watched him piece it together, taking a moment for him to dawn on him. 

“No,” he shook his head, looking from your arm to your face. “No, you were supposed to get stuff for yourself for a change not…” 

“I did get stuff for me,” you said. “And I got this for you. Because you’re wearing suits more now and I wanted you to have the watch for that. So really, it is for me.” 

He took your wrist gently in one hand, elbow in the other, tilting your arm this way and that to look at the watch in different lights. 

“Baby, this…” he shook his head again. “This is too much, this is…” 

“Not for you,” you cut him off. “Not after everything you’ve given me. This is not enough. But it’s a start. Besides, you said I got to keep everything I was wearing. You already agreed to it, Miller.” 

“Baby,” he sighed. 

“Joel,” you smiled a little. “You’re my husband. Let me give you something nice. Please.” 

He brought the inside of your wrist to his lips and kissed you there, making your pulse flutter against his mouth. 

“Already gave me the best thing there is,” he said. “Anything more feels like I’m stealin’ it.” 

“Steal whatever you want, Miller,” you teased. “But you’re keeping the watch.” 

Joel ended up wearing the watch often. Not as much as the Sarah watch - and he stuck with the Sarah watch for her wedding - but at least once a week for meetings where he needed to dress up for. Every time you gave him a little knowing smile and every time he rolled his eyes a little before kissing you goodbye. But you had yet to get him to accept anything like it in the years since, Joel trying to dodge everything every time you spent money on him. 

So when his birthday was around the corner, you were bound and determined to get him something good. 

“Anything you want for your birthday?” You asked as you, Joel and Ellie wandered around a street fair, meandering towards the car show. “Anything you want to do?” 

“S’not like it’s a big one,” he shrugged. “Just 56. Would love to see all my girls, of course. Could use some new tongs for the grill.” 

“Tongs?” Ellie said, brows raised. “Seriously? Old people are so WEIRD.” 

“You know what kiddo?” Joel smiled a little, faking exasperation. “We’ll see how you’re doin’ when you’re pushin’ 60.” 

“Ew,” she crinkled her nose and wandered to the first car in the row of vehicles on display. You laughed, strolling along with Joel until he stopped at a beautiful old convertible, giving a low whistle. 

“What?” You asked. 

“Just a pretty fuckin’ car,” he said, his hands in his pockets as he walked slowly around it. “Always wanted one of these when I was a kid.” 

“Yeah?” You asked, getting an idea. 

“Neighbor had one,” he nodded. “Let me ride in the back once. Coolest fuckin’ car.” 

He looked over every inch of the thing and Ellie caught up with you while he did, pouting a little as she leaned on the door of the car, her chin propped on her folded arms. 

“I’m starving,” she groaned. “Can I go get some fries at least?” 

“Sure,” you laughed a little, pulling some cash out of your pocket. “Grab me a lemonade, too?” 

You watched as she went to the food stands and you and Joel moved on, walking slowly down the row of cars when Ellie caught up with you again, passing you the lemonade. Joel stole a fry from her cup. 

“Hey!” She protested. “Go get your own!” 

“Might have to,” he said, giving her a wink. “Back in a sec.” 

You waited until he was out of earshot before you grabbed Ellie. 

“Do me a favor,” you said. “That car we were looking at? The blue one? Can you go talk to the owner and find out what make, model and year it is?” 

“I guess,” she frowned. “Why?” 

“Because,” you said. “I found something your dad wants besides tongs.” 

You went and stood in line with Joel, keeping him distracted while Ellie did recon. She took some pictures of the car and texted you all the information which you texted to Andrew as Joel drove home from the fair. 

“Can you help me find this car?” You asked him. “One that’s for sale?”

“Becoming a collector?” He texted back. 

“Joel’s birthday,” you added a smilie face emoji. 

“Excellent,” he replied. “I’ll find you something, don’t worry.” 

It took a few weeks but Andrew found the car. A blue 1967 Mustang Convertible that was being sold down in San Antonio. He went down with you to help you test drive it - you didn’t know a damn thing about cars - and you bought it on the spot. 

“He’s going to freak the fuck out,” Andrew said, driving it home since you couldn’t drive stick. “Seriously, you might give the man a heart attack…” 

You rolled your eyes but laughed all the same. 

“I really hope he loves it,” you said, running your fingers over the dash. 

“I’ll take it off your hands if he doesn’t,” Andrew smiled. “Just don’t tell Jess.” 

Tommy agreed to store the car in his garage until Joel’s party at his house in two weeks and you were giddy as you drove home, feeling like a kid at Christmas as you tried to keep the car a secret. 

By the time the party rolled around, even Ellie was excited and having a hard time holding it together. 

“It’s really just a cookout at Tommy’s,” Joel said as the three of you piled in the car to head over. “Not sure why you two are actin’ like we’re going to fuckin’ Six Flags…” 

“Tommy’s cooler than you,” Ellie said. “Nice to spend time with someone who isn’t a total dinosaur…” 

“Alright, in the car kiddo,” Joel smiled and shook his head a little. “Can’t take you anywhere ’til seatbelts are on, let’s go!” 

You texted Tommy that you were on the way and he responded with a picture of the car, shiny in his driveway with a big, red bow on the hood. 

“He’s going to lose his mind, Kid,” he texted back. “Please tell Maria I want this same treatment when I’m old.” 

“Better put in some work to deserve it, Miller,” you replied, smiling a little. 

Joel parked on the street, frowning at the car in Tommy’s driveway. 

“When the hell’d Tommy get a Mustang?” He got out, his frown deepening. You almost laughed. 

“He didn’t,” you smiled, so big it was like your face was going to crack. 

Joel looked confused for half a moment before his mouth dropped open in shock. 

“No,” he shook his head. Ellie leaned between the front seats, grinning hugely, “No, no that’s… Baby. No.” 

“Suck it up, old man,” Ellie smirked as Sarah and Brandon came out of the house, little Carson making a beeline for the car. Sarah and Brandon waved as Tommy and Maria joined them in the yard. Ellie pulled the keys out of her pocket and dangled them between you and Joel. He took them, staring at them in his hand for a second.

“Should take it before I do,” Tommy hollered and you laughed as you got out of the car and followed an almost dazed Joel toward the Mustang. 

He walked, in awe, around the car twice. 

“I…” he said but stopped, staring at the convertible for a moment. “I don’t….” 

“Do you like it?” You asked, coming up beside him and wrapping your arms around his waist. 

“Fuckin’ love it,” he said, immediately looking at you. “But Baby, this is too much, way too much, I can’t…” 

“Yes you can,” you smiled up at him. He looked down at you, the awed expression still on his face. “After everything you’ve done for me? For us? Everything you’ve sacrificed, all the ways you take care of me and our girls? The life you gave me? Still not enough, Joel. Not for you.” 

He pulled you tight to him and kissed the top of your head. 

“I love you,” he said, his voice wet. “So goddamn much, Baby.” 

Tommy set up chairs and a table in the front yard so everyone could sit near the car while celebrating Joel. He kept looking over at it in disbelief before looking at you with eyes filled with gratitude and wonder. You couldn’t remember the last time your heart felt quite so full. 

You drove Ellie home, following slowly behind Joel in the new convertible. 

“OK I know what this shit means,” Ellie said, gesturing between you and Joel after you got home, your husband clutching you to his side. “Try to keep it down and not be gross about it because ugh.” 

“Was actually going to see if you wanted to take the car for a spin,” you smiled up at Joel. “Just you and me. Assuming Ellie will behave herself and actually go to bed at a reasonable time.” 

“Anything to get away from whatever that is,” Ellie said, smiling a little as she went to her room. You laughed. 

“So,” you said, once she closed the door to her room. You looked up at Joel, smiling. “Care to take me for a ride, Mr. Miller?” 

He grinned.

“Whatever you say, Mrs. Miller.” 

He took you through town slowly, down quiet side streets filled with sleeping people and past businesses that had closed for the night, until the two of you ended up at a large park on the edge of town where things were a little darker and you could see some of the stars. 

“I can’t believe you got me a car, Baby,” he said, his hands running over the steering wheel. His smile was so big you could see it even in the dim light of the moon. “It’s really…” 

“If you say it’s too much again, Joel, I will go and buy you a second one on principle.” 

He laughed at that. 

“I was gonna say it was the best gift I’ve ever gotten,” he said, turning to look at you. “Besides you and the girls of course.” 

“Oh, of course,” you smiled. 

He leaned in and kissed you gently. 

“Not sure what I did to deserve you,” he said. “But I sure am grateful for it.” 

Your kiss shifted and you started climbing over the center console, Joel taking a second to move his seat all the way back. You bunched your skirt around your hips and settled over him, kissing him harder, more eager. 

“I’m pretty damn grateful for you,” you whispered against his mouth, his hands going to your hips. You ground down on him and he moaned, pressing his hard length up against you through his jeans. “And I think the birthday boy should get laid in his dream car.” 

“Dream car,” he said, kissing you. “Dream woman.” He kissed you again. “Perfect fuckin’ birthday.” 

You unzipped his fly as you kissed him and tucked your panties to the side, notching his cock against your entrance. He moaned as you sank slowly down onto him, taking all of him inside of you, savoring how he filled you. 

You started slowly, just grinding him deeper into you as you kissed him, his tongue licking into your mouth. 

“You feel fuckin’ amazing Baby,” he moaned, kissing down your throat until he reached your breasts, cleavage bared in your v-neck top. “Always feel so damn good…” 

He was thrusting up into you, trying to set his own pace, and you decided to allow that, matching him stroke for stroke as he groaned below you. His hands ranged up your back, pawing at your shirt until be was able to raise it enough to slide below it and get at your skin with a satisfied moan. He clutched you close, so close that you could hardly move over him anymore. Instead, he fucked up into you, making you whimper and your channel tighten around him. 

“C’mon Baby,” he grunted, voice strained. “Want you to come for me. All I want now is you to come for me, come all over me, fuck Baby…” 

You bit down on his shoulder to keep quiet, the sounds of crickets and cicadas on the air as you came, your sex throbbed around him. You whimpered against him as you came down from your high and he kept working you, his grip on you tightening. 

“Fuck Baby,” he gasped. “Feel too good, I’m gonna… fuck… I’m…” 

He cut himself off with a groan, thrusting deep and filling you, his grip on you relaxing enough that you could sit up a little. You looked at him in the moonlight his eyes closed, a blissed out look on his face. You smiled a little, brushing his more unruly curls back from his forehead. 

“I love you so much, Baby,” he smiled a little, eyes still closed. 

“So I did alright for your birthday?” You teased lightly, his softening cock still buried inside you. 

He laughed. 

“Did perfect,” he tugged you close enough that he could kiss you again, careful to not push you back against the horn. “Perfect fuckin’ birthday, perfect fuckin’ woman, perfect fuckin’ wife.” 

“Good,” you smiled, kissing him. “You deserve it, Joel. You deserve the world.” 

[mandos-mind-trick]

Hi.

It's currently 8:00 on a Sunday night so I don't think anyone is gonna see this but if I don't do this now I'm going to talk myself out of it.

First off, I wanted to say thank you again for everyone's kind replies and messages regarding my last post. I do appreciate every single one of you and your kindness. It's nice to know others do/have felt the same way. Y'all really are too kind. I'm honestly not sure if recovery is possible for me but it's nice to hear about others who have recovered.

I now come to you to share a bit more of what's going on and why things are just so fucking bleak for me. I'm honestly a little ashamed to even be sharing this and everything in me is begging me to not say anything which is why I need to post this now before I talk myself out of it.

So, late last year I found out that I was likely going to be laid off from my job sometime in January. I kind of knew it was coming and expected it but in December (literally the week of Christmas) I learned that it was going to happen for sure. I still don't have a date, and still have a schedule but those of you that have been laid off know it could literally come at any time.

Of course I was saving money through the busy season (or at least trying to, I'll get to that in a moment) because I thought I was going to get laid off last week, or even the first week of January. A lot happened in the last couple months that really kind of threw things into the toilet. I had to start paying on a student loan (a private one so I have no choice) and I had some back pay on some stuff that I had to take care of to avoid you know, getting sued.

Things would have been fine, it all would have been okay, except that I wasn't expecting my job to cut my hours so drastically before they laid me off. I went from 40 hour weeks to 24 hour weeks. So yeah. I'm kind of fucked right now.

I haven't even been able to pay rent this month and it's not looking like I'm going to be able to. I'm not at risk of being homeless yet. My landlord can be willing to work with people but they've been lenient with me in the past when I've struggled and I'm not sure how willing they will be to do that again.

And before anyone asks, no, I don't have family or friends that could help. I'm quite literally on my own in this world so that's not an option for me.

So, on top of everything else, I also have this to deal with.

I appreciate everyone's kind words and offers of help but there's no help for me. There's no hope for me anymore. This is why death feels more welcome than whatever the hell I'm doing now. I wouldn't call it living.

[stardust-swan]

How to marry rich?

I am a single woman who would rather marry middle class tbh so I can't really help with marrying a millionaire or anything. If I were going to try marrying rich though, here's what I'd do:

Do a six month legal or medical secretary course. If you're happy with being upper middle class rather than rich-rich, working at law firms or hospitals and doctor's offices are probably the best way of meeting lawyers, doctors and consultants. I've mentioned the story of the Emirati senior doctor who asked to marry me years back based on a picture, and that never would have happened if my mother hadn't known him by working at the hospital with him.

The downside is that the guys who have the most money are usually older and already married, while the ones who are still young and cute and less likely to be taken are probably paying off their student loans and saving up money, and some also realise they hate the job after a couple of years and retrain to become teachers or whatever. If you can find someone young who has their heart set on their career or don't mind an age gap relationship with a wealthier older man then it's a good route though (wouldn't personally recommend an affair with a married man though as you get them how you lose them, but there are exceptions ofc).

Use dating apps near places where rich men hang out. Like five star hotels and restaurants, golf courses, etc. More likely to match with someone wealthy if you're near where the wealthy hang out.

Wouldn't personally recommend this as gambling doesn't always end well, but some women in my city go to casinos trying to meet wealthy men that gamble for fun. If you go into the casinos at evening you'll see a bunch of single women who don't really look like they fit there. And they don't fit there, they're there to meet men.

Work on yourself. If you ever look at rich men's wives, they're always well-spoken, put together, and knowledgeable. You need more than just looks. Pretty faces get boring if you can't hold a conversation. Looks also aren't as paramount as you might think. You need to look attractive obviously, but you don't need to be jaw-droppingly gorgeous. It's rare to see a rich man with a wife who looks like Adriana Lima. It's more important to be well-groomed and put together with an engaging personality than it is to put all your energy into planning the cosmetic surgery you want because your nose is slightly too wide or your boobs are slightly droopy and you think you need to be the most striking one in the room at all times to have a chance (guarantee you that 99.9% of men don't notice or care about these things). Also obviously you should know how to behave, don't do anything that will embarrass him and make him drop you like a hot potato (like calling him "Daaaadddyyy" or something in front of his friends).

Tbh I'd recommend reading r/marryrich on Reddit. They'd have more resources like books and stuff you should read and you can also ask questions to people who have actually married rich.

Edit: should've have mentioned this, but avoid influencers like Anna Bey. A lot of hypergamy influencers who claim to be giving advice on marrying rich are actually giving sugar baby tips but in a covert way that won't get their pages removed from social media. For example, Anna Bey advises people to hang around in hotel lobbies to meet rich men, but you're not going to meet your future husband by hanging out in his hotel lobby. They'll assume you're a sex worker looking for clients. Just be wary of tips like this that are actually tips for sex workers presented in an innocuous way

[nikkalick]

can u explain what 50/30/20 is pls

Yeah absolutely! (Editing Note: I have a feeling this got longer than you were anticipating and I am so sorry 😅)

The most basic definition of it is that 50% of your monthly pay (after taxes) goes toward “needs” like rent, utilities, food, transportation, pet care etc. 30% goes towards “wants” like going out to eat or (in my case) getting coffee, entertainment (going to the movies, streaming services, video games), etc. and 20% goes towards your savings and/or other debts (student loans, credit cards, etc).

Utilizing and revising this rule to fit my situation when apartment hunting in lieu of the 30% rule (which was just not realistic given the cost of living in my area) made things a bit easier for me.

I was able to find an apartment that folds all utilities (except electric) into my rent which really helped in condensing and visualizing what that 50% looked like, and with what was left over after rent and electric I was able to factor in my phone, internet, and part of my groceries. Needs that aren’t fully covered (like gas for my car/car insurance that I pay ever 6 months, pet care, part of my groceries, etc.) got rolled into my 30%. I changed my 30% to cover “Other Needs and Then Some”. Basically, if I wasn’t able to keep all my needs in the 50% allotted for it, I prioritized paying for remaining needs out of my 30% and then whatever was left got to be spent on wants (like Spotify, coffee runs, and video games)

The 20% is more or less untouched for me. I’m holding off on paying any more student loans until the government figures out if their gonna let that sweet $10k forgiveness go through or not, and I’m too chicken shit to have a credit card (I use a debit only) so I don’t have any of those types of bills to pay off. Additionally, I have my work split my checks so that 80% of it gets deposited into my checking and 20% gets deposited into my savings. ADHD has allowed me to constantly forget that I do this so I always think I have less money than I actually do, which is helpful in the event I gotta dip into that 20% as a backup fund for unexpected bills or if I just want something but don’t have anything left of the 50/30 from the month.

Of course everyone’s situation is different and even after heavy revisions the 50/30/20 rule may still not be feasible, but I hope that this still helped even if it was just a little bit. Also, I have attached the article I referenced when I was first trying to figure out my budget.

[athinveil]

saw you in the notes of some post saying you work in finance. like, no pressure, and i'm not expecting any depth from a tumblr ask, but... do you have any advice for people living paycheck to paycheck other than the classic "make a budget"? (i have already discovered that getting a credit card does not help.)

just wondering if there's anything you've learned from your profession that you wish was better known to the public

https://undebt.it/ is a big help to help pay off debt efficiently undebt it - google search if you don’t like hitting links - I don’t hitting links. I have a super hard time with budgets myself. And credit cards are rough - I get manic and then my budget friendly self can’t keep up with manic me.

Apologies in advance if some of this is like bro - I don’t live a place w these stores - just mentally replace store names with what’s around you.

If your debt has an interest rate under 7%, pay the minimums because a lot of investments will grow at 7% or better (common examples - car loans, most student loans, mortgages, etc.). Typically it’s better to focus on the higher interest loans/debt first. If it’s above 7%, prioritize that. A lot of minimum payments will also never pay off your debt - designed to keep you in it.

If you have a Roth option in your work retirement account, do that. It’s taxed now instead of in retirement - taxes only go up over time. However if you need to reduce your taxable income, then pretax dollars will do that. Only contribute up to the match if it’s not Roth. If it’s pretax, then you usually only want do up to the match. Maximize the free money you can get from your employer.

Always opt into long term disability insurance at work. When you can afford some extra coverage check out supplemental (most employers offer 60% in the US - if you only were paid 60% of your income it would be rough), life insurance is cheap - 200k is a small policy. The company you go with matters. A company like mass mutual or northwestern mutual (I’m at northwestern) gives higher dividends- basically a good chunk of profit goes back to policy holders instead of stockholders. Most companies can run company comparisons. Insurance pays for financial security. It’s not a scam - which is genuinely what I thought of it before I got into the field and understood it better.

Whole life insurance costs more - but it’s worth it. It’s like buying your insurance instead of renting. Again company matters - example: northwestern mutual cash value grows historically at 5% on average, give or take, usually give. It’s money you can use to collateralize a loan or take a loan out against your own policy and “be your own bank” - downside, if finances are unstable, it’s a policy with regular premiums. Unlike a Roth you can stop contributing to any time, you’re paying for coverage and it’s monthly or whatever interval without much for exceptions. Probably not a good fit for you right now with being paycheck to paycheck - but something to keep in mind for the future.

Some of my hacks for my own life and my tight budget - I get most of my stuff off of Facebook marketplace for free or cheap - if you search something for a week or two and save the cheap items eventually they’ll appear for free or less and less. You just gotta be quick to ask and pick up. I picked up a stand alone pantry cabinet yesterday for free so now I have more storage space for non-perishables. Also if you just always keep free and “curb alert” as a regular search item you’ll find good stuff. I’ve picked up some things that I know have value near me - like fish tanks with stands only to resell them later at market value which is higher because I’m in a city/suburban outskirts - I only deal in cash on Facebook because they wanna start tracking and people can’t rescind a $20 electronically.

There are food shelves that don’t require minimums. There’s also no shame in seeing if you can get assistance from the government. If you can boost yourself to live better, do it.

The dollar tree (and some other dollar stores) - while most food at the dollar tree isn’t a good deal - I’ve also found shelf stable tofu, pesto, mustard (1.25 vs $5 for pesto). I also have pets - my cats get their toys on a stick with the dangly strings from the dollar tree. I get all of my cleaning products at the dollar tree. You can also make your own - one super simple one is lemon juice (from bottle), white vinegar, and water.

I shop at specific places for specific items. I get carbon litter box filters at my hardware store because they’re a dollar there instead of $5-7 elsewhere.

I order my groceries online - it’s convenient but it also eliminates a lot of impulse shopping. I pay $10/month for it, but I save more than $10 in not impulse buying.

I mostly avoid target - target has done research on how to get you to buy more - it works. So I avoid it. Not that other stores don’t do similarly, but I know that I will fail myself at target - sort of a figure out your vices.

I shop at discount grocery stores. I got to Asian grocery stores for tea because I get way more tea for way less. I go to Aldi for most of my vegetarian foods and also their chicken. Most of their stuff is a fair bit cheaper and I’ve figured out which off brand or Aldi brand stuff I like.

I work in a super fancy office - think of a building with literal halls with marble tile. I get 99% of my clothes from thrift stores. I’m picky - I try to buy only things that I feel good in (not I feel okay, but I feel good) and I have a hard time pushing myself over $10 for almost anything. I dress with a classic style because then I don’t have to chase trends. I mostly just wear black pants and a shirt that looks business casual.

Garage sale - I spent a Saturday driving around the town I grew up in going to garage sales. Saturdays are usually the last day sales are open - they want stuff gone as the reality sets in that whatever isn’t sold is being donated. I filled a paper grocery bag full of clothing for my spouse and paid $1. I’ve hit sales where the person just wanted to be done and said just take everything you want, free. I haggle. I ask if they’d do a deal for a bunch of stuff if it’s a good sale. If there’s something I’m looking for or need - I know the value of the item before I go shopping and I know the value of it to me. I wanted a giant bean bag chair. I valued that at a maximum of $20. The going Facebook marketplace was $50-150. I held out and got one for $7 at a thrift store.

Sign up for VIP stuff at thrift stores and reward programs (assuming it’s free). Don’t buy most holiday decor new - thrift stores can barely sell a christmas tree.

Home Depot and many hardware stores offer free how-to classes - you want to learn how to lay tile? Sign up for a class. Learn to diy what you’re comfortable doing. Some labor and know how is worth paying for. Example: I will not lay tile because I can live with a crooked tile if someone else did it. I can’t if I did it. For my sanity, I would pay for that. Minding - I need that done currently and can’t afford it so it’s just not on the reality list.

Grow some of your own food if you can. Grow lights can be cheap and seeds are cheap. Sometimes you can split a pack with a friend. You can also get free pots and gardening materials online easily. Maybe not the seeds tho. If you hate gardening then don’t bother. What you want matters too.

When you buy stuff - make sure you love it when you can. Stuff you love, you will keep and use. Stuff you feel so-so about might end up being donated next year.

Utilize libraries! They have e-books also and there are so many free apps you can download to read them on. If I’m only gonna read a book once, then I shouldn’t own it. Reality is - I don’t reread that many books. Too many more books to read.

If you’re into cold brew coffee - dark roast Walmart makes just as good as a fancy brand that costs more. Try off brand stuff - it’s often way better or exactly the same. Walmart chips ahoy offbrand is better than chips ahoy. ALDIs version of coconut caramel Girl Scout chocolate cookies taste the same as Girl Scout ones but cost under $2.

Find hobbies that don’t cost you money or cost you very little money. Aquarium fish are not that hobby as I’ve learned the hard way. But I have a beautiful dr who tank so at least there’s that. I volunteered for a while with shelter cats - the ones that are in pet stores. I got kitty snuggles and got to put it on my resume. Can’t afford a pet but want one? Foster - the shelter pays for everything. One of my new hobbies is literally finding free things on Facebook marketplace. It’s great.

If you’re on meds and insurance isn’t covering everything - check out goodrx. Also - check different pharmacies and keep checking. CVS wanted $300 for 1 month of my depression meds. I walked away w/o meds. I went to Costco a week later (no membership needed for specifically their pharmacy) and got those same meds for maybe $10 without insurance.

YouTube can also teach you neat skills. Tumblr can too - I got really into tiny homes - still love them but I can’t ethically keep a Great Dane mix and all my cats in a tiny space - a big part of tiny homes is making sure you have what you need but you have it smart. I gleaned a lot from that obsession. How to have a full wardrobe w 30 pieces of clothing but still variety? It showed it. Most tiny home people are about financial freedom - a lot of them perhaps don’t have a financial background, but it’s about gathering info that works for you.

If you have kids - I do not - but I have a niece. So much free stuff from other people. I think I gave my sister in law about the first years worth of clothing for her kid and it mostly cost me some laundry soap and time with marketplace and stopping for bags of free kids clothes on the side of the road (that I then picked through, washed, and donated the iffy ones). I even got a bouncer thingy that I took apart and cleaned and gave her. Plus a stroller for my mother in law - one of those $300 ones that someone just wanted gone at no cost.

I’ve got home owner savings tricks too if you need them - but let’s be honest, few of us can afford homes. I have one in a super sketchy area that has shot spotter tech to help police respond faster to gunfire. But honestly just lucked out and fell into the job I have now.

Buy quality when you can - I got clearance Clark’s brand shoes for my job - I think they cost me $40? They’ve lasted years. I got thrift store shoes and they are falling apart in less than a year. Those same thrift store shoes during the 5 years that I’ve had my clearance Clark’s would have cost more to replace that 5x over.

Make sure you’re taking care of yourself - eat enough, sleep enough. Your health will affect how you work and live - you matter. I do premier protein shakes in the morning so I get enough protein and also account for my inability to wake up with enough time to make food. I try to bring my lunch to work. Peanut butter sandwiches are a big go-to for me. I’m rather sick of them, but for now, it helps me to save a bit and prioritize things that are more important to me.

I’m trying to think of other stuff. I mean maybe you’re already doing a big load of this or have even cut some of these expenses out. I’ve got more pet saving tricks - pets are something in life that bring me so much joy and happiness so I have them and I try to be responsible and smart with spending on them - but maybe you don’t have pets or don’t want them. I love video games so I have a few systems - mainly PC. I wait for sales for games. I still buy things that are discretionary. I buy “what I want” when I can but I try to make sure it really is something that I want. I wait for game reviews to come out.

I try to find easy recipes online with a focus on budget friendly and quick to make. Preferably with leftovers to avoid a peanut butter sandwich for a day or two. I’m in a Facebook group called “what broke vegans eat.” I go to a butcher to get ground beef because it costs the same but has less gristle and they can give me tips on making different things. Plus I can occasionally splurge on something simple - they have the best in house take home and bake lasagna which last me at least 4-5 days between my spouse and I.

What field are you job-wise? What field or kind of work would you want to be in if you could choose? What kind of hours would you prefer to work? Education level? Are you in the US? Might have some tips around that too. Is there an area you want advice on - like X costs so much, what tips do you have for cost savings with that, etc.

So happy to help. Sorry for the novel.

[00katrinka00]

Landcaster Legacy Gen 7 Update #79

Note: This first bit of the update where Owen is conversing with Jo takes place before Leo and Nat got engaged. The rest of the update takes place after Leo and Nat's engagement and about a week before the wedding.

A few weeks after the disastrous dinner party in which Owen had attempted to introduce his girlfriend Maggie to his siblings, his sister, Jo, asked Owen to meet her and their youngest brother at the park "I've got an idea," Jo told him while Frankie swung around on the monkey bars. "About what?"

"About how you can break things off with Maggie and not have her father come after you professionally," Jo told him like it should have been common sense. "Jo, you really don't have to," Owen reminded her. "But you're my baby brother and you still want to break up with Maggie, right?" "Well, yeah."

"Then let me talk," Jo said. "So, your main concern is not having enough money for student loans-" "And to help you guys out." "Forget about that," Jo hissed. "I told you to shut up. I'm assuming you're smart enough to have a separate account from Maggie when it comes to finances." "Obviously."

"Okay then. That job pays well, so figure out how much money you need to pay off your student loans and save enough to support yourself while you're between work. Then break up with Maggie once you've saved enough," Jo explained. Owen thought for a moment, "You might have a point." "Of course I do!"

"How exactly does this prevent her father from ruining my career?" Owen asked "Okay, maybe he'll still ruin your professional career, but you won't be with Maggie anymore," Jo admitted. "The only thing is you can't give Maggie any indication that you're going to break it off with her. She's sneaky."

"You're saying I have to pretend to be the perfect boyfriend and that I have to use any means necessary to make her think I still want to be with her," Owen clarified. "Yup." "Lovely," he sighed. "O?" "Yeah?" "Don't get her pregnant." "Hell no." "Not even by accident." "I don't even want kids, Jo."

With Owen's calculations it would take him 6 months of working overtime before he'd have enough money to pay off his student debt and create a cushion in his savings to support himself, so when he wasn't working, Owen did everything he could to convince Maggie he was still the perfect boyfriend.

"I made you dinner," Owen told Maggie one night a few weeks before he was to head to Tartosa for Leo and Nat's wedding. "You're not eating with me?" Maggie pouted. "I have plans with Leo tonight." "What kind of plans?" "We're just going out to dinner." "Not drinks?" "Leo isn't much for drinking."

"Well, when will you be back?" Maggie whined. "I don't like when you aren't home." "I don't know, probably around 11pm," Owen explained. "I haven't seen Leo in a while, so there's a lot to catch up on." What Owen didn't tell her was that tonight was a celebration of his friend's engagement.

"I miss you when you aren't here," Maggie's voice became even more high pitched as she continued to whine. It gave Owen a headache. "You'll be fine, it's just several hours." "I'll be alone." "Go to your Dad's or something." "Ugh, fine," Maggie grumbled. "Tell Jax I said hi, will you?" "Whatever."

"Hey! Congratulations on the engagement!" Owen exclaimed as he sat down. "I'm so happy for both you and Nat. You guys deserve it." "We're really happy. Well, I'm really happy, and I'm pretty sure Nat is too," answered Leo. "She wouldn't have said yes if she wasn't." "So, here's the thing."

"What?" asked Owen hesitantly "Nat wanted me to ask you not to bring Maggie to the wedding," Leo said quickly. "We want you there, Maggie just can be a bit-" "Rude, condescending, full of herself," Owen finished. "Don't worry I have no plans to bring her. She doesn't even know about the engagement."

"But you two are still dating?" asked Leo clearly confused. "For now," Owen said simply. "What's that supposed to mean?" Owen took a deep breath before telling him everything that'd happened with Maggie and her father over the course of the last few years. "Are you serious?" Leo asked in disbelief.

"You know," Leo began. "You could have come to me. My Dad is an engineer, same as you. I could have asked him to put in a good word for you with his company. You could have bypassed the Reed family entirely." Owen just sighed, "Hindsight is 20/20. I'm only staying with Maggie for 4 more months."

"You are still my best friend, terrible girlfriend and all," Leo told him. "So, if you ever do need anything in the future, don't hesitate to ask. It's better to ask for help then get yourself into another situation like this one." Owen let out a small laugh, "Thanks, man."

Meanwhile, at the Reed family home, Maggie was making an evening trip to speak with her father "Daddy, you don't understand," she hissed. "I think Owen's going to leave me." "Sweetheart, he'd be an idiot," Whit brushed her off. "Not with the amount of money he makes and what I can do to his career."

"You don't get it!" Maggie exclaimed in frustration. "We went out to eat the other day and I called the waitress a fat cow and that she was a colossal waste of space. He didn't even tell me that was mean. He always tells me when I'm being mean." Whit paused for a moment, "oh dear, that is a problem"

As Maggie and Whit continued to argue in the kitchen, Jax made his way downstairs in need of some serious help. "Dad," he said quietly. "Can you spray the monster under my bed, please? I'm scared." "Oh, for fucks sake," Maggie hissed. "You're 8, grow the hell up." "There's a monster I swear!"

"Son," Whit looked down at Jax clearly disappointed. There was a time when all he ever wanted was a son, but then Jax turned out to be so different from him, and Whit found himself unable to connect with Jax. "Monsters aren't real, just go upstairs your sister and I are having an adult conversation"

"But there's a monster and I'm scared," Jax said his voice small "I really don't care right now," Whit hissed. "Just go upstairs and read a book or something if you can't fall back asleep. I don't care just leave your sister and I alone" Jax's face fell, but he turned around to head back to his room

Whit waited until Jax had left before turning back to Maggie. "Sorry about that." "It's whatever, Jax has always been fearful of stupid things like that," Maggie sighed. "Seriously though, how do I keep Owen this time? I love him, daddy." "I know," Whit said. "Now, here's what you're going to do."

Still too scared to return to his room, Jax stood in the hallway just out of sight hoping that maybe once their conversation was finished his father might finally help. However, as Jax listened he found that maybe his father did have a point and monsters like the one under his bed weren't real.

But Jax had read enough books in his lifetime to understand that monsters like the two standing in his kitchen were very much real, and maybe he did have reason to be afraid.

[briamichellewrites]

32

One of the most common misconceptions about Bria is that she was born wealthy because her father was a doctor. No, that was not true. Her parents were making ends meet on his salary when she was born. Henry was attending medical school. He received a monthly pay cheque for serving in the military. If he had not joined the army, he would have attended a community college.

Otherwise, he would not have been able to afford college. Growing up, his family faced challenges because they were working-class. Medical school would not have been an option. Even with scholarships. It would have been excessively expensive. Six months after Bria's birth, Michelle started working as a base police officer. This contributed to an increase in revenue. He had $5 million in his bank account from his time in the army. It was more than enough to provide him with a comfortable living for the rest of his life.

He still preferred to go to work each shift. It provided him with something to do. His money would last him a long time because he lived so simply. He saved money by not having to pay down loans or student debt. Jerry took five years to repay his college and medical school loans. They were discussing taking a trip together. They both needed to use their vacation days, so it seemed like the right time.

They mentioned going camping and hiking together. While talking with Bria and Dave, they discovered that Sheena was also going camping. He brought her to Bria's house so she could meet all of the animals. Henry assisted in transporting her wheelchair indoors.

The living room was overflowing with animals and people! Bria invited anyone and everyone who wanted to come over. George brought his pig, Max; Rob brought his dog, Almond; Sheena brought her dog, Goldie; and Henry and Jerry brought their dogs, Bella and Scout. They had to reposition the furniture to accommodate everyone. Bradford, Anna, Mike, and Chester attended the party despite the fact that they did not own any pets. They all approached Sheena and introduced themselves.

She acknowledged them with a smile. Dave helped her get out of her wheelchair and sit on the floor. He set himself up behind her, allowing her to rest against his chest. He was concerned that she would fall over because she lacked muscle control. He wanted to catch her. The band remembered when she came into the studio to see them. Did she remember them? She gave them a puzzled expression.

That was okay. It was a while back. She smiled. So far, her day has gone well. She had a good night's sleep and woke up in a good mood. She took a nap after lunch and came over later. She was extremely excited to see the animals! Her parents wanted to know everything about it when she returned!

Dave held her hand and assisted her in petting the animals. Max responded with a grunt. She was intrigued by him because she had never seen a pig this big before! Dave asked Henry if he could retrieve her device from her wheelchair since he was sitting right next to it. He could do that. He stood up and attempted to figure out how to take it off. Chester stood up and approached him, offering assistance.

It took them a few minutes to figure it out. Chester presented it to him. Thank you. She had a new program that allowed her to type whatever she wanted to. If she did not feel like typing, she could just use her eyes. She decided to send them a message by typing it.

"I like your pig. What is his name?"

“Thank you. His name is Max," George informed her.

"What type of pig is he”, Dave asked.

"He is a Vietnamese potbellied pig."

She smiled. Henry commented on how happy she was. Yes, she was the happiest person he had ever encountered. She simply decided to live her life happily. Luna crouched on her hind legs and swiped her paws at Max, causing him to grunt. Dave grabbed her and held her. Sheena wanted to pet her, so he ran his hand over her fur. Anna enquired what she thought. She used her device to express her liking for the kitten's softness. Dave suddenly remembered that she is allergic to cats!

He would keep an eye on her even though she had not started sneezing yet. Jerry enquired about her allergic condition. How bad was it?

"It is just a minor sinus issue. Their fur causes her to sneeze.”

"So she will not have problems breathing."

"No. If things had been that bad, I would not have brought her."

"These kittens are worth it," her device declared.

They laughed. Yes, they were completely adorable! The dogs went around the circle saying hello to everyone. Goldie was not working, so he could have some fun. Mike scratched and petted his head. He smiled after opening his mouth. Dave was pleased that everyone was accepting of Sheena. They wanted to know more about her. She was having an absolute blast! It sparked his interest in nearby petting zoos. She would be thrilled with that! He enquired as to whether she planned to go camping.

Yes, she was. Her parents discovered a wheelchair accessible camp site in Palmdale, about 45 minutes away. They were planning to spend the weekend there. How thrilled was she? Very! They laughed. They were going to go hiking and cook over the campfire. Has she ever been camping before? No. That was why she was so enthusiastic!

Maybe she and Angel can camp in the backyard next time. Who was Angel? She was her older sibling. Did she live close by? No, she was attending school in Salem, Massachusetts. She saw her during the school breaks. What was she going to school for? She was studying to be a special education teacher. When she was at home, she invited her to join her friends for activities such as shopping, dining, and watching films. She sounded like an awesome older sister! Yes, she was.

Did Bria have any brothers or sisters? She only had two dogs and a pig for siblings. Sheena gave a laugh. No, she was the only child. After a few hours, Sheena and Goldie departed with Dave. They all invited her to come over again. She would love it! George, Jerry, Anna, and Henry all expressed how pleased they were to meet her. She smiled at them and explained that they would have to do it again. They agreed.

When she arrived home, she required a nappy change. Donna led her into the bathroom to do this. While they were waiting, Dave began talking to Nathan. How did things go? It went great! She had such a good time! He mentioned the idea of taking her to a petting zoo.

"My girlfriend has two kittens and was petting them. I had completely forgotten she was allergic to cats. I am very sorry."

"How did she do? Did she sneeze at all?“

"She sneezed just a little. If things had gotten worse, I would have taken her out of there."

He was forgiven for forgetting because the situation was not serious. They planned to keep an eye on her. Dave extended his gratitude. It completely escaped his mind. She and Donna returned to the kitchen. Donna was informed of the circumstances. She could understand how he would forgotten. They were not going to kill him over it. He laughed before thanking them. Sheena was ecstatic to tell them about the pig. It was extremely large and fat! Donna enquired about it. Who owned the pig?

His girlfriend's ex-stepfather had a potbelly pig named Max. He mainly grunted. What other animals were there? There were two kittens, one pig, and four dogs. They needed to rearrange the furniture to accommodate everyone. It was so much fun! They planned to do it again someday. They expressed gratitude to him for bringing her. It was not a problem. He was glad she had a good time!

@zoeykaytesmom @feelingsofaithless @alina-dixon

[sweetbriermouse]

Money stress! Woot!

Loan - $800 left • $165/month

Cedit Card 1 - $900 left • $45/month

Credit Card 2 - $5k left • $170/month

Student Loans - $7.6k left • $80/month

Fixing my Vehicle - est. 2-2.5k • Need closer to 3-4k after tow truck, new battery, coolant, oil change, air filters, and possibly tires on top of estimate which is for just a Trans rebuild.

Brightside: new job pays me $2.3k per month AFTER taxes!

Month 1 - catch up on past due bills

Month 2 - pay to fix transmission and whatever else I can with vehicle

Month 3 - pay off Loan and Credit Card 1

Month 4 - begin building savings, pay 1k of Credit Card 2

Month 5 - pay 1.5k to Credit Card 2

Month 6 - pay off Credit Card 2

Month 7 - student loans pause, back to school, get to 1.5/4k for nest egg, start office renovations

Month 8 - complete office renovations, $2.5/4k nest egg

Month 9 - fence in yard, $3.25/4k nest egg

Month 10 - complete nest egg, frivolous household stuff (new couch, bigger TV, corner wall shelves, repaint kitchen, bathroom ceiling paint, and start stepping stone path around house)

✨️🌸🦋🎀💠✨️🌸🦋🎀💠✨️🌸🦋🎀💠

I am assuming only using 2k out of the 2.3k I'll be earning. This is to buffer for any unplanned expenses, emergencies, etc. If by the next month the 300 hasn't been touched, then I'll put 100 of it to savings and 200 of it to faster debt removal. If any of my planned spending have leftover it'll also go towards debt removal.

I also still have my Fansly account and will continue to do my best to promote and build it up because that would provide a very lovely second income if I can even just maintain 5 subscribers. Just that would cover my gad each month.

Here's hoping I can keep this job long term, and that I can actually have my vehicle fixed and be debt free in just 6 months.

[cesium-sheep]

she called me from work to finalize some stuff for the insurance paperwork (yay) but since she's working for the va for a brief moment I was like "??? did they process my appeal???" lol (they did not)

also I did the math and I can comfortably pay off 40% of my credit card debt with money left over for myself both for right now and for allowance this month, although it would also sponge up the savings I've been accumulating over the past year and a half. which makes me nervous cuz her pay has not stabilized yet and I don't know if we'll need that money. my credit card debt has been basically static since I had to tank the deposit 3 apartments ago, which is frustrating. I would love to just be done with it tbh but I assume I'm last in line aside from whatever I earn for myself. (they've got their cars and their student loans and so on to think about after all, which much more directly impact the whole household.)

[kcdahippie]

Meandering Thoughts 8/29/2023

Today was a weird day at my job and it's like "How many red flags do I ignore before I start looking?"

BUT

My job has a lot of perks where I'm willing to deal with a lot- fully remote & good pay being big caveats at the moment

My job is paid through a grant through mid-April & I've been told we have funding through the Fiscal Year (end of June).

That leaves somewhere between 8-10 months where I am guaranteed a job (hopefully more)

There is theoretically a world where I use that time to just VERY AGGRESSSIVELY pay off my student loans, which start next month.

It wouldn't leave me with a lot of actual room for building up my savings as much as I'd like

BUT

I would theoretically have my student loans paid off (or almost nearly paid off) come the end of June, regardless of if I have a job or not.

AND

I could just... decide to pay less one month or whatever if I did want to do some fun.

I just SO DESPERATELY want to be done with student loans while I have a job where I have the privilege to aggressively pay them off

Otherwise my estimated payoff time says 2045 (though I think it's closer to 2030), depending on how much interest is, how many payments I do, etc. etc.

I'm leaning towards AGGRESSIVE payment of loans because fuck student loans and theoretically I could be done by like next year?

Student debt free by 33 sounds good to me.

IDK I'm just ranting now I just want to make good money and have no student loans and to buy a house (but really own a house with no mortgage)

(Alternatively I could NOT be stubborn, have a much looser budget if I just decided to have roommates again but 'm not there yet!)

Anyways this is TMI my mind has been everywhere today and I just needed to write SOMETHING down somewhere for fucks sake

[komekoro]

Here is how I would break this down.

First, find how much and when all of your non-negotiable bills are. Rent, utilities, internet, car payments, credit card or student loan payments, insurance, etc. (I see how you are looking for public transportation, but want this to be apply to as many as possible). Put those on a calendar that just has 1st through 31st.

Next, find your other bills. Streaming services, Patreon, other subscriptions that you definitely want to keep and do the same thing. If you find anything here that you forgot you subscribe to or find that you really don’t use anymore, you could cancel them now.

Now budget in other bills that you have pay but aren’t bills per se. Things like groceries, gas for your vehicle, things like that.

See where you are at with your expenses per paycheck. If you are already saving, note where in the month and how much you save as well.

Now, take a look at the things that keep you sane that aren’t in these categories. Things like coffee, hanging out with friends for lunch at that little cafe down the street, whatever. Guesstimate how much those run for how often you do it.

Last, take a look at your bank statements and see where else you spend money. Things like coins for mobile games, amazon impulse purchases, etc. we want to see where all the money is going.

Now that you have an idea about how you spend money, look at your cash flow. Is one part of the month tight and the other part more financially flexible? Are both/all parts more equal? It may be better to save $100 all in one paycheck later in the month than equally take $50 out of each paycheck, for example, if too many non- negotiable expenses take place at the beginning of the month.

Now that you can kinda place everything in a month, this is where you start looking at your extra money, seeing how much you can put away, where you can spend less, and how much to budget for sanity spending. Craft stores, kindle books, and mobile games are my weakness, so I make sure I stay within my budget, but also that I have a budget for them. Because if I just cut that out completely, at some point I will get stressed and spend money that I shouldn’t. Give yourself some money to spend on fun stuff. I saved up to move almost 2,000 miles away. I needed a good amount of money. I cancelled subscriptions, looked at my grocery bill and bought less snacks, cut my new clothing budget down quite a bit(less to pack later). BUT I left room in my budget to eat out at least once a week, buy a new ebook weekly, and buy yarn at the craft store once a month for my knitting and crocheting hobbies. Because otherwise I would feel like I was cutting back too far, then would get stress and stress but feel good stuff at the mall right next to work on my way home, or got to the bougie yarn stores and spend $$$.

If you want to save serious money, see when your goal is, then break down that money by year, then by month. If you want 30k€ in 7 years, that’s roughly 360€ per month. Once you finish paying off your debts like you want, keep paying your savings that same amount as you are currently paying to those companies. So, it may be that you can only save , for example, 100€ per month right now, because you are paying 400€/month towards paying off debt. But in two years once those debts are paid, that’s 500€/month you are saving now, instead of the 100€.

And if you can, once you have saved up 300-500€, open a separate savings account for this money. That way you know exactly how much you have saved and where your goal is at. But most accounts, at least where I’m at, do have a minimum balance or they will start taking maintenance fees, so maybe look around, see who has less fees and better interest rates, and just plan on parking your money there once you have above the minimum. And bonus points if it’s at a different place than at your normal bank account so it’s harder to access funds and less prone to impulse spending.

@saaraahka if you have any questions about particulars, feel free to dm me.

Source: I’m a bookkeeper professionally and my parents were both in finance. I know what to do, even if my adhd makes personally following a budget hard.

Sooo if im ever going to be able to buy a house..

I need to be debt free, 1-2 years fingers crossed. And I'll need to have 15% of the price of the house in cash to get a mortgage. So minimum something like 30k€ in my area (and any area close to public transportand workplaces). Maybe doable in 3-5 years (so 7 in total) if I continue to have a job and don't treat myself with anything fun like travel, new phone, food other tham basic and stuff like that.

Soo how do I break this down in like realistic achievable short term goals while also not idk break down completely?

[moneyallthetime]

Earning Extra Dough On Your Downtime Daggers –Weekend Side Jobs

Earning Extra Dough on Your Downtime Daggers – Your Weekend To-Do List for Side JobsWeekends are synonymous with catching up on sleep, enjoying leisurely moments, and endlessly scrolling through Netflix. But for some – freelancers looking to diversify their portfolio, college students aiming to avoid the noodles-and-ketchup diet, or stay-at-home parents in need of some 'me' time – weekends represent a gold mine of untapped potential. This potential comes in the form of side jobs, weekend gigs that promise extra cash and an opportunity to hone new skills. Weekend Side Jobs – Not Just Pocket Change AnymoreIf you’ve been curious about how to turn those two days of freedom into a financial boon, you're in the right place. This comprehensive guide is your treasure map to the myriad side gigs that can earn you extra dough, without impeding on your full-time job, studies, or yoga schedule. It’s time to gear up and uncover the lucrative world of weekend side work.The Weekend Warriors – Who's It For?Weekend side jobs aren’t just about monetary gain; they're about adding value to your life. Maybe you’re saving for a trip or paying off student loans – or perhaps you're just passionate about not letting the weekends go to waste. Whatever your reasons, weekend gigs are perfectly suited for:The Freelancer Seeking VarietyIf you're already freelancing, you understand the value of flexible work. Weekend jobs can provide diversification and may even open doors to new clients and opportunities within your industry.The College Crew Craving ExperienceCollege can be expensive, and textbooks don't come cheap. Weekend jobs can offer both the money and the experience that change your weekend from "I can't afford to do anything" to "I can afford Château de Whatever's-On-Sale."The Tribe of Tired, Yet Ambitious ParentsFor those balancing the joy of raising little humans with the challenge of a limited schedule and income, weekend gigs can be a breather. They offer a sense of independence and an opportunity to focus on professional growth or your own hobbies.The Hustle – Weekday Job vs. Weekend GigBalancing a full-time job and a side gig on weekends means you're all about the hustle. But knowing the difference between your primary and side work can make all the difference. 🏢💼Weekday Work – The Tortoise of the WeekYour main job is the tried and true income that keeps the lights on. It’s the long-haul – the 9-to-5 grind – consistent and reliable.Weekend Gig – The Cheetah of the Extra MileYour side gig, on the other hand, is the turbo boost. It's faster, requires a sprint of energy, but can catapult you towards your financial goals at exhilarating speeds. 🚀Championing the Side Job Quest – How to Get StartedChampioning a side job mission involves identifying opportunities, organizing your time, and preparing to present your best self to potential employers or clients.Scoping the Scene – Where Are the Gigs?The first step is research. There are countless weekend jobs available, from online endeavors to in-person services. Do you have a car for Uber or Lyft? Are you skilled at graphic design or web development? Can you offer your services as a tutor or a weekend event planner? 🌟Time is Money – Mastering the Art of SchedulingEffectively managing your time is like fitting together a puzzle. Your time is precious, so plan for your side job like you would a major project. 🕒Self-Promotion – The Art of the PitchWhether it's updating your resume or perfecting your elevator pitch, selling your skills and availability is key to standing out in a sea of potential workers. Personality and passion can turn a passing glance into a committed offer. 🎤The Side Job Spectrum – From Creative to ConcreteThe types of weekend jobs available are as diverse as the people doing them. From the concrete to the creative, opportunities exist for every skill set and interest.Creative Ventures – Monetize Your ArtistryIf you're a creative at heart, your weekend hours can become prime time to launch a graphic design business, sell handmade crafts on Etsy, or even pen that novel you've been dreaming about. 🎨✨Labor-Intensive Jobs – A Physical Burst of IncomeMaybe you prefer to work up a sweat and see immediate results. Landscaping, event catering, or construction can be great weekend options to pad your wallet and keep you in shape. 💪Online Opportunities – The World is Your WorkplaceThe online world offers an array of weekend job opportunities – customer service, virtual assistant roles, or content creation. It’s a global market – who knows where your next client could be based? 🌎Transcending the Paycheck – Side Jobs for Skill GrowthWhile the primary allure of side jobs is often the paycheck, the potential for skill growth and personal development is a compelling bonus. Each weekend gig is a chance to improve existing skills or learn new ones.Resume Additions – Gaining Career-Relevant SkillsMaybe you're sharpening your marketing acumen as a part-time social media manager, or perhaps you're cultivating your leadership skills by supervising a weekend team in the hospitality industry. These experiences can be invaluable resume builders. 📋Personal Development – Honing Soft SkillsInterpersonal communication, time management, and adaptability are examples of soft skills that can be developed and refined through side jobs, enriching your personal and professional life. 🎯The Legal Landscape of Moonlighting – What You Need to KnowBefore you commit to a weekend side job, make sure you're in the clear legally. Moonlighting can be subject to various laws, workplace policies, or contracts, so ensure you're aware of any potential conflicts or restrictions before you start.Freelancers and Independent Contractors – The Self-Employed LegaleseIf you're a freelancer or independent contractor, familiarize yourself with self-employment taxes and any contractual obligations you need to fulfill. 📜Employed Moonlighters – The Official Approval ChecklistFor those with a "day job," it may be a good idea to get written permission from your employer. This can help avoid any conflicts of interest or misunderstandings regarding your commitment to your primary employment. 📝Weighing the Work-Life Balance – When to Say Yes and When to PassWhile the temptation to take on multiple side jobs can be strong, it's essential to weigh the potential impact on your well-being, relationships, and primary responsibilities.Avoid Burnout – Know Your LimitsOvercommitting can lead to burnout, which can have detrimental effects on your health and performance in all areas of your life. Know when to pass on a side job that may tip the scales too far. ☕Making Time for What Matters – The Personal EquationFinding the right balance is a personal equation that changes with circumstances. Allow room for spontaneity, relaxation, and social activities that provide quality of life. 🎉Financial Fitness – Where Your Side Job Money Should GoYou’ve earned it, so you should know how to manage it. Whether you're saving for a specific goal, investing in your future, or simply enjoying the fruits of your weekend labor, money from side jobs should be handled with intention.Savings – The Safety Net You NeedStart an emergency fund or save towards your dream purchase. Having a financial cushion can alleviate stress and instill a sense of security.Investing in Education – The Payoff of KnowledgeConsider using your side job money to invest in further education or professional development courses. This can open up new career opportunities and increase your earning potential. 📚Responsible Spending – Treating Yourself Without OverindulgingYou have every right to enjoy the extra income you’ve worked hard for, but splurging should always be done within reason. 💸The Ripple Effect – Side Jobs and Your CommunityThe benefits of weekend side jobs don’t end with the individual. They can ripple out to positively impact your community in various ways.Economic Boost – A Little Goes a Long WayThe extra income from side jobs can contribute to the local economy, supporting small businesses and fellow entrepreneurs. Your participation can play a small part in the larger economic ecosystem. 🌱Volunteering and Causes – Giving Back Beyond DollarsWith a more robust financial standing, you might find you have the means to support local charities or community projects that align with your values, enriching the lives of those around you. 🤲Seasonal Shifts – Adapting Your Gig Game PlanJust as the seasons change, so too may your availability or interests. Learn to adapt your side job strategy to make the most of every weekend.Weather-Dependent Jobs – Riding Nature’s WaveFrom snow shoveling to dog walking, certain jobs are weather-dependent. Keep an eye on the forecast and be ready to capitalize on the opportunities nature provides. ☀️Trend Tracking – Staying Ahead of the PackSome side gigs may experience an uptick in demand during specific seasons or times of the year. Stay attentive to market trends and adjust your game plan accordingly to maximize your earnings potential. 📈Safety First – Navigating the Security Maze of Side JobsWhether it’s physical safety while working or digital safety when dealing with online transactions, ensuring your well-being and security should be a top priority.In-Person Jobs – Gear Up for SafetyIf your weekend gigs involve physical work, make sure you have the appropriate safety gear. From helmets to gloves, protective clothing can prevent accidents and injuries. ⛑Online Transactions – Securing Your Side Job EarningsWhen dealing with online side jobs, use secure payment methods and be wary of potential scams. Protect your personal information and be cautious about sharing sensitive data. 🔒The Leg Day of Life – How Side Jobs Strengthen Your Financial MusclesThink of a side job as the leg day of your financial workout. It’s that extra push that provides balance, strength, and a good kind of ache – in this case, the satisfaction of a bolstered bank account.A Stepping Stone – Pathways to Bigger GoalsWhile the job itself may be your focus, it's the pathway it opens to larger financial and personal goals that makes side gigs truly valuable. 🥇The Mindset of Money – How Side Jobs Can Change Your Relationship with EarningUnderstanding the value of your time and skills can reshape your perspective on money, turning it from a limiting factor to a tool for growth and opportunity. 💡The Finish Line Awaits – Launch Into Your Side Job Weekend Now!It’s time to call action on your fresh plans! Whether you're polishing your resume for a new side job or crafting a marketing strategy for your budding weekend business, the finish line of your weekend side job efforts is the a-ha moment where you realize the impact it’s had on your life.Ready, Set, Go! – Your First Steps to a Weekend Well SpentTake the first step today toward a more financially robust tomorrow. Feast on those weekend hours and turn them into your personal profit parade. 🏁A Weekend of Wealth – Goals, Achievements, and the Quest for SatisfactionSet concrete goals for what you want to achieve with your weekend side jobs, and revel in the satisfaction of seeing your actions translate into results. 🎯Remember, the best side job for you is one that not only adds value to your bank account but one that aligns with your passions and personal growth. Ready to turn that Netflix habit into a profitable pursuit? Go on, seize your weekends and make them work for you. Your potential is waiting to be unlocked! 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[lettuce-seize-the-day]

lmao my mom's rlly gonna claim me as dependent, not give me a dime of the stimulus check she gets for me (or share w my brothers who she also claims but don't even live w us), render the kitchen entirely unusable and uncleanable, not buy groceries, buy herself (only herself) fast food combo meals every day, smoke a pack of marlboro cigarettes each day (~$9.10 every day), refuse to help with paying for the cats stuff (the cats she got on impulse without asking me), buy literally hundreds of bottles of soda but only a small portion of them diet, then get mad at me when I ask if she can please just buy me some diet soda after i run out and say "I don't have money"

then LITERALLY 12 hours later text me and ask if i will drive to DOMINOS IN THE NEXT TOWN OVER to pick up her pizza