1 00:00:06,280 --> 00:00:09,680 Speaker 1: It's time for the va qa. Y'all know I hate 2 00:00:09,720 --> 00:00:12,920 Speaker 1: doing this song without Tiffany, but I'm gonna try anyway. 3 00:00:13,000 --> 00:00:18,119 Speaker 1: It's time for the va qa. A. Hello ba fan, 4 00:00:18,320 --> 00:00:21,560 Speaker 1: it's Mandra. I am here live with you this week 5 00:00:21,600 --> 00:00:24,560 Speaker 1: for our ba q and a live and solo. I 6 00:00:24,600 --> 00:00:28,560 Speaker 1: should say so as TIF continues to galivand around Egypt 7 00:00:28,640 --> 00:00:32,240 Speaker 1: and send me the most you know, fomo inducing photos 8 00:00:32,280 --> 00:00:35,320 Speaker 1: to WhatsApp. I'm here for it. Okay, she's having an 9 00:00:35,360 --> 00:00:38,680 Speaker 1: amazing time. But I decided I don't want to just 10 00:00:38,680 --> 00:00:42,360 Speaker 1: be alone in the studio listening answering people's questions, reading 11 00:00:42,400 --> 00:00:45,640 Speaker 1: them off with spreadsheets, So I invited a couple of 12 00:00:45,640 --> 00:00:48,880 Speaker 1: listeners to the show this week to ask me their 13 00:00:48,960 --> 00:00:52,159 Speaker 1: questions live now. As a reminder, if y'all want to 14 00:00:52,200 --> 00:00:54,760 Speaker 1: have a chance to be in the studio or the 15 00:00:54,800 --> 00:00:57,080 Speaker 1: stud as TIF calls it, all you have to do 16 00:00:57,200 --> 00:00:59,240 Speaker 1: is run over to our Instagram page. We are at 17 00:00:59,240 --> 00:01:02,520 Speaker 1: Branna Bishenpot. There you can send us a DM, but 18 00:01:02,680 --> 00:01:05,480 Speaker 1: very importantly send us a voice note. You got sixty 19 00:01:05,480 --> 00:01:08,440 Speaker 1: seconds to get your question out and typing it out. 20 00:01:08,480 --> 00:01:10,760 Speaker 1: I will recommend before you even do that, send us 21 00:01:10,800 --> 00:01:13,600 Speaker 1: your question submit it via ig and you may hear 22 00:01:13,680 --> 00:01:16,600 Speaker 1: from our producer inviting you to be in the studio 23 00:01:16,680 --> 00:01:20,679 Speaker 1: with us to ask your questions live. So for today, 24 00:01:21,640 --> 00:01:25,040 Speaker 1: we have a super well a super adorable and curls 25 00:01:25,080 --> 00:01:27,520 Speaker 1: pop in. I love a glasses moment. 26 00:01:28,640 --> 00:01:29,000 Speaker 2: We're twin. 27 00:01:31,000 --> 00:01:33,479 Speaker 1: You have the a listener Brianna in the house. 28 00:01:33,600 --> 00:01:36,800 Speaker 2: Hi Brianna, Welcome, Hilandy. Thank you so much for having 29 00:01:36,840 --> 00:01:38,640 Speaker 2: me on. I'm so excited about this. 30 00:01:38,840 --> 00:01:41,640 Speaker 1: Thanks for submitting your question. And first of all, I 31 00:01:41,680 --> 00:01:43,720 Speaker 1: just want to say, well, you're from Dallas, right. 32 00:01:43,880 --> 00:01:46,279 Speaker 2: Uh huh, Well I'm from Ohio, but I am in Dallas. 33 00:01:46,319 --> 00:01:48,320 Speaker 1: Sorry. Okay, so she still claims Ohio. 34 00:01:48,640 --> 00:01:49,800 Speaker 2: Yeah, not a sexing yet. 35 00:01:50,920 --> 00:01:52,720 Speaker 1: I know I still have my four or four area 36 00:01:52,760 --> 00:01:56,040 Speaker 1: code twelve years after I left Atlanta, so you know, 37 00:01:57,000 --> 00:02:00,880 Speaker 1: no judgment here. But Brianna has a really interesting question 38 00:02:01,000 --> 00:02:03,240 Speaker 1: and one that I have a lot of feelings about 39 00:02:03,280 --> 00:02:06,120 Speaker 1: and I had to do some reflection before I even 40 00:02:06,160 --> 00:02:08,520 Speaker 1: answered you on what my response would be. So before 41 00:02:08,520 --> 00:02:11,600 Speaker 1: we get into it, let's hear Brianna's question that she 42 00:02:11,680 --> 00:02:12,560 Speaker 1: submitted to the show. 43 00:02:12,760 --> 00:02:14,880 Speaker 3: Hi, Mandy and Tiffany, my name is Brianna and I 44 00:02:14,880 --> 00:02:18,720 Speaker 3: could really really use your help. So I recently graduated 45 00:02:18,760 --> 00:02:21,560 Speaker 3: with my Masters of Health Administration and I landed my 46 00:02:21,720 --> 00:02:24,959 Speaker 3: dream job. This job is paying six figures and has 47 00:02:25,080 --> 00:02:28,400 Speaker 3: really incredible benefits. However, while I was in graduate school, 48 00:02:28,440 --> 00:02:31,360 Speaker 3: I did accumulate some debt in student loans and in 49 00:02:31,360 --> 00:02:34,080 Speaker 3: credit card bills. Well, I know what's a priority to 50 00:02:34,160 --> 00:02:37,320 Speaker 3: pay down my debt. I have this urge to upgrade 51 00:02:37,320 --> 00:02:39,680 Speaker 3: my lifestyle. I want to get a new apartment and 52 00:02:39,720 --> 00:02:40,919 Speaker 3: I've been eyeing a new car. 53 00:02:41,280 --> 00:02:43,760 Speaker 2: But I don't know how much is too much. 54 00:02:44,080 --> 00:02:46,320 Speaker 3: So I would love to hear your thoughts on the 55 00:02:46,440 --> 00:02:52,240 Speaker 3: balance between bossing up a little bit, but also you know, 56 00:02:52,680 --> 00:02:56,040 Speaker 3: keeping a level head if you will, around spending even 57 00:02:56,080 --> 00:02:58,320 Speaker 3: though I got such a huge bump and pay. 58 00:02:59,080 --> 00:02:59,840 Speaker 2: I love the show. 59 00:03:00,040 --> 00:03:01,840 Speaker 3: Thank you guys for your hope, and I hope you 60 00:03:01,840 --> 00:03:02,800 Speaker 3: guys can answer my question. 61 00:03:03,200 --> 00:03:07,839 Speaker 1: Bye, Okay, honest, So you feel cute now you got 62 00:03:07,880 --> 00:03:12,440 Speaker 1: your six figure salary? And what give me a sense 63 00:03:12,480 --> 00:03:14,400 Speaker 1: of how much of a raise was that from what 64 00:03:14,480 --> 00:03:18,359 Speaker 1: you were earning before? About fifty six, fifty or sixteen? 65 00:03:18,440 --> 00:03:20,120 Speaker 2: About fifty or sixty thousand? Yeah? 66 00:03:20,160 --> 00:03:23,080 Speaker 1: Did you move from Cincinnati to Dallas for this job? 67 00:03:23,200 --> 00:03:25,839 Speaker 2: I did, so. I started in a fellowship role, which 68 00:03:25,880 --> 00:03:28,840 Speaker 2: is similar to like an internship, so they pay you, 69 00:03:28,840 --> 00:03:32,040 Speaker 2: you know, significantly less, and then you sort of get 70 00:03:32,040 --> 00:03:32,720 Speaker 2: the next role. 71 00:03:32,919 --> 00:03:34,920 Speaker 1: Nice. And how long have you been there at this point? 72 00:03:35,120 --> 00:03:35,920 Speaker 2: It's two years? 73 00:03:36,200 --> 00:03:38,800 Speaker 1: Okay? Two years? All right. That's really helpful for me 74 00:03:38,840 --> 00:03:40,520 Speaker 1: to know, because when I first listened to the question, 75 00:03:40,600 --> 00:03:44,280 Speaker 1: I was like, you, you haven't earned the six figures yet. 76 00:03:44,320 --> 00:03:47,120 Speaker 1: So what I like to avoid doing is like spending 77 00:03:47,120 --> 00:03:49,640 Speaker 1: the money before it's really mine to spend, you know 78 00:03:49,640 --> 00:03:52,080 Speaker 1: what I mean. But I'm curious. So two years in, 79 00:03:52,280 --> 00:03:54,480 Speaker 1: where do you stand with the debt that you accrued 80 00:03:54,760 --> 00:03:57,160 Speaker 1: during grad school? The student loans, the credit card debt. 81 00:03:57,800 --> 00:04:00,840 Speaker 2: I'm going to be honest, please do guys sills. A'm 82 00:04:00,960 --> 00:04:06,040 Speaker 2: standing in it. Okay, Yeah, I have not really paid 83 00:04:06,400 --> 00:04:09,760 Speaker 2: anything towards it. I graduated in twenty twenty one, so 84 00:04:10,720 --> 00:04:13,320 Speaker 2: newly required to pay, but I have not. 85 00:04:13,360 --> 00:04:15,800 Speaker 1: Started the student loans okay, student loans? 86 00:04:15,880 --> 00:04:16,080 Speaker 2: Yeah? 87 00:04:16,080 --> 00:04:17,560 Speaker 1: And are those like federal or do you have a 88 00:04:17,600 --> 00:04:18,720 Speaker 1: mix of federal private? 89 00:04:19,520 --> 00:04:20,440 Speaker 2: Uh? They're federal? 90 00:04:20,920 --> 00:04:23,000 Speaker 1: Okay. What's the balance? Like, how much do you owe? 91 00:04:24,440 --> 00:04:25,080 Speaker 2: Fifty k? 92 00:04:25,520 --> 00:04:28,240 Speaker 1: Fifty k? Okay? Well, I mean that's student loan debt 93 00:04:28,240 --> 00:04:31,160 Speaker 1: and you haven't had to pay right for the past forever, 94 00:04:32,000 --> 00:04:34,760 Speaker 1: and it's probably going to be extended again and again. Okay, yeah, 95 00:04:34,800 --> 00:04:36,680 Speaker 1: so talk to me about the credit card debt because 96 00:04:36,680 --> 00:04:38,800 Speaker 1: that's my probably mine annual bigger concern. 97 00:04:39,360 --> 00:04:42,200 Speaker 2: Yeah. So, when I got to Dallas, I was in 98 00:04:42,240 --> 00:04:44,479 Speaker 2: the mindset of having the six figures, but I didn't 99 00:04:44,480 --> 00:04:46,240 Speaker 2: actually have the six figures. 100 00:04:46,360 --> 00:04:48,320 Speaker 1: I wish I was catching you early. I thought I 101 00:04:48,440 --> 00:04:53,040 Speaker 1: was catching you early because I was like, no. 102 00:04:51,920 --> 00:04:54,200 Speaker 2: No, the dirt has already been laid. I'm lying in 103 00:04:54,240 --> 00:04:58,840 Speaker 2: the bed now. Yeah. Yeah, So I was bawling when 104 00:04:58,880 --> 00:05:01,360 Speaker 2: I got here, and then I kind of I got 105 00:05:01,400 --> 00:05:03,719 Speaker 2: myself in this rhythm of like I'm going to spend 106 00:05:03,720 --> 00:05:05,560 Speaker 2: the credit card, pay it off, spend the credit card, 107 00:05:05,560 --> 00:05:08,320 Speaker 2: and then they gave me a credit limit increase, and 108 00:05:08,360 --> 00:05:10,800 Speaker 2: then from there I lost control. 109 00:05:11,000 --> 00:05:14,240 Speaker 1: Okay, thanks for admitting that. It's really easy, you know, 110 00:05:14,520 --> 00:05:17,520 Speaker 1: I actually I have been there, you know, even like 111 00:05:17,560 --> 00:05:19,640 Speaker 1: from when I was not earning a lot and times 112 00:05:19,640 --> 00:05:22,120 Speaker 1: when I was earning a lot, it can easily spiral 113 00:05:22,120 --> 00:05:25,320 Speaker 1: out of control. So how much credit card debt are 114 00:05:25,360 --> 00:05:26,480 Speaker 1: you looking at right now? 115 00:05:26,839 --> 00:05:27,200 Speaker 3: Right now? 116 00:05:27,240 --> 00:05:31,640 Speaker 2: It's about six thousand, Like that's rounding up high fives. Yeah, 117 00:05:31,680 --> 00:05:34,240 Speaker 2: so it's not like I'm not drowning, but it's not true. 118 00:05:35,160 --> 00:05:38,760 Speaker 1: Not great, And like, you know, tell me about your 119 00:05:39,000 --> 00:05:42,240 Speaker 1: disposable income. So you've got what you're looking for a 120 00:05:42,279 --> 00:05:45,359 Speaker 1: new car and a better apartment now or did you 121 00:05:45,800 --> 00:05:46,479 Speaker 1: get those things? 122 00:05:47,080 --> 00:05:49,719 Speaker 2: So I'm looking I was looking for a new car 123 00:05:49,839 --> 00:05:52,160 Speaker 2: and a better apartment when I talk to you. Yeah, 124 00:05:52,240 --> 00:05:57,080 Speaker 2: I have stopped doing that, okay, yeah, stop doing that. 125 00:05:57,200 --> 00:05:59,480 Speaker 1: Yeah, with new cars. I wonder how is your credit? 126 00:06:00,240 --> 00:06:01,800 Speaker 2: It can be better. I would say, like they call 127 00:06:01,839 --> 00:06:06,360 Speaker 2: it fair if I look at credits like like six 128 00:06:06,520 --> 00:06:08,560 Speaker 2: fifty to seven. Yeah, I think I'm more in the 129 00:06:08,640 --> 00:06:09,359 Speaker 2: sixth though. 130 00:06:09,640 --> 00:06:11,760 Speaker 1: Yeah, because the thing right now is like debt is 131 00:06:11,839 --> 00:06:14,000 Speaker 1: so expensive, you know, and I'm assuming you would have 132 00:06:14,000 --> 00:06:17,120 Speaker 1: to get an auto loan for the car, right plus 133 00:06:17,120 --> 00:06:19,720 Speaker 1: your credit card debt has only gotten more expensive than 134 00:06:19,760 --> 00:06:22,159 Speaker 1: when you, you know, you first had your cards, because 135 00:06:22,200 --> 00:06:24,960 Speaker 1: like the average APR is over twenty percent now, you know. 136 00:06:25,600 --> 00:06:28,760 Speaker 1: So for me, I just feel like I wouldn't be 137 00:06:28,920 --> 00:06:30,960 Speaker 1: if you're fine without the car right now? Do you 138 00:06:30,960 --> 00:06:33,120 Speaker 1: have other transportation? Like can you get around and get 139 00:06:33,160 --> 00:06:33,480 Speaker 1: to work? 140 00:06:33,839 --> 00:06:37,200 Speaker 2: Yeah? I can, But it's like it's one of those 141 00:06:37,240 --> 00:06:39,599 Speaker 2: things where like I keep having to put money into 142 00:06:39,640 --> 00:06:43,200 Speaker 2: my car, like things keep just happening, whites keep coming on. 143 00:06:43,839 --> 00:06:45,240 Speaker 2: And so I was like, well, maybe I should get 144 00:06:45,279 --> 00:06:47,920 Speaker 2: a new car. And then my parents suggested a cash car. 145 00:06:48,000 --> 00:06:50,719 Speaker 2: But I was like, I'm kind of balling a little 146 00:06:50,720 --> 00:06:52,800 Speaker 2: bit now, So like maybe I should get like a 147 00:06:52,920 --> 00:06:53,880 Speaker 2: nicer car than like. 148 00:06:53,920 --> 00:06:56,000 Speaker 1: Hash car, meaning like a used car that you just 149 00:06:56,000 --> 00:06:56,919 Speaker 1: pay for the cash. 150 00:06:57,000 --> 00:06:57,279 Speaker 2: Yeah. 151 00:06:57,480 --> 00:07:02,039 Speaker 1: Yeah, I don't hate your parents there, And I'm because 152 00:07:02,080 --> 00:07:04,400 Speaker 1: my thing is it doesn't have to be a new car, 153 00:07:04,480 --> 00:07:06,640 Speaker 1: doesn't have to mean a brand new off the lot car. 154 00:07:07,160 --> 00:07:10,840 Speaker 1: I mean, I in my I don't know, I've had 155 00:07:10,840 --> 00:07:14,520 Speaker 1: cars since I was like sixteen. I only bought a 156 00:07:14,520 --> 00:07:16,760 Speaker 1: new car because we had to. When we got our 157 00:07:16,760 --> 00:07:20,040 Speaker 1: car this past summer. It was an electronic vehicle, electric vehicle. 158 00:07:20,400 --> 00:07:24,840 Speaker 1: But I'm always going for the pre certified, pre owned, certified, 159 00:07:24,880 --> 00:07:28,280 Speaker 1: pre owned models because like, for example, when we got 160 00:07:28,280 --> 00:07:32,920 Speaker 1: our first car as a couple, it was a Mazdax 161 00:07:32,960 --> 00:07:35,720 Speaker 1: something or other. I don't know car models, but it 162 00:07:35,760 --> 00:07:37,240 Speaker 1: was like a year or two old and it had 163 00:07:37,280 --> 00:07:41,600 Speaker 1: been a rental cars, you know, vehicle, and just by 164 00:07:41,720 --> 00:07:44,040 Speaker 1: like getting a car that's it's still Newish. You know, 165 00:07:44,040 --> 00:07:46,679 Speaker 1: it's only been like a year since it's been out there, 166 00:07:47,080 --> 00:07:49,760 Speaker 1: but we saved thousands of dollars. You know, as soon 167 00:07:49,760 --> 00:07:52,400 Speaker 1: as you drive off the lot, cars depreciate something like 168 00:07:52,560 --> 00:07:55,080 Speaker 1: fifteen percent. It's kind of insane. 169 00:07:55,520 --> 00:07:57,360 Speaker 2: Both then where do I I don't know. I kind 170 00:07:57,400 --> 00:08:00,080 Speaker 2: of have this feeling like I want to treat myself 171 00:08:00,120 --> 00:08:03,160 Speaker 2: to something. Yeah, and I want to do like a 172 00:08:03,440 --> 00:08:05,760 Speaker 2: you know, like a big my first, big girl job, 173 00:08:05,800 --> 00:08:08,200 Speaker 2: big girl purchase sort of thing. But I don't know 174 00:08:08,680 --> 00:08:11,600 Speaker 2: if it's the right time. And I don't know. 175 00:08:12,320 --> 00:08:14,280 Speaker 1: I mean, if you want to have a really nice 176 00:08:14,360 --> 00:08:16,560 Speaker 1: car to drive around and while you're stressing about your 177 00:08:16,560 --> 00:08:21,600 Speaker 1: credit card debt, then like maybe. 178 00:08:20,920 --> 00:08:23,360 Speaker 2: I'm stressing right now in a mun so it's stress 179 00:08:23,400 --> 00:08:23,960 Speaker 2: in an audi. 180 00:08:24,720 --> 00:08:27,480 Speaker 1: Well, the thing is, an Audi won't make you feel better. 181 00:08:27,560 --> 00:08:29,920 Speaker 1: I know that. It's like it's really about I mean, 182 00:08:29,960 --> 00:08:31,640 Speaker 1: and this is a personal choice, right at the end 183 00:08:31,640 --> 00:08:33,280 Speaker 1: of the day. You have to choose what will bring 184 00:08:33,320 --> 00:08:36,720 Speaker 1: you happiness. But for me, the peace of mind of 185 00:08:36,800 --> 00:08:41,240 Speaker 1: having debt paid down is so worth more than space, 186 00:08:41,880 --> 00:08:46,119 Speaker 1: worth more than anything plus six thousand dollars on your salary. 187 00:08:46,440 --> 00:08:48,480 Speaker 1: I feel like if you really went for it. You 188 00:08:48,520 --> 00:08:51,280 Speaker 1: could probably pay that down in a few paychecks, Am 189 00:08:51,320 --> 00:08:51,760 Speaker 1: I wrong? 190 00:08:52,240 --> 00:08:53,000 Speaker 2: Like much? 191 00:08:53,320 --> 00:08:56,240 Speaker 1: Where's your extra money going that you're you know, are 192 00:08:56,240 --> 00:08:57,360 Speaker 1: you saving it right now? 193 00:08:58,200 --> 00:09:01,400 Speaker 2: No? It is going to everything else. So I'm I 194 00:09:01,480 --> 00:09:04,920 Speaker 2: am traveling. It feels like every month there's something I 195 00:09:04,960 --> 00:09:07,079 Speaker 2: need to buy and so I buy it, you know, 196 00:09:07,200 --> 00:09:12,000 Speaker 2: like if it's a birthday gift or I'm terrible about 197 00:09:12,040 --> 00:09:12,800 Speaker 2: saving money. 198 00:09:13,400 --> 00:09:15,440 Speaker 1: Okay, So what are your savings like right now? 199 00:09:16,480 --> 00:09:17,400 Speaker 2: Under five hundred? 200 00:09:17,840 --> 00:09:22,280 Speaker 1: Under five hundred? Okay, yeah, you're gonna feel so I'm 201 00:09:22,320 --> 00:09:25,480 Speaker 1: promised like the you will feel. I feel rich every 202 00:09:25,559 --> 00:09:28,959 Speaker 1: day and like my you know, crappy old Navy clearance 203 00:09:29,000 --> 00:09:32,439 Speaker 1: shirt because I know that I don't have to worry, 204 00:09:32,520 --> 00:09:34,640 Speaker 1: Like I know that if one of us lost our incomes, 205 00:09:35,200 --> 00:09:37,480 Speaker 1: like we would be okay, you know for a certain 206 00:09:37,480 --> 00:09:40,360 Speaker 1: amount of time because of our savings. And that peace 207 00:09:40,400 --> 00:09:43,280 Speaker 1: of mind like that for me is what defines wealth 208 00:09:43,720 --> 00:09:47,800 Speaker 1: and you know, prosperity. And it's the peace of mind 209 00:09:47,800 --> 00:09:50,520 Speaker 1: that you can buy yourself when you're earning more. And 210 00:09:50,559 --> 00:09:53,000 Speaker 1: I just don't want you because right now are you single? 211 00:09:53,040 --> 00:09:53,720 Speaker 1: You got kids? 212 00:09:54,200 --> 00:09:57,679 Speaker 2: I'm single, no babies, living life, no fur babies. 213 00:09:58,000 --> 00:10:00,959 Speaker 1: It's only going to get harder and like think about 214 00:10:01,240 --> 00:10:03,480 Speaker 1: think about the things that you're going to want, you know, 215 00:10:03,600 --> 00:10:06,080 Speaker 1: five ten years now, maybe you want to buy a condo, 216 00:10:06,720 --> 00:10:09,680 Speaker 1: you know, buy a house. If you start to think 217 00:10:09,720 --> 00:10:13,160 Speaker 1: about the future, like the future goals, and I know 218 00:10:13,200 --> 00:10:14,960 Speaker 1: that these things that pop up months a month, they 219 00:10:15,000 --> 00:10:17,679 Speaker 1: feel like, Okay, I gotta do this. It's right in 220 00:10:17,760 --> 00:10:20,600 Speaker 1: front of me right now. But that's why I love 221 00:10:20,720 --> 00:10:24,000 Speaker 1: naming my savings account after a certain goal. For example, 222 00:10:24,080 --> 00:10:26,240 Speaker 1: like a lot of banks now will let you have 223 00:10:26,360 --> 00:10:29,800 Speaker 1: multiple savings accounts, and if you name one future down 224 00:10:29,800 --> 00:10:33,840 Speaker 1: payment or luxury vacation, you know, twenty twenty four or 225 00:10:33,880 --> 00:10:37,520 Speaker 1: something like that, it's going to give you something tangible 226 00:10:37,559 --> 00:10:39,920 Speaker 1: that then you're saying no to. If you say yes 227 00:10:40,080 --> 00:10:42,720 Speaker 1: to those like immediate things in front of you. You know, 228 00:10:43,000 --> 00:10:45,640 Speaker 1: all right, ba fam, you are listening to the ba 229 00:10:45,800 --> 00:10:48,440 Speaker 1: qa A. We are going to take a quick break 230 00:10:48,440 --> 00:10:50,840 Speaker 1: and be right back with more of your questions and 231 00:10:50,960 --> 00:10:56,200 Speaker 1: our answers. Okay, va fan, we are back answering more 232 00:10:56,240 --> 00:10:58,800 Speaker 1: of your questions for the baqa Let's go. 233 00:10:58,920 --> 00:11:02,040 Speaker 2: Can I ask you something about so when my check 234 00:11:02,080 --> 00:11:06,040 Speaker 2: comes in, I just spend the check. Spend the check 235 00:11:06,080 --> 00:11:08,840 Speaker 2: spend the check till it's nothing, and then pray that 236 00:11:08,880 --> 00:11:10,480 Speaker 2: I get to the end of the month till I 237 00:11:10,520 --> 00:11:11,240 Speaker 2: get my next. 238 00:11:11,080 --> 00:11:12,800 Speaker 1: Paycheck that's really paid once a month. 239 00:11:13,160 --> 00:11:14,439 Speaker 2: I want. I'm plaid monthly. 240 00:11:14,520 --> 00:11:16,440 Speaker 1: Oh I used to hate that when I got paid monthly. 241 00:11:16,760 --> 00:11:18,040 Speaker 2: Oh it's yeah, it's hard. 242 00:11:18,120 --> 00:11:19,839 Speaker 1: Sure, Okay, that's good. 243 00:11:19,920 --> 00:11:22,880 Speaker 2: And so I know, so when my check comes in, 244 00:11:23,559 --> 00:11:25,439 Speaker 2: what would Mandy do with it? 245 00:11:25,600 --> 00:11:27,240 Speaker 1: I'll tell you exactly what I did with it when 246 00:11:27,240 --> 00:11:29,160 Speaker 1: I was in your position, when I was finally earning 247 00:11:29,280 --> 00:11:31,320 Speaker 1: enough money to have to be able to do other 248 00:11:31,400 --> 00:11:36,559 Speaker 1: things besides just pay the rent. Automate everything, like, automate 249 00:11:36,600 --> 00:11:39,200 Speaker 1: it through your payroll so that things are like by 250 00:11:39,240 --> 00:11:42,040 Speaker 1: the time you get your paycheck, it has like everyone's 251 00:11:42,080 --> 00:11:45,600 Speaker 1: gotten their share, you know, your savings accounts, your retirement, 252 00:11:46,200 --> 00:11:49,000 Speaker 1: you know whatever, your checking account for your bills. I 253 00:11:49,000 --> 00:11:52,400 Speaker 1: don't know how you have your account structured, but I 254 00:11:52,280 --> 00:11:54,600 Speaker 1: I'm word the same in the sense that I would 255 00:11:54,640 --> 00:11:56,520 Speaker 1: have the same issue, you know, when I was paid, 256 00:11:56,520 --> 00:11:58,559 Speaker 1: if it would just go, you know and be gone. 257 00:11:59,040 --> 00:12:01,480 Speaker 1: And it wasn't until I got on the back end 258 00:12:01,960 --> 00:12:05,079 Speaker 1: and automated my savings and automated my investing in all 259 00:12:05,080 --> 00:12:08,360 Speaker 1: of that. The automation saved me. Automation is why I 260 00:12:08,400 --> 00:12:10,360 Speaker 1: was able to get to where I was, you know, 261 00:12:10,480 --> 00:12:14,760 Speaker 1: financially in my career. Are you automating anything right now? 262 00:12:14,960 --> 00:12:18,440 Speaker 2: I automate some bills, like my renters into the small ones. 263 00:12:18,520 --> 00:12:19,440 Speaker 2: I automate those. 264 00:12:19,800 --> 00:12:21,920 Speaker 1: See, it's not the bills that I think you should automate. 265 00:12:22,000 --> 00:12:25,000 Speaker 1: It's the savings and the investing. Okay, are you putting 266 00:12:25,040 --> 00:12:27,079 Speaker 1: anything into your like your four to one K Now. 267 00:12:27,600 --> 00:12:31,760 Speaker 2: It is automatic that it automatically goes in, So that's yeah, 268 00:12:31,920 --> 00:12:34,800 Speaker 2: how much helpful? I don't exactly know. If I looked 269 00:12:34,800 --> 00:12:36,520 Speaker 2: at my paste, i'd be able to tell you, but 270 00:12:36,559 --> 00:12:39,559 Speaker 2: it's pretty significant. I would say it's at least in 271 00:12:39,600 --> 00:12:43,360 Speaker 2: my pension. It's at least I would say two hundred 272 00:12:43,480 --> 00:12:45,720 Speaker 2: hundred dollars at check maybe okay? 273 00:12:45,960 --> 00:12:47,439 Speaker 1: And how much is each? Won't You don't have to 274 00:12:47,440 --> 00:12:49,920 Speaker 1: tell me your business like that, but like just I would, 275 00:12:49,920 --> 00:12:53,040 Speaker 1: I would know, like what percentage you're putting away? Yeah, 276 00:12:53,080 --> 00:12:56,120 Speaker 1: and because you know you're at the how old are 277 00:12:56,120 --> 00:12:59,600 Speaker 1: you now? I'm twenty eight, You're so young. I would 278 00:12:59,640 --> 00:13:02,240 Speaker 1: go for it. I would. I never invested more from 279 00:13:02,280 --> 00:13:05,000 Speaker 1: my retirement than when I was single and had, you know, 280 00:13:05,240 --> 00:13:07,720 Speaker 1: just myself to worry about. I was putting like ten percent, 281 00:13:07,800 --> 00:13:11,440 Speaker 1: sometimes fifteen percent. So go into your back end and 282 00:13:11,480 --> 00:13:14,280 Speaker 1: I would check and at least understand what your percentages are. 283 00:13:14,520 --> 00:13:17,560 Speaker 1: You know that you're investing. You have that automated. Awesome, 284 00:13:17,720 --> 00:13:20,440 Speaker 1: Just do the same for your savings and when you actually, 285 00:13:21,120 --> 00:13:23,319 Speaker 1: like when it's automated and you don't have to think 286 00:13:23,320 --> 00:13:26,720 Speaker 1: about it, you're going to be less likely to miss 287 00:13:26,720 --> 00:13:29,120 Speaker 1: that money, you know, because you're going to see what's 288 00:13:29,120 --> 00:13:31,199 Speaker 1: in your paycheck and you're going to be like, oh, 289 00:13:31,240 --> 00:13:33,720 Speaker 1: I can actually play with this, or you know what 290 00:13:33,720 --> 00:13:36,600 Speaker 1: I mean, like I can use this for bills. I'm 291 00:13:36,640 --> 00:13:38,960 Speaker 1: not saying. And you have to decide how much you 292 00:13:39,000 --> 00:13:42,120 Speaker 1: know to save each month. So and it's going to 293 00:13:42,200 --> 00:13:44,400 Speaker 1: come down to, you know, how much do you need 294 00:13:44,440 --> 00:13:48,200 Speaker 1: to cover your expenses shopping, whatever bills you have, et cetera. 295 00:13:48,800 --> 00:13:51,080 Speaker 1: And then whatever is left over you can split that 296 00:13:51,160 --> 00:13:54,080 Speaker 1: between some savings and paying down that credit card debt. 297 00:13:55,280 --> 00:13:57,400 Speaker 1: That would be for me how you could do both 298 00:13:57,520 --> 00:13:58,199 Speaker 1: at one time? 299 00:13:58,800 --> 00:14:03,240 Speaker 2: How much money should I have to for free? Because 300 00:14:03,240 --> 00:14:06,080 Speaker 2: I feel a little uneasy sometimes when I like, because 301 00:14:06,080 --> 00:14:08,480 Speaker 2: I have tried to think about dividing my checkout, and 302 00:14:08,520 --> 00:14:09,880 Speaker 2: then I was like, well, I only have like one 303 00:14:09,920 --> 00:14:13,080 Speaker 2: hundred or two hundred dollars of like free money, So 304 00:14:13,320 --> 00:14:15,720 Speaker 2: what's reasonable free money? 305 00:14:15,760 --> 00:14:16,319 Speaker 1: What does that mean? 306 00:14:16,400 --> 00:14:20,680 Speaker 2: Like after what after like everything went to its proper home, 307 00:14:21,040 --> 00:14:23,240 Speaker 2: the money that I could just like if someone wants 308 00:14:23,280 --> 00:14:25,520 Speaker 2: to go to the movies, someone lets whatever, to just 309 00:14:25,600 --> 00:14:27,400 Speaker 2: kind of have free. 310 00:14:27,200 --> 00:14:29,320 Speaker 1: I mean, I'm kind of finding it hard to believe 311 00:14:29,320 --> 00:14:31,120 Speaker 1: you only have one hundred dollars. I mean, I know 312 00:14:31,160 --> 00:14:33,840 Speaker 1: that six figures. First of all, six figures sounds so sexy, 313 00:14:33,880 --> 00:14:36,240 Speaker 1: but like in today's America, it's. 314 00:14:36,200 --> 00:14:39,120 Speaker 2: With taxes inflation, it's really not too much. 315 00:14:39,600 --> 00:14:42,520 Speaker 1: It's not that much. I know for sure. The only 316 00:14:42,600 --> 00:14:44,240 Speaker 1: thing to do is you can look for other ways 317 00:14:44,280 --> 00:14:46,480 Speaker 1: to bring an income, or you could revisit your budget 318 00:14:46,800 --> 00:14:49,120 Speaker 1: and cut some expenses so that you just get more. 319 00:14:49,760 --> 00:14:52,400 Speaker 1: And also what that's telling me is like you really 320 00:14:52,440 --> 00:14:56,800 Speaker 1: can't I mean afford that much more like at a 321 00:14:56,840 --> 00:15:00,280 Speaker 1: bigger car payment at interest rates today, like I mean 322 00:15:00,400 --> 00:15:03,000 Speaker 1: car payments with a fair credit score, I could look 323 00:15:03,000 --> 00:15:04,960 Speaker 1: it up really quickly, but I feel like interests would 324 00:15:04,960 --> 00:15:09,240 Speaker 1: be like six seven percent maybe more. Like that's expensive 325 00:15:09,280 --> 00:15:10,680 Speaker 1: and that and then it's going to take you longer 326 00:15:10,720 --> 00:15:13,600 Speaker 1: to pay off that car note. You know, more of 327 00:15:13,640 --> 00:15:16,920 Speaker 1: your payments are going to go to interest versus actually 328 00:15:16,960 --> 00:15:21,320 Speaker 1: the principle. So I think you almost need to like 329 00:15:21,400 --> 00:15:24,360 Speaker 1: shift the mindset of Okay, I'm making six figures and 330 00:15:24,400 --> 00:15:28,600 Speaker 1: that's good, but it's not a luxury lifestyle salary yet, 331 00:15:29,120 --> 00:15:34,080 Speaker 1: you know, And I think you'll regret not investing time 332 00:15:34,160 --> 00:15:38,360 Speaker 1: and energy into your savings, into paying down this debt. 333 00:15:39,040 --> 00:15:41,160 Speaker 1: What if something were to happen and you know, you 334 00:15:41,280 --> 00:15:44,000 Speaker 1: lost this job. You're like on the fringe, like you're 335 00:15:44,000 --> 00:15:48,480 Speaker 1: making ends meet right now, but you're vulnerable to like 336 00:15:48,520 --> 00:15:50,200 Speaker 1: if something were to happen and you know, you were 337 00:15:50,240 --> 00:15:53,800 Speaker 1: to get let go or whatever. And I just feel 338 00:15:53,800 --> 00:15:57,280 Speaker 1: like it's a it's a vulnerable position, and I want 339 00:15:57,280 --> 00:15:58,520 Speaker 1: you to feel more secure. 340 00:15:59,040 --> 00:16:00,960 Speaker 2: Yeah, I want to feel more secure as well. I 341 00:16:01,040 --> 00:16:03,560 Speaker 2: was part of the people that got kind of mixed 342 00:16:03,640 --> 00:16:07,680 Speaker 2: up in the Southwest debacle with the snowstorm, and I 343 00:16:07,720 --> 00:16:10,440 Speaker 2: couldn't and the amount of plane tickets I had to 344 00:16:10,480 --> 00:16:12,680 Speaker 2: buy and whatever. I got in a position where I 345 00:16:12,680 --> 00:16:15,720 Speaker 2: couldn't afford to get out of the airport and I 346 00:16:15,760 --> 00:16:18,520 Speaker 2: had to call my parents and be like Hey, can 347 00:16:18,560 --> 00:16:21,280 Speaker 2: you loan me two hundred three hundred dollars for a 348 00:16:21,280 --> 00:16:23,200 Speaker 2: plane ticket? Because I literally couldn't afford it. And I 349 00:16:23,200 --> 00:16:26,520 Speaker 2: think it was then that I realized, Okay, I can't 350 00:16:26,880 --> 00:16:31,000 Speaker 2: live this Instagram lifestyle because what Instagram doesn't show you 351 00:16:31,120 --> 00:16:33,800 Speaker 2: is that life happens, and I don't have a safety 352 00:16:33,840 --> 00:16:35,360 Speaker 2: net to protect myself. 353 00:16:36,240 --> 00:16:38,760 Speaker 1: Yeah, that's such like a vivid that's such a vivid 354 00:16:39,200 --> 00:16:41,560 Speaker 1: like visual for me too, just you and that airport, 355 00:16:42,040 --> 00:16:46,640 Speaker 1: being like, Wow, I really don't have it, and it's 356 00:16:46,680 --> 00:16:49,720 Speaker 1: hard to think I'm earning this much, so shouldn't I 357 00:16:49,800 --> 00:16:52,160 Speaker 1: have it like you have it for the other things 358 00:16:52,160 --> 00:16:54,560 Speaker 1: that come once a month and all that. But that's 359 00:16:54,600 --> 00:16:59,560 Speaker 1: exactly what I feel like you saying no to some things, 360 00:16:59,560 --> 00:17:03,240 Speaker 1: but saying yes to security, yes to financial freedom. It's 361 00:17:03,280 --> 00:17:06,199 Speaker 1: just going to be a game changer for you. It's like, 362 00:17:06,240 --> 00:17:11,040 Speaker 1: what are you valuing more? The cute the Audi? You know, Audi? 363 00:17:11,119 --> 00:17:12,919 Speaker 1: I don't know how Audi Audi? 364 00:17:13,760 --> 00:17:14,480 Speaker 2: You can't afford it? 365 00:17:14,480 --> 00:17:19,080 Speaker 1: I don't know ye, Like you know, I just had 366 00:17:19,119 --> 00:17:20,919 Speaker 1: a chat with my financial planner too, and like I 367 00:17:20,920 --> 00:17:22,800 Speaker 1: don't have all my shit together all the time either. 368 00:17:23,240 --> 00:17:25,240 Speaker 1: She was like, you can't afford a second car right now, 369 00:17:25,640 --> 00:17:26,960 Speaker 1: not if you want to do this, this, that, and 370 00:17:27,000 --> 00:17:29,919 Speaker 1: the third and I'm having another baby and I'm like, 371 00:17:29,960 --> 00:17:32,639 Speaker 1: but I'm making this much money. She's like, yeah, but 372 00:17:32,680 --> 00:17:35,040 Speaker 1: the facts are the facts. And if you want to 373 00:17:35,080 --> 00:17:39,800 Speaker 1: continue feeling comfortable, feeling like secure, a second car is 374 00:17:39,800 --> 00:17:41,800 Speaker 1: going to put you in that red area, red zone 375 00:17:41,920 --> 00:17:45,560 Speaker 1: of on the fringe. Any little thing can put you 376 00:17:45,560 --> 00:17:49,040 Speaker 1: can like start spiraling, you know. So don't feel bad 377 00:17:49,119 --> 00:17:51,879 Speaker 1: because you're in this position. Just be honest with yourself 378 00:17:51,920 --> 00:17:54,400 Speaker 1: about what position you're in. That's all I want to say. 379 00:17:54,760 --> 00:17:55,719 Speaker 2: Yeah, that's honest. 380 00:17:55,840 --> 00:17:58,800 Speaker 1: I love that, But good luck. The one last thing 381 00:17:58,840 --> 00:18:00,680 Speaker 1: I will say, as far as the six thousand credit 382 00:18:00,760 --> 00:18:03,320 Speaker 1: card debt, it's accruing interest right now. It's not like 383 00:18:03,359 --> 00:18:05,840 Speaker 1: a promotional interest period or something like that. 384 00:18:06,080 --> 00:18:07,720 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's a crewing interest right now. 385 00:18:08,560 --> 00:18:11,040 Speaker 1: Yeah. And with a six fifty ish credit score, you 386 00:18:11,080 --> 00:18:13,880 Speaker 1: could try to qualify for a balance transfer credit card. 387 00:18:14,080 --> 00:18:15,920 Speaker 1: But my fear for you if you if you do 388 00:18:16,000 --> 00:18:18,679 Speaker 1: qualify for a balance transfer, do you know what that is? No, 389 00:18:19,400 --> 00:18:22,320 Speaker 1: So a balance transfer is basically credit card company is 390 00:18:22,359 --> 00:18:24,280 Speaker 1: they love to get new business and they're like, oh, 391 00:18:24,320 --> 00:18:26,520 Speaker 1: you're struggling to pay off that maxed out credit card. 392 00:18:27,000 --> 00:18:29,399 Speaker 1: We'll let us pay it off for you. We'll put 393 00:18:29,440 --> 00:18:31,520 Speaker 1: the balance on a bright, new shiny card that we're 394 00:18:31,560 --> 00:18:32,919 Speaker 1: going to give you, and we're going to give you 395 00:18:33,040 --> 00:18:37,720 Speaker 1: zero percent interest for the next twelve eighteen months. Really exciting, right. 396 00:18:38,080 --> 00:18:40,640 Speaker 1: They typically charge like a little balance transfer fee, three 397 00:18:40,680 --> 00:18:44,439 Speaker 1: percent something like that on the balance, but it helps 398 00:18:44,440 --> 00:18:47,320 Speaker 1: give you relief in the sense that you don't have 399 00:18:47,440 --> 00:18:50,640 Speaker 1: this credit card debt, you know, a double digit interest 400 00:18:51,000 --> 00:18:54,000 Speaker 1: continuing to be stacked on it. It's wonderful as a 401 00:18:54,000 --> 00:18:57,760 Speaker 1: tool for that the challenge. And we actually did surveys 402 00:18:57,920 --> 00:19:00,480 Speaker 1: when I was in my last couple of roles ago 403 00:19:00,880 --> 00:19:03,400 Speaker 1: at a personal finance site called Magnified Money. We would 404 00:19:03,440 --> 00:19:06,920 Speaker 1: survey people and they would continue to wrack up debt 405 00:19:06,960 --> 00:19:10,280 Speaker 1: because it's like the balance transfer gave them this concept 406 00:19:10,280 --> 00:19:12,280 Speaker 1: in their mind that they were debt free or they 407 00:19:12,280 --> 00:19:14,760 Speaker 1: had time, you know, and then they would just wrack 408 00:19:14,840 --> 00:19:16,639 Speaker 1: up more and more and it was like a vicious cycle. 409 00:19:16,920 --> 00:19:19,440 Speaker 1: So I would say no, yourself, like a balance transfer 410 00:19:19,480 --> 00:19:22,560 Speaker 1: could be an option, but then I would really aggressively 411 00:19:22,640 --> 00:19:25,360 Speaker 1: pay off that six thousand, even though it's earning six 412 00:19:25,600 --> 00:19:29,119 Speaker 1: I'm sorry, zero percent just to get it done and 413 00:19:29,160 --> 00:19:31,480 Speaker 1: then go on a bit of like a credit card 414 00:19:32,000 --> 00:19:36,360 Speaker 1: diet slash cleanse, focus on your savings. And I feel 415 00:19:36,400 --> 00:19:38,120 Speaker 1: like a year from now, six months to a year 416 00:19:38,119 --> 00:19:40,600 Speaker 1: from now, you're going to be in a position where 417 00:19:40,600 --> 00:19:43,879 Speaker 1: it's like, Okay, now I know what this feels like. 418 00:19:44,640 --> 00:19:47,160 Speaker 1: Do I really still need the car? And if I do, 419 00:19:47,640 --> 00:19:49,919 Speaker 1: am I willing to sacrifice this feeling of peace? 420 00:19:50,400 --> 00:19:54,200 Speaker 2: I will commit to a six month credit card cleanse 421 00:19:54,359 --> 00:19:55,800 Speaker 2: once I start paying it. 422 00:19:55,920 --> 00:19:58,679 Speaker 1: Yeah for sure? All right, awesome, Well, thank you so 423 00:19:58,960 --> 00:20:01,440 Speaker 1: much for all. 424 00:20:02,080 --> 00:20:04,280 Speaker 2: This is so helpful. This was like the reminder that 425 00:20:04,320 --> 00:20:05,760 Speaker 2: I needed. I love that we did this at the 426 00:20:05,840 --> 00:20:08,360 Speaker 2: beginning of the year because this really kind of will 427 00:20:08,440 --> 00:20:11,520 Speaker 2: jump start jump start my new transition. So thank you 428 00:20:11,600 --> 00:20:11,920 Speaker 2: so much. 429 00:20:11,960 --> 00:20:14,640 Speaker 1: Before summer comes and everyone goes I'm trying to put 430 00:20:14,760 --> 00:20:16,359 Speaker 1: you in different directions. 431 00:20:15,840 --> 00:20:18,800 Speaker 2: Outside, it gets dangerous, so thank you for ruling me 432 00:20:18,880 --> 00:20:19,240 Speaker 2: in Now. 433 00:20:20,720 --> 00:20:23,200 Speaker 1: Just you're on your own journey and like no one 434 00:20:23,200 --> 00:20:26,040 Speaker 1: else is gonna save you. You know, when you're in that 435 00:20:26,280 --> 00:20:28,720 Speaker 1: Southwest terminal again, you know, like you really got to 436 00:20:28,840 --> 00:20:32,080 Speaker 1: look out for you. So good luck, You're going to 437 00:20:32,160 --> 00:20:34,720 Speaker 1: do great, And congrats on this like huge promotion to 438 00:20:34,840 --> 00:20:36,399 Speaker 1: the huge you know, step up, You're going in the 439 00:20:36,440 --> 00:20:37,800 Speaker 1: right direction. Just keep going. 440 00:20:38,160 --> 00:20:40,639 Speaker 2: Thank you so much. I really appreciate your time today. 441 00:20:40,960 --> 00:20:44,960 Speaker 1: Thanks Brianna, Hey ba fan. We could not do this 442 00:20:45,040 --> 00:20:47,920 Speaker 1: show without your support or the support of our team 443 00:20:48,000 --> 00:20:51,359 Speaker 1: behind the scenes. The Brand Ambition podcast is produced by 444 00:20:51,440 --> 00:20:54,680 Speaker 1: Imani Crosby and Dennis and Plinsky is our in house 445 00:20:54,720 --> 00:20:58,080 Speaker 1: tech guru. I am your co host Mandy Woodrif Santos, 446 00:20:58,119 --> 00:21:00,000 Speaker 1: and we will see y'all next week. Be a fan 447 00:21:00,080 --> 00:21:00,199 Speaker 1: him