Navigating Her Finances in Her 20s
Hey ladies, Welcome back to For The Love Of The Funds, I’m Such A Lady series where we're all about embracing the chaos of adulting while making girl math make cents.
Let’s get real for a moment. Being in our 20s is an exciting, confusing, and sometimes overwhelming time. We’re figuring out who we are, what we want, and how to make it all work financially. I’m just a girl, trying to juggle the demands of life, work, relationships, and money, and I know many of you are too. So, let’s talk about it.
Starting from Scratch & Balancing Lifestyle and Income
As a woman, I know firsthand how expensive it can be just to exist. We often pay more for basic things then there’s the cost of makeup, hair , and other beauty products and don’t get my started on vacation prep or just a maintenance day. Chile it’s frustrating and unfair, but it’s our reality, so we have to find ways to manage these girl bills.
We’ve all been there—caught between wanting to live our best lives and needing to make responsible financial choices. It’s hard to resist the pull of social and lifestyle expenses. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to sacrifice your social life to be financially responsible. It’s about finding a balance.
Maybe it’s making dinner instead of going out or thifting at times instead of buying brand new clothes. These small changes help us maintain our social connections without breaking the bank. Remember, it’s okay to enjoy life while being mindful of your spending.
Do you know what Financial FOMO is? It stands for Fear of Missing Out, it's a real thing, right? Seeing people travel, buy new cars, or live seemingly luxurious lives on social media can make you feel inadequate or behind. But remember, social media IS NOT REAL and often shows the highlight reel, not the behind-the-scenes struggles. I have to have reality checks with myself at times. The biggest lesson that I have leaarned from social media is focusing on my own journey and setting personal and financial goals that align with my values and priorities. It’s okay to say no to things that don’t fit in my financial situation right now. I know missing out now my future self will thank me.
Handling Adult Responsibilities
For many of us, student loans are a significant burden. It’s overwhelming to think about paying them off while trying to build a career and life. I have honestly put my student loans in Biden and God’s hands because I know they will not let me down and get the job done. If there is anything that I am manifesting is that the loans will get paid off by someone who is not me. AMEN, lol but in all seriousness I have gone into my loan app and chose the option of paying the lowest amount I can pay. Ugh, it is another bill but it is way cheaper than what they thought I was going to pay at first.
Handling adult responsibilities goes beyond student loans.Investing seemed like a foreign concept to me and I honestly just don't understand stocks bonds, mutual funds, and all that stuff—it all feels like another language. But I will take it one step at a time, starting with learning. I started with my employer’s 401(k) plan, taking advantage of the match. Now I am working on opening a Roth IRA, contributing what I can. Investing isn’t just for the wealthy; it’s for anyone who wants to build a better future. Here's a revised version:
Research indicates that less than 60% of Black women invest due to factors such as limited funds, lack of confidence and knowledge, and aversion to risk. There's a misconception that substantial income, like nearly $50,000 annually, is required to start investing, which is not true. For example, a study showed that investing just $30 per month in the S&P 500 index over the past decade would have turned a $3,600 initial investment into $8,000, a 122% return. I am learning not to fear risk and starting to emphasize investing in the market, rather than relying solely on deposits or savings accounts, is essential for building wealth.
Let’s talk about the grown-up stuff we often push to the side: life insurance policies, doctor's appointments, and so much more. But we were so quick to book that hair appointment because I know I just did and still haven't called the eye doctors. Look I am not here to shame you because I still do my own dirt but I am learning and some of the typical adult things don’t seem urgent until they suddenly are. We gonna get better.
After the week I had I don’t even think I want to get into this because I’m JUST A GIRL. This is me being very transparent, Car issues are a whole headache. I got back from vacation on Friday straight off the plane my car wouldn't start so I had to pay $245 for a new battery then before even leaving the parking lot of the shop some lights came on my dashboard that I'd never seen before. Long story short the guy said once I drive the car it will go away, okay cool. He was right they did go away. Sunday I got in a car accident and recked the front of my car mind you my car is white okay cool smiling through it all and swiping my card all at the same time. On Tuesday the lights that the guy told me not to worry about came back on, and I'm still smiling. ATP I stay in the house for a few days because me and this car is not working out. I go outside on Thursday to get something out of my my car and why I HAVE A FLAT TIRE. YALL
I could not catch a break and all I wanted to break down in tears and fall to the ground but I couldn't even be upset it’s life and stuff happens. I was so fed up I said I’ll deal with it tomorrow so the next day I took my car over to the gas station and put some air in it, I did not even know what I’m doing and drove about 10 minutes to get the tire plugged, and then
my oil light was on so I was like let me just get all of this car stuff done now because I am truly over it. WHY IS AN OIL CHANGE $90, but I had a coupon so it brought my total down to $60 something so you know after that I had to eat out because It was Friday and I was not cooking and that's simple girl math when you use a coupon that extra money is for you to treat yourself. I saved $25 a win is a win and we celebrating all wins!
*invisible ink* I’m dropping my car off Monday to the dealer to get my air fix LOL
Tackling these adult responsibilities head-on gave me a run for my money. Safe to say this is exactly why MY MAN should be doing this stuff lol but in all seriousness I’m JUST A GIRL who is learning a lot and a prime example of why you should save because had I not my car would probably be in that garage without a new battery and tire. Starting small is better than not starting at all. Life is unpredictable, and unexpected expenses are bound to come up.
With all that being said stay ready so you don’t have to get ready !
The Pressure of Perfection
We often feel pressured to have it all figured out by a certain age. Society sets these unrealistic expectations about where we should be in our careers, finances, and personal lives. But here’s the truth: everyone’s journey is different. It’s okay to take your time, make mistakes, and learn as you go. Don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem.
One of the best decisions I made was to surround myself with supportive people. Friends who understand the grind, mentors who offer guidance, and a community that lifts each other up. Whether it’s a financial advisor, a trusted friend, or an online group, find your tribe. They will be your sounding board, your cheerleaders, and your reality check when you need it.
I’m a girl's girl, & I love being a woman. Being "just a girl" in her 20s, striving for financial betterment, is a journey of resilience and growth. It means letting go of old habits that no longer serve us and embracing new, empowering practices. It's about making conscious choices to live below our means, not out of deprivation, but as a testament to our commitment to a better future. We are learning to navigate this life journey with courage and determination, proving that financial wisdom isn't about how much you make, but how wisely you manage what you have. Every step we take towards financial stability is a win, and every sacrifice is an investment in our future self. Embrace this journey with confidence, knowing that each decision we make today is paving the way for a secure and prosperous tomorrow.
As we navigate through our 20s, know that being “just a girl” is powerful. We’re resourceful, resilient, and capable of incredible things. Breaking financial traumas, and generational curses and building a better relationship with our finances is part of that journey. It’s about making informed decisions, advocating for ourselves, and believing in our worth.
So, let’s continue to support each other, share our stories, and celebrate our wins—big and small. Together, we can build a future where financial security and empowerment are within reach for every woman.
Until next time, remember: You are worthy, you are capable, and you are not alone.
Cheers to us and cheers to being a woman on a mission! Unit next time…..
xoxo,
Taylor
