Personal Finance for 20-Somethings
My 5 minutes of eFame
Six weeks ago, a small CBS production crew (all of three guys) showed up to my humble abode for an all-day shoot that eventually became this video. They were 30 minutes early. I literally opened the door in wet hair and my purple fuzzy bathrobe.
After replying to an inquiry on Help a Reporter Out, and emailing back and forth with Kate Ashford, the freelance writer, the producer, and the financial planner, this video (as well as two print pieces still to come) started to come together.
An Insider’s Look to the Whole Process
At first, they weren’t sure what angle to take because after my initial phone conversation with the producer, he admitted, “my life looks pretty darn good on paper.”
Nothing is scripted, though I got a list of questions about two hours before the camera crew showed up. Granted, the producer did guide me a bit in the beginning introduction. (Hey there! I’m so-and-so. I’m 23, single…) With a general idea of what they wanted, I ran with it, and four takes later, they were satisfied.
The “massive dips” in any twentysomething’s 401k and other retirement accounts really could be worse — we could actually be retiring right now.
I have my bluetooth ear piece in my left ear in the car shots, but it kinda just looks like I’m talking to myself. (I was practicing “safe” driving. The cameraman, however, was not.)
I’ve been using that prominently featured check register since 2003. Just this month, it’s reached its last page!
It took forever to get the cat shots. Zoe is exceptionally social, except when it involves three strange men and a camera (go figure).
Yes, I really did take out that much cash from the ATM. No, I don’t usually carry around that much! Ironically enough, the shoot date was the day before (hours seems more appropriate given how early our flight left the next morning!) I left for my annual long weekend to Vegas with close girlfriends.
I, apparently, need a letter opener.
The shot of me running? Frankly, I hate running, but yoga is a lot less interesting (or logistically easy) to film, so it worked at the time. Plus, Lake Merritt makes Oakland seem not so scary to people who only hear about the shootings.
I have since paid off my credit card debt. To my own defense, they were all 0% APR cards, so it was, essentially, a free loan.
Still working on that budget…
The financial planner, Ralph, has actually been working with me outside of what was necessary for this piece, and I can’t tell you how helpful that’s been, especially since he helped me with my taxes.
The overall takeaway?
The project forced me to think of answers to questions that weren’t immediately at my mind’s forefront, helping me realize what it is I really am saving for and what the timeline is for those particular goals. I’ve discovered how strong my passion is for traveling (though they left that whole part out of the video, but it’s in the print pieces which are on the way), and how one new pair of shoes, for instance, could be equivalent to a one or two night’s stay in Italy.
I’ve always been rather hands-off and uninvolved with my finances, but now I feel more enabled to take charge and tackle it.
I am also noticeably less of a spendthrift now, especially when it comes to shopping. It probably also helps that my regular shopping buddy and I are supporting each other with this initiative.
When it comes down to it, I had my qualms going into the project — not knowing the repercussions of putting so much of myself, and so much information that we usually consider private, out there. But it was interesting to be apart of the making of such a story, and the free financial advice along the way will, hands down, help shape my future.
Anna – Thanks for wearing your UCDavis shirt! You are amazing!!!
Heyo! Yes, spendthrift is good, and so is bringing lunch! Know what else is good? Shopping at thrift and secondhand stores…and finding amazing designer stuff!
But, you’re totally better off than your average 23-year old, no school loans to pay off, no (more) credit debt, and a steady job – so the occasional non-thrifty shopping trip – for Italy clothes, maybe? – isn’t horrible
Hi Anna! Congrats on your Journalistic career! It’s pretty amazing. Hope everything is well!