- When I got my first job, I was ready to spend my new income on a new apartment and a new car.
- After my dad stressed the importance of saving, I decided to focus on different financial goals.
- I created the habit of saving and understanding the difference between needs and wants.
After a successful run in graduate school, I got my first job. Like many people who've been students for a long time, I thought that salary looked like a lot of money. I graduated with little debt, so I had it in my mind that I was going to have a fabulous apartment and buy a new car.
So what made me pause on my plans for a grand new apartment and a slick new car? A conversation with my dad, who explained the importance of having money set aside in case of an emergency. He also said I was at a stage where I couldn't make financial decisions on a whim anymore. From this moment on, he said, it all counts.
Here are two of his tips that saved me from living paycheck to paycheck.
1. Save at least 20% of my income
That was good advice. Since I didn't have a lot of debt or responsibilities, it made sense to take advantage of that and save as much money as I could. More than a decade later, I still make saving a priority. I leaned into building an emergency fund and have included an IRA in my savings mix.
A bit of truth here: The thought of living paycheck to paycheck really scares me. Most Americans don't have enough money saved to cover a $500 emergency. Being in this position means that when emergencies happen — and they will — you may not have any financial cushion, which can lead you into high-interest debt to resolve an emergency.
Whether you're just starting out or further into your career, 20% of your income may seem like a lot, but get into the habit of putting money into a high-yield savings account. You can never save too much money; unexpected expenses and issues can come up at any time and having that financial safety net will make it easier to deal with.
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2. Know the difference between a need and a want
I still struggle with this, but it's important. My dad had a long conversation with me about it. Knowing the difference between a need and a want is deciding whether to have money or to struggle financially.
Financial needs are essential expenses for living and working, such as housing, transportation, and food. Wants are expenses that help you live more comfortably or support the lifestyle you aspire to, such as travel, entertainment, designer clothes and shoes, or eating out.
It's important to know the difference and to understand how it can affect your budget. You can end up spending so much money on wants that after you take care of your needs, there isn't any money left.
When you hear people say, "I have more month than money left," that could be what's happening. It's OK to want to go out to eat — I love trying new restaurants — to travel, or to have a few designer items, but when you do these things too often, it can put your financial stability in jeopardy.
What I took from that conversation with my dad was to concentrate on building an emergency fund and creating and sticking to a budget before splurging, which I still do.
This article was originally published in November 2023.
