Finance Update
Did I create this blog and pay for a website domain and then not do a thing with it for three whole months?
Absolutely! I have been extremely busy learning all of these exciting new things about how to manage my own finances. Then when I do get a minute to sit down and share it with you all, I am completely exhausted and don’t have the energy to write anything down. (Did I mention I am also in my last semester of school? NBD.)
So here is a little mini-update on how that is all going.
1. Opened a HYSA account.
Almost all of these personal finance tips people will tell you the same first step. Get your money in a HYSA (high-yield savings account). We all know how important it is to have an emergency fund at this point right? Well, get yours in a HYSA so that it can earn you even more money while it just sits there literally waiting for a rainy day. There are TONS to choose from and it seems like a new one is offered every day depending on where you want to bank.
Personally, I opened one here: https://www.ally.com/bank/online-savings-account/
2. Paid off my surgical debt.
Back in October of last year, I had a surgery. After my insurance, I still owed around $1800. Finally, last week, I made the last payment and paid that off. I did this entirely with my HSA from work! If you aren’t using those, make sure that you do! Allow me to quote our favorite commercial, “It’s your money, use it when YOU need it!”
3. Got a new credit card.
I opened a new credit card, with much better rewards for my lifestyle. When opening the account, I did a balance transfer from the card that I don’t really like at all. This made it to where I could pay this original debt down with no interest for 15 months! Sounds like a plan to me!
Here’s the card I got! https://refer.discover.com/s/jzddjf
4. Opened 529 plan for my boys.
Parents! We have GOT to take care of our children’s futures! I mean, do whatever works best for your situation, and definitely research all of those choices. But I was able to open 529 plans for both of my sons. These are investment accounts (think 401k) for their educational expenses. Then, if they grow up and end up not being the college type, no worries! These accounts can be rolled over into a Roth IRA when they are old enough to take custodianship themselves!
5. Got a Sequin Banking Card!
One of my favorite new resources is my Sequin Banking Card! Remember how I mentioned a high-yield savings account earlier? Well my friends, this is a high-yield checking account! You are earning interest per day on the amount on your checking balance! Also, when you join, you have access to this amazing community that teaches women all about financial freedom for women and how to improve your credit!
6. Started an Etsy Shop!
Speaking of Sequin, one of the posts I saw there made me realize something. I am constantly making spreadsheets for myself and/or friends and family. So, why not capitalize on it? I am working on formatting my most useful Google Sheets, and have listed them on Etsy!
Check out my shop and see if anything here sparks your fancy! https://www.etsy.com/shop/fandomrosern
So there is my financial mini-update. Tune in soon for my update on how other aspects of my life are going. Or if you want more details about one of these points, let me know and I’ll make a separate post about each topic.
