Do you remember getting your first paycheck at your first “real” job?
I do. I thought I was RICH. I mean, taking baths in tubs of dollar bills RICH. Buying the entire bar drinks RICH. Taking luxury vacations and buying designer clothes (read: anything besides sale rack) was on the horizon for me. You betcha.
(And in case you are wondering – I was not rich. Not even close. What I was making at my first job was laughable. But when I compare it to my college jobs, it was big dollars.)
I learned quickly that it’s dangerously simple to get caught in the get game. The game where you want to acquire EVERYTHING for your new job.
- I must get nice new dress clothes to blend in with everyone at my fancy new job.
- I must get a special designer bag to go to and from the office.
- I must get a nice car to blend in with all of the other people parking in the office lot.
- Don’t forget getting lunch out. I’m quite fancy, you know.
It can be really easy to justify it to yourself. It was to me. I was making money, I should be able to spend it.
Luckily, I have Ryan. Everyone needs a Ryan in their lives. (Your own Ryan. Not my Ryan. Back off.) 
This was our engagement photo. It just cracks me up so I thought I’d include it. I made him wear those loafers. Loafers. Ha.
Anyway – Ryan helped me discover the beauty of saving. I still struggle with it sometimes. When the gets snuck up on me.
But over the past seven years, I learned to battle the temptation to keep getting. Instead, we work hard to put as much of our incomes into savings as possible. We bought cheap houses. (I mean, cheap cheap.) We did everything ourselves. We accepted more hand-me-downs than should be legal. We were able to buy several income properties and save some more. We pay for everything with cash. If we can’t, we don’t buy it.
All of this is what allowed us to be in the position for me to stay home with Henry last year. My new job. It doesn’t pay very well. And the boss is sort of demanding. But the work is pretty rewarding. 
And that’s worth more than any designer handbag or suit.
You may be rolling your eyes. All of this advice isn’t really advice at all. It’s not an easy solution or an overnight change. You want a list of 10 things to do. I know it’s not simple. It’s not easy for me, either.
But – my advice? When you get that first paycheck – sock as much of it away as possible. Take any employer match that you can for your retirement. And then save some more. Even if you love your job, that savings gives you leverage for the future. It gives you options.
Options are a beautiful thing.
What’s your biggest piece of advice for someone starting a new job?
My “new job” is being a stay at home mom, with real estate on the side. It’s a big adjustment from working in an office, like I used to. I’m trying to find ways for us to save more. Mainly I just eat Ramen. Jk. I wish. I live for the day someone invents gluten free ramen
I totally understand where you are coming from. It’s a huge adjustment for me. I was pretty used to doing and spending whatever I wanted. But, geez, I’m so much happier now.
Best way to live :]
It’s so great to have a guy with a good head on his shoulders! Jesse really has taught me so much about saving and managing money, I guess that’s a given when you marry an accountant. We are really trying to pay off our student loans before we hop on the baby train, such a pain!
we are on the pay with cash train too! (except for the house and stupid student loans) we have no credit cards, no car loans…we plan to be rid of the student loans soon. I hate owing people money!
Student loans are no joke. Good for you to be making such great decisions.
Yes, you guys are adorable. Funny that you made him wear loafers.
And I agree with Amber, after having kids all the money spending perspectives change so so much!
The best advice I’ve ever heard about working is “Do what you love, the money will follow.” Wish I remembered where I heard it.
My husband and I got married right out of college. He was an officer in the Air Force and I became a kindergarten teacher. One of the best financial decisions we ever made was to stick all of my salary into savings/investments. We never got used to having my income to spend. When our daughter was born I was able to stay home and not miss the income. Sometimes it is really hard to not want to spend money just for the sake of spending money though.
the boss is so demanding but the benefits beat all other jobs, and when you are on the boss’ good side, it’s the best!!!!! and the boss let’s you write on the walls if you want.
and i think you and ryan are too cute. loafers and all.
It’s funny how once you have kids nearly everything you spent money on previously seems so stupid! Perspective I guess.
Haha, I remember getting my first paycheck and being SO turned off by how much money was taken out for taxes. I was so excited for that first paycheck and when I got it I had a major reality check! And I think Henry looks like a great boss. Also, love the loafers. You crack me up.