Im 33 and Ive been working in retail since I was a teenager.
Ive quit a lot of jobs and have also gotten fired unfairly.
I dont know what to do with my money.
I dont know whether to buy a car or save for an apartment.
Anyway I have no savings and no IRA.
Im also indebted by a student loan.
It was a sketchy school, so Im trying to have the loan forgiven.
Anyway, should I save up for a car?
I just want an outsiders perspective.
Sincerely,
Confused
Dear Confused,
Im assuming you live with your family.
So I think getting an apartment makes sense as a long-term goal.
So if you want an apartment, making more money needs to be the goal.
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But how do you get there?
However, a car is a big investment.
If you do so, Id suggest saving toward a cheap used car you might pay cash for.
Budget part of every paycheck for reaching that goal.
Meanwhile, asking your boss for more hours is a good plan in the interim.
I get that your current job is unfulfilling, but at least you know what it entails.
You dont have to make a lifelong commitment here.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help… Also, look at a few hiring ads for businesses around you to see what starting pay theyre offering.
Even for jobs that require little experience, wages have skyrocketed in recent months.
If other businesses are paying new hires more, considerasking for a pay raise.
Id hold off on returning to school until you know what you want to study.
ensure whatever degree youre interested in has a clear career path that will help you earn more.
You have a lot of goals, which is a good thing.
But having so many goals can get overwhelming when you cant stretch anymore from your paycheck.
Focus on one goal at a time and finding ways to gradually increase your income.
Robin Hartill is a certified financial planner and a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
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