38-Year-Old Makes $58,000 and Lives In An RV: Meet the Expert Saver and Budgeter
Carly DeFelice, the founder of Best Money Class Ever, an online personal finance course, has demonstrated her financial expertise paying off $35,000 in debt and amassing over $100,000 in investments between her college graduation in 2008 and her 26th birthday. Despite maintaining an annual salary of $58,000, she has grown her cash and investments to about $400,000.
DeFelice’s adeptness at budgeting and saving is evident in small but impressive numbers, such as the $123.65 she spent on groceries in September. Her secret to such intentional spending is her practice of planning out her meals for the week and sticking to a grocery list.
With a weekly discretionary budget of $120, DeFelice makes her purchases in cash and prioritizes necessities like groceries and gas. To ensure she doesn’t exceed her grocery budget, she meticulously plans her meals, often preparing large-batch dinners in advance.
DeFelice’s approach to grocery shopping and socializing is rooted in intentionality, as she aims to avoid impulse purchases and spend meaningfully on experiences with friends. By employing these intentional budgeting tactics, she has managed to maintain a thriving social life while saving money.
For DeFelice, purposeful spending and smart financial decisions are crucial in achieving overall balance in her life.
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