1) So you chose the wrong career: 8 women on their second acts. (The Cut)
2) The Neiman Marcus Christmas book is here! Because who doesn’t need a rose gold airplane?
3) The Queen offers to restore British rule over the United States. (The New Yorker)
4) I really want a Burberry duffle coat, but Boden’s duffle coat might be a better (more affordable) option.
5) Did you know e.l.f. lipsticks have a secret compartment with a lip balm on the bottom? (InStyle)
6) Give your basic work pumps a little zing with these double strap Sam Edelman heels in tan or black.
7) Women with similar salaries explain their VERY different spending habits. (Refinery29)
8) This long lambswool cardigan from Uniqlo is incredible. Their simple flare sweaterdress is a nice basic.
*image found here.
OMG the Refinery article on budget is fascinating. It’s like NY Mag Sex Diaries but for money. I’m curious as to the woman in Alexandria, VA paying $420(!) a month rent, but living at home? Maybe towards her new condo? Also, she spent like 1/4 of her paycheck in one week… And the NYC girl’s rent ouch.
Also, most of them are living off someone else (parents, bf, roommates) for rent and/or insurance etc. – so I don’t feel the spending is really accurate of the true struggle. And, all of these women are pretty young – most were 22-29 I think. So, making less money (especially in the larger cities) and maybe not as many costs of living (kids for example).
https://www.refinery29.com/money-diary-america-salary-comparison
Also, it would be nice if it said what they were spending was “good” or “bad” based on their income, budget, and bills.
Totally agreed with Larissa- so many of us are living in expensive cities without insurance or rent help, which makes a huge difference when our paycheck is nonprofit-level modest.
As a 24 year-old making between $40-$45K/year and living in ATL the R29 article is so interesting and helpful to read. It’s nice to see that I’m living a realistic life (saving ~20% of my salary while also enjoying/treating myself). I agree that it would be more helpful if there was a bit of analysis on whether or not these habits are good or bad. Would love to hear your thoughts on a budget, Belle. Especially as it relates to budgeting out wardrobe/beauty products for this age and salary demographic.
FYI, #3 is satire 😉
I know. I thought it was funny.
Likewise. But had to tell several friends who were sad that it wasn’t real.
That’s unfortunate.
Enjoyed the piece on second acts. I’m going to be starting grad school at the age of 40 to completely change careers, from working in my family’s manufacturing business to my long-time interest in social work.
I also really enjoyed the R29 article, but I was amazed at the amount of spending! I’d like to see some sort of advice/analysis based on the examples in the article.
Yes, I’m being judgmental and not very fun, but it seemed to me like there was a lot of unnecessary expense ($40 on 2am “oops” food, $250 on “accidental” window shopping, daily $3 coffees) and relatively little saving.
Some of the women mentioned 401(k)s and most discussed paying student loans, but through my frugal eyes, I saw a lot of “Did you really need that?” purchases.
It would be interesting to look at how these women budget and how these budgets correlate to their spending habits (i.e., did $250 in “window shopping” blow her clothes budget for the month, or is that something that she budgetsfor?).
I couldn’t believe how little most of them spend on health care and the number who didn’t spend anything as their parents were paying their health insurance premiums. I have always been chronically ill with multiple monthly maintenance prescriptions, so throughout my 20s, I had to budget a minimum of $100 a month for rx & doctor visit copays. I doubt any of them could afford to cover their yearly deductible without going into debt or getting bailed out by their parents.
The lack of emergency fund/savings for any of them was striking…
I was completely fascinated by the R29 article. I’m always interested by a glimpse into the “daily lives” and especially spending habits of others.