38-Year-Old Living in RV in Austin, Texas Succeeds with Budgeting
Carly DeFelice, who runs the online personal finance course Best Money Class Ever, has built an impressive savings and investment portfolio on a modest salary. Her success provides valuable insight into effective budgeting and saving methods.
The Early Years
Between graduating college in 2008 and her 26th birthday, DeFelice paid off $35,000 in debt and amassed over $100,000 in investments. Now, at 38 years old, she has accumulated around $400,000 in cash and investments while earning an annual salary of $58,000.
Impressive Budgeting Tactics
Despite her accomplishments, some lesser-known numbers prove even more impressive. In September, DeFelice spent just $123.65 on groceries, a figure that is especially commendable in the current era of inflation.
Effective Meal Planning and Spending
DeFelice adheres to a budget of $120 per week for discretionary expenses such as groceries. She plans her weekly meals meticulously, using a journal and grocery list to track her spending and avoid impulse purchases during her trips to the store.
Social Life on a Budget
DeFelice also applies her budgeting tactics to her social life, setting aside $50 in her budget for dinner or drinks with friends. By proactively planning events and avoiding unnecessary expenses, she is able to have a fulfilling social life without overspending.
Balancing Social Life and Savings
DeFelice stresses the importance of balancing a healthy social life with smart financial choices. She emphasizes the value of meaningful experiences with friends over costly activities, allowing her to maintain a robust social life and build her savings simultaneously.
Final Thoughts
DeFelice’s success story serves as an inspiration for others seeking to improve their financial well-being. Her disciplined approach to budgeting and spending demonstrates that it is possible to manage expenses while still enjoying life to the fullest.
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By incorporating DeFelice’s intelligent budgeting techniques and thoughtful spending habits, others can take steps towards achieving their own financial goals.
I have been featured in numerous publications, both online and offline, and am a regular speaker at industry events. I am also the founder of Crypto University, an online educational platform that helps people learn about cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. In addition to my writing and teaching career, I am also an active investor in the cryptocurrency space. I have made investments in some of the leading projects in the space, and my portfolio has outperformed the market by a wide margin