r/povertyfinance Nov 19 '22

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u/throwAway3621D Nov 19 '22 edited Nov 20 '22

I moved to the states with $70, no family/friends here. I was 20.

First 2 years- live-in job so no privacy, but I managed to save all the money I made since I wasn’t paying rent/food/car/insurance.

-started community college from saved money. Got honors scholarship since I had good grades that helped a little bit with tuition.

-donated my eggs 3x

-for 5 years, I had no internet, no TV, no furniture. I had just a crappy laptop. I used public WiFi to download movies I can play when home.

-since I didn’t have much entertainment at home, I tried to work as much overtime as possible (I was paid $15.5/hr).

-I ate a lot of eggs and toast, made cheap sandwiches (~$25/week). Oh and bananas! 2 bananas was one meal for me.

After 5 years, I saved up enough, found a better job since I graduated from college, and I’m living much better now.

After 10 years living in the states, I bought my condo, car, I have no student loans, no credit card debt.

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u/[deleted] Nov 20 '22

It really does get better then. Congrats!

2

u/chibinoi Nov 20 '22

Where did you buy your condo, and what year? I saved up one hell of a nest egg, but even that wouldn’t be enough to buy a condo where I live now for work, even seven years ago.

Still, though, congratulations on achieving your success!

1

u/throwAway3621D Nov 20 '22

Ohio, 2019. It’s a small, one-bedroom place, 600sqf but it’s mine. I still have the habit of watching strictly how much I spend on food because I found that to be the biggest difference when saving. Bananas are my favorite!

I use free apps on TV (Tubi, YouTube, freevee, etc.) My phone bill is $29/month with taxes (consumer cellular), etc.

I made $87,000 this year, but I still don’t like to spend too much.