About the Author
I’m a 20-something college graduate trying to make my way in the world. I eat enthusiastically, read voraciously, budget inconsistently, love stubbornly, tango apasionadamente, and blog frequently. I love Virginia Woolf, Grandmama’s ring, and my “tween” car (age 12), even when it gives me trouble.
My goal is to save as much as I can (prepare for the future) while enjoying life (carpe diem!), because the days may be long, but life is short. My mottos? “Personal finance shouldn’t make me miserable” and “experience, not stuff.” My loftier goal is to “achieve financial independence”. And of course, I think personal finance is sexy. I don’t carry a balance on my credit card. I enjoy dining out, shopping, Argentine tango, and traveling (and other little luxuries) – all of which takes $$$. Even though my finances are OK, sometimes I wonder how am I going to save enough to fund my retirement.
As I try to build a solid financial foundation, I’m also “navigating the quarterlife,” which is a fancy way of saying I’m trying to figure out all the things (career, love, identity, purpose, etc.) that 20-somethings try to figure out. In short, I have my work cut out for me.
You can also find me on the web at:
About the Well-Heeled Blog
I started this blog in 2006. My first entries (long edited away) focused on lifestyle and decor issues. But I soon discovered the world of personal finance blogs and realized that it speaks perfectly to the inner nerd in me. It also helps that as a personal blogger, I can write about almost anything (including lifestyle and decor) because money touches everything. This blog covers many topics surrounding personal finance, along with other pursuits I’m passionate about (and usually connected to) personal finance:
- retirement planning
- saving / budgeting / investing
- money and relationships
- twentysomething issues
- cooking / eating
- Argentine tango
- marketing and business observations
- consumer behavior
- shoes!
Why Well-Heeled?
The name of this blog has two meanings: 1. the shoes come in because I love shoes, (and I tango in 3.5-inch stilettos), 2. the phrase means “having plenty of money.” Which, at this point, I most certainly do not (well – I do, compared to the world at large, but definitely not compared to what I need by the time I retire).
What’s My Motivation?
To not be old and poor. Seriously.
I love to read nonfiction, especially on history, demographics and social trends, and, you guessed it, personal finance. All that reading (and the news) tells me that as a Gen Y-er (and especially as a woman) who is growing up in an era of increasingly individualized risks (i.e. 401K instead of pensions), globalized competition, and longer lifespans, I better save enough and invest appropriately.
Disclaimer
If I had a lawyer, he/she would tell me to put this: This blog is for entertainment purposes only. I am NOT a financial adviser. I am not a licensed finance professional in any state of the union. Specifics about people, dates, locations, etc. have been changed. None of the content here is endorsed by my employer. Nothing written here shall be construed as advice for your situation or as endorsement for specific financial products. All comments are property of their authors and do not represent my opinions.
Please understand that at the end of the day I’m just a random person on the internet.
Cool site, W. I think we have a lot in common–especially the Whole Foods love.
I can really really identify with your blog… including the BMWs and Manolos!
Hey there, couldn’t resist taking another look. Just reading above. Question for you…are you saving $10K emergency loan, and just focusing on that, or are you trying to save for all these things at once? Savings fund, home, beemer, etc…
My thoughts, you should tackle the $20K loan 1st. You already have an ample savings for 3 mos. yes it is important to get that money to 6 mos, but feel you should focus hard on the $20k debt first and knock that out.
Maybe you can sell to advertisers on this blog as a way to raise the funds. I’m sure you get enough traffic.
Great blog, Wanda! Take care – Robert – Atlanta, GA
depending on where you live, the $500k home could be substantially lower than it is now!!
good luck.
And check out the BMW 8 series while you’re at it.
What a cool blog! I’m glad I’ve found ya. Best wishes with all of your goals!
What a fantastic blog! I stumbled onto your website via SavvySugar and boy, what a coincidence! As a fellow twenty-something trying to negotiate the muddy waters of my “quarter-life crisis” I can definitely relate to your goals and tastes. My goal this first year out of school is to save about 30% of my annual income with the ultimate goal of subsidizing graduate school in 2-3 years.
I’m so glad I’ve found this blog. Looking forward to exploring!
Honesty. Nice.
That’s what we need.
Looks like you are making some wise financial decisions and doing a bang up job of saving. Pretty cool for someone your age. Wish I would have started that early in life.
I am excited I found your blog. The goals you’ve set are pretty similar to my own, it’s really nice to see some other 20-somethings that are actually somewhat practical and ambitious while still being able to have some fun.
Hi,
I’ve become a regular reader of your blog. I’m also very interested in personal finance and getting my finances together and trying to save and I just love your blog. I’m 24 and also have an “entry-level” job but (this is a personal question) can you give us your salary range. (it might be here on the site somehwere but I haven’t seen it) because you set a goal to save $25,000 this year, which to me, seems crazy on an entry level salary. I live in NJ and I think I make a pretty decent salary. I live at home with my parents. I don’t have many expenses and I don’t spend a lot of money buying expensive things, but what you save in a month, is almost what my net pay for the month. I’m just curious to know around what salary range you make so that I know I’m not going crazy and its not just me struggling or spending more money than i think i do.
I am also super-curious to know your profession and job.
Hey honey, you won my book giveaway (http://scribblesnz.blogspot.com/2008/12/sushi-for-beginners-winner.html) – email me your postal address on tash385(at)gmail(dot)com
Dear Madam
Happy New Year! I enjoyed very much reading your blog and I would like to invite you to the social network of “Roses Charitable Association”. we are just at the beginning , but we already have some famous supporters as well as interesting people. Its aim is to facilitate communication between people sharing same interests (aim of association women empowering) as well as support another projects-”tolerance lesson” and a project for single mothers. We would really love if you could post with us as well since our members are interested in various topics starting with charity finishing with space. We also believe that with us you will find your new clients.
If so, we will send you the personal invitation on your personal email address
thank you beforehand
Karina Bagration
sheftele@gmail.com
Hey girl, thanks for your comment! I LOOOOVE shoes too
So here’s my response to your uke question:
Yes, I think that everyone can pick up the uke, but of course it will present a different level of challenge to each individual based on his/her ability. Just don’t give up and make sure you learn songs that you like, so that you enjoy practicing. Good luck!
Like many of our fellow bloggers, I too complete identify with this site. I’m not ashamed to say that I love the finer things in life and constantly strive to be well-heeled! AND (maybe most importantly?) I do not want to be poor in my old age. I’m trying to invest smartly and make the best of all that I have. I just graduated with a BS with zero debt (thanks to my employer) and am looking for a B-school.
I think what I enjoy most about this site is that there are so many other woman who want the same things and are trying to achieve them, just like I am. I’ll visit often!
I love shoes too and have joyfully dedicated the entire lower 3ft of wall space of my 5×6 closet (whew!) to house them! The downstairs coat closet is home to the handbag collection…
By the way, I’m interested in the Rose’s charity.
Mmmm love the blog. You’ll be added to my site and my reader. I’m looking forward to reading more.
I’m glad i finally stopped by today…i’ve been hearing your name throughout town (the interwebs that is) and figured it was about time i pop in and see why everyone loves ya! and now i know. you’re freakin’ hilarious! will def. have to poke around some more
I like the site. You are lucky you only have 20k in debt. I have way more than that for my undergrad.
I hope the SLAC I went to was worth it.
I wanted to let you know that I am a regular reader of your blog and you, along with several other PF bloggers, have inspired me to start my own PF blog. I hope to find as much support in the PF community as you have!
I have stayed up way past my bed time to read your blog inside and out! I can't get enough
It is encouraging to me to find another blogger who loves PF, and decorating and cute stuff! I am officially a fan!
So glad I found your blog….can't wait to read more.