For countless recent college graduates, the early years after earning a degree are often marked by a delicate balancing act: wanting to revel in the excitement and independence of adulthood while simultaneously learning to make prudent and sustainable financial decisions. Achieving this equilibrium can be particularly challenging, as the desire for personal freedom and exploration frequently competes with the long-term responsibility of fiscal discipline.
When I graduated from college in May and began working remotely as a social media fellow for Business Insider, I resolved that my primary financial goal would be to save as much of my income as possible. The transition from student life to full-time employment can be both exhilarating and intimidating, but I recognized an invaluable opportunity—to use this early stage of my career to establish healthy financial habits and a solid foundation for the future.
One of the most consequential steps in achieving this objective was my decision to move back in with my parents in Milwaukee, a choice that has drastically reduced my cost of living. Because my parents kindly do not require me to pay rent or contribute to household groceries, my monthly expenses are exceptionally minimal. I also remain on my family’s shared phone plan, which allows me to avoid yet another bill that many young professionals must shoulder alone. Living under such advantageous financial conditions will not be feasible forever, so I felt compelled to maximize the benefits while they lasted.
Even with these major financial burdens removed, however, I understood the importance of formulating a realistic and detailed budget to meet my savings ambitions. My long-term goals include building a robust financial cushion, regularly contributing to a Roth IRA for retirement, and maintaining an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore, I am eager to pay off my student loans—which still amount to $30,000—as swiftly as possible, knowing that becoming debt-free will open new doors for financial independence.
At present, my take-home pay amounts to approximately $2,500 per month after taxes. I have adopted a disciplined, percentage-based budgeting system to manage this income effectively. Roughly 40% of my earnings are automatically placed into a high-yield savings account, ensuring that my savings grow consistently with the benefit of added interest. Another 20% is dedicated to repaying my student loans. I also allocate $300 each month toward my Roth IRA, $100 into a separate emergency fund, and an additional $100 toward investments made through my Robinhood account. My investment portfolio includes ETFs, as well as shares in the fashion, healthcare, and technology industries, along with a modest position in precious metals such as silver and gold.
Once all of these priorities have been funded, I typically have around $500 remaining at the end of each month. Part of that sum is earmarked for travel, allowing me to indulge in occasional adventures without disrupting my broader financial strategy. The remainder is what I refer to as my “fun money”—funds designated for discretionary spending and everyday enjoyment. I allocate approximately $100 each week for casual expenses such as dining out, fuel for my car, or monthly subscriptions. Interestingly, I often spend less than this amount, in which case the unspent balance goes right back into my savings. Even when I do spend it, I adhere to several personal money-saving principles that guide my lifestyle.
First, I avoid paying for gym memberships or costly boutique fitness classes. Instead, I rely on effective and flexible at-home workouts, which I find equally beneficial. A local yoga studio charges $85 for a limited membership or $125 for unlimited access—nearly a quarter of my discretionary budget. I would prefer to invest that money elsewhere, so I follow the free workout programs offered by Move With Nicole on YouTube, go running with my father, play pickleball at nearby courts, and kayak with my mother. These activities not only keep me physically active but also provide meaningful family time without financial strain.
Second, I reserve beauty treatments for special occasions. While I enjoy feeling polished and confident, I rarely spend money on manicures, eyebrow waxing, or frequent haircuts. Paying $80 a month for biweekly manicures alone would quickly add up, not to mention the additional costs of pedicures or other treatments. Though I recognize the appeal of professional grooming, I currently prefer a do-it-yourself approach—tweezing my own brows, trimming my own hair as needed, and painting my own nails.
Third, I keep my self-care and hygiene routines intentionally simple by minimizing product accumulation. I own only one of each item I use regularly, which helps me reduce both expenses and plastic waste. My skincare regimen, for instance, consists of a charcoal cleanser in bar form, an affordable daily moisturizer from Vanicream, and sunscreen. In the shower, I use shampoo and conditioner bars, a single bar of soap, and a razor. I rarely buy luxury skincare or makeup items, replenishing products only when they are entirely depleted.
Fourth, I resist the temptation of daily coffee runs—a ritual that can quietly drain one’s wallet. According to a recent study, the average cup of coffee in the U.S. costs just over three dollars, which translates to about sixty dollars a month for habitual buyers. As someone who doesn’t drink coffee, I opt for green tea prepared at home instead. This small choice eliminates unnecessary spending and makes occasional visits to cafés with friends feel like special treats rather than routine indulgences.
Fifth, I satisfy my love of reading primarily through my local library and secondhand bookstores. With the help of the Libby app, I can borrow digital books instantly and read them on my device, completely free of charge. I often exchange books with friends or explore used-book shops for affordable finds. Although I still enjoy wandering through the aisles of Barnes & Noble, buying new books at retail prices simply isn’t practical for my current budget.
Finally, I approach fashion purchases with intention and thriftiness. My wardrobe is largely composed of items bought on sale or discovered at thrift stores. I do believe in investing in quality pieces that last, but I always try to find them at a discount. I enjoy browsing resale platforms and brand-endorsed secondhand programs such as Patagonia’s Worn Wear, which align with both my values of sustainability and my commitment to financial restraint.
For now, I intend to continue living at home with my parents. Because my job is entirely remote, this arrangement makes perfect sense; it allows me to save aggressively while enjoying the comforts of family life. When the right opportunity arises—perhaps a new role or an offer to share a living space with a like-minded roommate—I will certainly consider moving out. Still, even when that transition comes, I don’t foresee myself changing these six core spending habits, which have formed the backbone of my current financial success.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/moved-back-in-with-parents-after-college-save-invest-2025-9
