Monday, December 17, 2007

New York Stories #1: Bronx Chica

Last week, I posted "Calling All New Yorkers," in hopes that I'd be able to share some stories from a wide variety of my city's residents. I knew I had some regular commenters who were NY area residents and hoped they'd chime in. I'm happy to start my series of New York Stories by introducing you to Bronx Chica. I always enjoy her comments but she doesn't have her own blog, so I was glad to get to know more about her. Here's her story:

I lived in the Boogie Down Bronx all my life until I turned 23. Now I reside in Jersey City and been here for 3 years. I work in NYC and make about $23.5K. I want to finish up college and get a BA in accounting or business. I started to budget once I read your blog and seeing the Suze Orman show. I spend money on food, periodicals, paying down debt, and rent. Jersey City and NYC is a little different but is expensive. I share my cost of living with my roommate. Once again, congrats for having a great blog and thanks for sharing your financial journey!

I asked Bronx Chica whether her friends were also interested in personal finance, and since she'd been a life-long New Yorker, whether she'd ever considered moving to a less expensive part of the country. I was also curious about her plans to finish college and how that factored into her financial life:

Constantly I talk to my roommate and friends about my budget and money blogs. Money is the 1st thing on my mind. I'm 26 now and moved into Jersey City from the Bronx when I was 23yrs old. I did think about moving out from NYC. I had help from 2 friends who lived in Jersey City all their life. I'm thinking of moving to the south since NJ is getting expensive also. I did go to college and stopped when I had family issues. I did 2 yrs and worked my butt off to move away from them. It worked and now I only work and try to visit family in NYC. My 2 major plans is to begin college in the spring or fall time and pay off all debt in 2008.

I found Bronx Chica's story inspiring-- she's working hard to take control of her finances at a young age, which is great. Starting early is the best thing you can possibly do, no matter where you live or how much you make! Bronx Chica, thank you for sharing your story and I wish you the best in reaching your goals!

Stay tuned for more New York Stories submitted by readers...

7 comments:

Noel Larson said...

Good for her!

Investing in yourself (education) is one of the best investments you can make.

Anonymous said...

Keep up these New York Stories!

I am an avid reader of your blog, but you and your fellow New Yorkers live a life that is radically different from mine (Pacific Northwest traffic and suburban sprawl).

I always love the personal insights of living in NYC that you sprinkle into your posts and am looking forward to more stories from others.

Keep up the great work. I always look forward to your interesting posts.

Anonymous said...

maybe it's my unforgivable habit of putting people into boxes but do you mind specifying roughly what industries they work in? thanks!

Anonymous said...

Go, Bronx Chica, go!

It sounds like you have not had an easy time of it, but you have gotten on the right path!

Anonymous said...

Bronx Chica- Thank you Sandyvoice! Yes my path had been rough and made me into the person I am today. I'm glad to say that I finally have a better relationship with my money.

Tired of being broke said...

Bronxchica - congrats to you. Your hard work and dedication will pay off.
I reside in the Bronx right now, and it is so much cheaper than manhattan.

In life that does not kill us, only makes us stronger. At least that is what my grandmother used to say.

Anonymous said...

Bronx Chica- Thanks for your comment Tired of Being Broke. Congrats on your new move! Yes I love that the Bronx is cheaper. I miss the spanish food and my stomping grounds. Also thanks for sharing your money blog :)