~orion~

Money, yes money. It’s something that has been on my mind a lot recently. Not because I’m in any sort of financial trouble but because there’s a lot to think about. I’ll throw down some thoughts right here, right now.

First, at work we got our annual reviews back last week. Along with the reviews come the financial rewards in the form of bonuses, raises, and/or stock grants. When I got my review and associated financial rewards I really felt proud and excited. Then I thought why am I so excited about getting this money? I’m not some money-driven fool. I later realized why it was such a good feeling. It’s because the company is giving something up that it values (money/profits) and giving it to me. It shows that the company (and the higher up people in it) values my work. That is why I felt really good about it. I’m not gonna lie though the money ain’t bad either.

Next, it’s frightening how quickly my perspective on money has changed in the not even 2 years that I’ve been out of college. I remember back in college I’d have to restrict my activities based on my financial state at the moment and that sucks. I had to pay attention to the prices of meals at Olive Garden as I didn’t want to spend too much. I had to pay very careful attention to my credit card and checking account balances. But simple my perspective on what is expensive and what my spending limit is. It really hit me how much i’ve changed in that regard when I was hanging out with the RAs a few weeks ago. Just talking to them about getting food and beers it became really apparent. I think the college me would be pissed off at the current me for being so seemingly financially irresponsible. That’s the funny thing though I think I’m actually more fiscally responsible now. I’m saving a higher percentage of my income than before.

Last, I’m getting to the point where I can start investing my money. It’s a scary and overwhelming world out there. I can’t just put my money into a savings account and have that hold me over to retirement (not even a fancy high yield savings account). I need to take advantage of stock, funds, bonds, 401(k), IRAs, the list goes on. Not only do I need to figure out what all these are (beyond the obvious) but I need to figure out how to balance all of these things to best suit my needs. Ya know even before that I kinda need to figure out my needs. I also need to learn how to pick stocks and funds and things like that. There’s a lot to learn. It’s crazy, until I take a step back and think. I am obscenely lucky to be in the position that I am in. I’m a 24 year old male with a very well paying professional job, very little debt, and enough disposable income to really enjoy life. I am really very luck to have the concerns listed above. I am lucky to not have to live paycheck to paycheck. I am lucky to have a constant roof over my head. I really do feel fortunate.