About

Who am I? I’m a 20-something living in California.

Why well-heeled? The name of this blog has 2 meanings: 1. the shoes come in because, well, I like shoes, and 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).

Also, when I first began in this blog April 2006, I conceived it as a “lifestyle - decor - fashion” blog. I quickly realized, however, that I had neither the patience to search the net for pictures of the Next Cute Shoe, nor the money to buy them. It would be preferable, I thought, if my blog would be good for me (much like leafy greens and arch support).

Enter personal finance. Bingo!

What’s the mission? Live the good life. Too broad. Okay, let’s try again:

Basically, I want to save as much as I can without 1. becoming a hermit or 2. going crazy.

(My loftier goal is to “achieve financial independence”). My 2008 goal is to save $26,000, but $25,000 might be a more realistic goal.

On the plus side, I have $20,000+ saved for retirement (I started a Roth IRA in 2006). Even though I’m starting early, I sometimes wonder how am I going to save enough to fund my retirement. I don’t carry a balance on my credit card. I do love dining out, shopping, and traveling (and other little luxuries) - all of which takes cold, hard, cash.

Meanwhile, I’m “navigating the quarterlife,” which is a fancy way of saying I’m trying to figure out all the stuff that 20-somethings try to figure out. In short, I have my work cut out for me.

What’s my background? I graduated college, got my diploma and a bill for $20,000 in student loan. Thankfully, that’s the only debt I have right now. I grew up in a middle-class family and work in professional services. I owe A LOT of my current situation to my parents, who sacrificed long and hard to give me an education at a pricey private school and taught me through example the importance of living below one’s means and delayed gratification (and Mom gives me enough food for 2 weeks every time I go home).

I appreciate the “finer things” in life, but really what I want are the “best things” in life (friends, family, love, - cheesy & cliche, but true).

I eat enthusiastically (I love cherries, cupcakes, and meat), exercise occasionally, pray haltingly (are you there, God?), love stubbornly, read voraciously, budget to the last dollar! inconsistently, and blog frequently.

I have 4 red bags and 2 pairs of red patent leather pumps. My favorite dress is (surprise!) also red. I love warm weather.

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 advisor. 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.