Living On $210K A Year In NYC | Millennial Money

Summary

In this insightful video, Piccola Aya Deli, a 25-year-old software engineer in New York City, shares her journey to financial success. Growing up in a frugal household, she learned the importance of budgeting and tracking expenses. With an annual income of $210,000, she prioritizes savings and long-term financial goals, including financial independence and possibly owning an apartment. Piccola emphasizes the significance of community, education, and mental health, while also showcasing her passion for travel and fitness. Through her YouTube channel, she aims to empower other black women in tech, sharing resources and experiences to foster representation and support.

Takeaways

• 😀 Piccola learned frugality from her parents, who prioritized saving over spending and considered library visits as vacations.
• 💼 She is a 25-year-old software engineer in the FinTech sector, earning $210,000 a year in New York City.
• 📊 Piccola tracks her finances meticulously, using tools like YNAB and spreadsheets to allocate funds towards her long-term goals.
• 🏡 She pays $1,400 for her room in a $4,000 monthly rent apartment, valuing the time saved from a shorter commute.
• 🎓 With $7,000 in student loans, Piccola benefited from needs-based financial aid, which significantly reduced her educational expenses.
• 💪 She emphasizes the importance of exercise for mental health, using it as a coping mechanism for the stress of living in NYC.
• 🌍 Piccola aims for financial independence and dreams of homeownership in New York, despite the city's high real estate prices.
• 🎥 Through her YouTube channel, 'The Calm Up,' she aims to provide resources and support for black women in tech.
• 💖 She believes in the significance of giving back, donating a portion of her income to charities and supporting her family.
• 💰 Piccola recognizes that money provides opportunities and options, motivating her to work hard to improve her family's future.

Q & A

What influenced Piccola Aya Deli's approach to saving money?

Piccola's approach to saving money was influenced by her upbringing, as her parents were very frugal and never took vacations, prioritizing education and hard work instead.

What is Piccola's profession and what does she work on?

Piccola is a software engineer working in the FinTech space, where she builds tools and applications for engineers.

How does Piccola track her finances?

Piccola tracks her finances using YNAB (You Need A Budget), Personal Capital, and spreadsheets for long-term goals, following the philosophy that what doesn't get measured doesn't get managed.

How much is Piccola's monthly rent, and why does she consider it worthwhile?

Piccola's monthly rent is about $1,400, which is the most she has ever spent on rent. She considers it worthwhile because the area is nice and closer to her workplace, saving her commuting time.

What motivated Piccola to shift from pursuing a career in law to software engineering?

Piccola initially majored in political science with hopes of becoming a lawyer, but after realizing law wasn't for her, she reflected on her college classes and found a passion for computer science, leading her to make the career switch.

What challenges did Piccola face when trying to enter the software engineering field?

Piccola faced numerous rejections when applying for software engineering jobs but learned to be persistent and keep pushing through those challenges.

What is Piccola's monthly budget for groceries and dining out?

Piccola allocates $200 for groceries and $100 for dining out each month.

How did Piccola manage to graduate with only $7,000 in student loans?

Piccola graduated with minimal student loans because she received needs-based financial aid for her college tuition and her parents helped cover the remaining costs, allowing her to have a free education.

What is Piccola's monthly beauty budget, and what does it typically cover?

Piccola's monthly beauty budget is about $300, which she uses for expenses like getting her nails done, hair extensions, and new clothes.

What are Piccola's long-term financial goals?

Piccola's long-term financial goals include achieving financial independence, possibly retiring early, and owning an apartment in New York City.

What is the focus of Piccola's YouTube channel?

Piccola's YouTube channel, 'The Calm Up,' aims to provide resources and visibility for Black women in tech, sharing her experiences and offering guidance to those starting their own journeys.