She Strengthens

Breaking Free: My Journey to Financial Independence

Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have a comfortable upbringing, thanks to my parents’ hard work and dedication. My mom, who came from a large family, made it her mission to ensure that my brother and I didn’t have to worry about money. As a result, I didn’t have to work during high school and college, and I graduated debt-free. I was one of the lucky ones.

The Need for Autonomy

As I entered adulthood, I knew I had a financial safety net in my dad. However, I never wanted to rely on it. I worked part-time jobs during college to have my own spending money and avoid asking my parents for help. When I landed my first job, I was determined to move out and achieve complete financial independence.

The Reality Check

But, as I soon discovered, being financially independent isn’t always easy. In the past year, I’ve faced several situations where I had to swallow my pride and ask my dad for help. Here are four times I had to do just that:

Lesson 1: Rent Payment

In my eagerness to move out, I found a room in an existing lease and had to move in before receiving my first paycheck. Unfortunately, I hadn’t saved enough money to cover my first rent payment. I had to ask my dad to front me the money, which was a tough pill to swallow.

Lesson 2: Unexpected Medical Expenses

When I switched psychiatrists and needed to change my medication, I was hit with an unexpected $300 prescription cost. My dad was more than willing to help, knowing that I was struggling with the doctor switch and couldn’t afford the medication.

Lesson 3: Eye Care Expenses

My annual eye exam revealed that I needed new glasses and contacts, which came with a hefty price tag. With my health savings account depleted and no room in my budget, I had to accept my dad’s offer to help with the cost.

Lesson 4: Property Tax Surprise

When I received my property tax bill for my car, I was shocked by the $416 amount. I hadn’t planned for it, and my credit card wasn’t an option. I had to call my dad for help once again.

Learning to Ask for Help

While asking for help was difficult, I’ve come to realize that it’s okay to acknowledge when you need assistance. My need for autonomy sometimes led me to make poor financial decisions, but I’m learning to balance my independence with humility.