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My "How I Travel the World Working Part Time as a Waitress" System; Pt. 1

5/17/2013

26 Comments

 
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Before I left on my latest globe-trotting expedition, I promised you guys that when I returned, I would let you in on my money secret. Well, I have a confession: I do not have just ONE, brilliant money secret that will magically change your life. What I DO have however, is a lifetime of money saving secrets, that I have been taught by my parents, learned from countless books and podcasts, and figured out for myself over the course of my life!
You might be thinking to yourself, "Who does this chick think she is? Trying to tell me how to save MY money, what to do with MY money!" You're absolutely right. Why SHOULD you listen to me, and trust me with your money? Well, let me give you a little introduction to me, and tell you why I think that I am worthy of giving you money advice!
When I was just a wee baby in my mum's tummy, my father learned that if you talk to the woman's tummy, the baby will hear, and it will have an influence on the baby as a person. So, every day, my dad talked to my mom's tummy saying, "Buy low, sell high (I'm not even joking)." And ever since I could remember, I have been amazing at handling money, and I chalk it up to my dad for hammering it into my head, even before I was born, the basis of business, "Buy low, sell high!"
Now, on to why I think I am capable of telling you what to do with your money. And in saying all these things, I am not trying to toot my own whistle or anything, but just letting you know that I DO know what I'm talking about, and to show you what can happen if you apply the tips that I will be telling you over these next few weeks!
Money Management Mondays
-In 2010, at the age of 23, I bought a car for $2,000. In cash (above).
-I have a Roth IRA I started in High School that I yearly put money in to save for my retirement.
-In 2011 I bought a brand new laptop in cash.
-This February, me and my mom took my sister on a 3 day, 4 night cruise to the Bahamas for her Graduation Present. I paid for my ticket, and all my expenses, plus half of all my sister's expenses, and half her ticket! I did not use a credit card (I don't even own one). I had all the money in my checking account! 
-We drove my car to Florida (where the cruise left from), and on the way home, my engine blew up *super sad face*. When we got back home, I had $300 dollars saved in my emergency fund, that I used to buy a new (used) motor.

-The beginning of March (just one month after the cruise), I bought a round trip plane ticket to China (for $1,400). And once again, did not use a credit card, and didn't borrow money from anyone. I saved the $1,400, plus over $200 for my Visa, visa pictures, and almost $400 for hotels, trains, food and shopping when I was there!
-The end of March (half a month after I purchased my China plane tickets), I went with some friends to see Michael Graves in concert. I paid for my own ticket, and drinks! That's right, in cash!
-In one week from now, (soon after returning home from China!), me and a bunch of people are going to Kentucky for the annual Abbey Road on the River Beatles Festival. I paid for my tickets for two days, gas money, hotel room, and spending money!
-After all of that, I still have over $1,000 in my Savings Account.
 and lastly,
-I did all of this while working part time as a waitress!!!!!!!
Sound crazy and insane and maybe like something you would like to learn more about?! Thought so! This is why I am so positive that my Money System works, because I am the proof! So come to the site every Monday for "Money Management Mondays!" (Kinda cheesy, I know, but I don't care!:P ). Some posts will be little things that you might think are stupid or just very miniscule, but believe me, if you implement even HALF of these tips, they WILL change your life! I am SO excited about this series, because I know that it is completely life-changing, and SO important! Because if you never have money, you can't afford to live the life you want to! I'm not saying that money will make you happy. If you're not happy with yourself, money (and nothing else for that matter) will ever make you happy. But not stressing out about money will definitely make anybody's life a LOT easier and a LOT more enjoyable!!!
As of right now, I'm not even sure how long this series will last. As of right now, I have enough material for at least two months, but as I'm writing, I keep thinking of more things, so we'll see how long this lasts! So stop by every Monday, and pass it along to your friends, co-workers, and anyone else you think could use some tips to save money!

So finally, after that very long introduction, I now introduce to you my Money Saving Secret #1 (these tips are in no way in order of importance at all, since they are all important, and all play a part in how I am able to save money and do things I want to do). Enjoy!

China Barbie
*UPDATE 5-30-19*
As of last year, I officially own a smart phone! We had just recently moved to Atlanta, and since I didn't have a car, I had to Uber everywhere. So with a little encouraging, my husband finally talked me into dropping my trusty little flip phone for a smart phone that I could use to Uber. So since I now use a smart phone (like most people do), here is how I still manage to save money.
1. Don't buy brand new. I am still baffled at the price of smart phones, especially if you are leasing one! I just bought a used phone in super good condition for only $100. It has worked perfectly for me, and once something does happen to it, I will just buy another used phone! 
2. Don't lease your phone. You realize, that by leasing your phone, you just have a permanent payment, without ever even owning your phone. Plus, do you really need a brand new phone every year? 
3. Wait until after the latest phone comes out, or right after Christmas, so you can buy up people's perfectly good phones that they are getting rid of.
4. Shop around for the best phone plan. It's 2019, most phone companies have good service. Exceptions are in small towns! We have Sprint because it is inexpensive, but if we are visiting family in Ohio we can barely even use our phones.
Well those are my tips for saving money for your phone! 

Money Saving Secret #1 . I don't own a smart phone.
Well actually, I DO own a smart phone now. BUT, it is my boyfriend's old smart phone, that does not even have a phone number to it! I use it ONLY for taking pictures, and using the internet when there is Wifi available. Which is all free!
I still have my faithful little flip phone, and I use THAT for all my calls and texting! I know most of you think I'm crazy. How can I LIVE without a smart phone you might say? VERY easily! I have my laptop at home (which I prefer to use anyway), and my flip phone is capable of sending and receiving texts, and pictures, so I'm SET! And, my cell phone bill is only $24 a month-Gasp! That's only $288 a year!!!
Compare that to the average person's $50-100 a month, $600-1200 (yikes!) a year cell phone bill! By not owning a smart phone, I save anywhere from $312-912 a year!!! For me, DEFINITELY worth it!
What to Do: After reading this, you need to decide for yourself, if having a smart phone is really worth it. Imagine, what could you do with an extra $1,000 a year?!


So that is my first secret on 'Money Management Mondays'! Come back next Monday for my Money Saving Secret #2!
How I Manage to Travel around the World, Working only 2-3 Days a Week as a Waitress

*So what do you think about My Money Saving Secret #1? Do you think that it is something you could apply to your life? Leave comments below and let me know! And don't forget to like this post on the facebook link below, and don't forget to come back next Monday for My Money Saving Secret #2!!!*


Peace Love and Money
Jess <3

26 Comments
Nela link
5/19/2013 03:22:44 am

Huh, actually I own a (used) smartphone and my monthly bill is under $15 and it's the same as before using a smartphone. I don't know how expensive data plans are in the US, I thought we had it expensive here!
Well, I hope your other tips will prove to be something I can apply.. :)

Reply
Jessica Volke link
5/19/2013 05:46:24 am

Haha yea, here in the states phones are VERY expensive! Where are you from?

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Nela link
5/20/2013 11:13:37 pm

Croatia. I must add the standard is pretty low here, so my idea of "expensive" and yours is not the same dollar amount :)
I know some people who spend $50-70 and more on phone plans, but it's people who use their phones for business.

Ian Chiofolo
5/19/2013 06:56:55 am

Hey Jess! I'm so glad you are doing this! A lot of people burn through money for things they don't even need! My family got rid of cable T.V. in 2009 and we don't miss it at all! Just watch things on the internet with no commercials! Also my phone bill is only $25 a month too. Smart phones are Dumb phones when it comes to saving yourself money. I have also had enough money to study in Florence Italy for 4 months through my school. It was the only thing out of my whole college career that I took out loans for. I have never owned or used a credit card in my life.

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Jessica Volke link
5/20/2013 08:59:20 am

Yaaaay! Nice Ian! Yea we don't have cable either hehe. And I definitely agree, traveling is the one thing that i spend my money on haha!

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Karina Ladet link
5/19/2013 07:23:18 am

I'm such a non geek when it comes to mobile phones that I only got one a couple of months and only because it only costs me about 3 USD/month (I live in France). I do love saving money so I'm looking forward to reading more about your tips.

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Jessica Volke link
5/20/2013 09:01:34 am

Thanks for reading Katrina! Yea, I never realized that smart phones are so cheap everywhere but the states! Haha. Yes, I am very excited about this series, keep tuning in and I hope you'll learn a bit! (:

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Sid Durham
5/19/2013 07:57:42 am

Hi Jessica,

You are absolutely correct with saving money by getting rid of a smart phone. Unfortunately, I am an owner of one as is my husband. I would love to get a financial coach, but I'd like to see a little more before I commit, so keep the advice coming!!

Reply
Jessica Volke link
5/20/2013 10:00:17 am

Hey Sid! Thanks so much for the comment! Yes, I definitely understand and don't blame you for wanting to see a little more before spending your hard-earned money; I'm the same way! :) I am actually in the process of writing an entire post about the program; what it all consists of, what to expect, and some testimonials from customers that are going through the program right now! And I will of course keep the free money saving tips coming along! Thanks again! (:

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Emily Vass link
5/19/2013 09:13:23 am

First let me start with I can testify to her parents story! Our parents went to high school together and I was about 6 or so when Jess's mom was preggers! I remember Bob always talking to Ellen's belly!

Congrats Jess on being so amazing with money that is such a difficult thing to do now days! My husband and I have paid off over $32,000 worth of debt in 18 months! We have all kinds of tricks! Our financial freedom was started through the Financial Peace University program and we are passionate about helping others find freedom from debt! We are a military family on a limited income and I just started my own home based business 8 months ago. I'm definitely tuning in for more tips!

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Jessica Volke link
5/21/2013 09:15:15 am

Thanks so much Emily! Haha thats awesome!
Congrats thats amazing! Not many people can say that!
Omg I loooove Dave Ramsey and the FPU! I will actually be mentioning him a lot during this series!
Thanks again so much! And I hope you get a lot out of this!:P

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Jeremy link
5/19/2013 07:46:40 pm

That is totally awesome for you, great way to save money. However, as for me i do own a smart phone. HTC Evo 4G Which I use for EVERYTHING! I lose my phone, i lose pretty much my life haha. It has all my fax numbers, phone numbers, and more numbers. Emails like no other, websites saved, etc. I have everything I have sync'ed such as facebook, gmail and other emails. Not to mention I can get on google or any other website when I please, using the GPS (totally saved us a lot of time when we were in Florida haaha) But, pretty much, my phone pays for its self, so its a nice lil device I have. Plus thats how i take pictures too haha. Its actually faster than my laptop as well. :) I pay 72 bucks a month for it and I have unlimited EVERYTHING! :)

Thank you for your amazing tip, looking forward to more.

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Jessica Volke link
5/21/2013 09:30:40 am

Haha well that's good!:D Yea, I'll have more stuff every other, or every monday!:P

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Donna link
5/22/2013 10:54:22 pm

Lol - I love that your dad taught you financial acumen in the womb! What a wonderful thing he did for you! Looking forward to your series. x

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Jessica Volke link
5/23/2013 07:37:43 am

Hehe yeaaa...that's just one thing that's awesome about him! Haha. Thanks so much! X)

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Alison Joy link
5/29/2013 02:09:12 pm

Love this Jessica. I own a great phone that I bought outright for $70 and I pay $19 a month :-) I'm in Australia.

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Jessica link
5/31/2013 06:17:07 am

Yay! I love finding other people besides me that still have cheap phones! Hehe. Good for you!:P I hope you enjoy this series and keep comin back! Thanks so much for reading!:D

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Nano link
1/9/2014 01:55:21 am

I live on very little as well, but you are THRIVING and I am SURVIVING. You are right. I don't need my iphone, not really. Hmmm....you are making me think!

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China Barbie link
1/19/2014 08:49:44 am

Yay! I love making people think hehe! Thanks for the comment Nano, and let me know what you decide! <3

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Joanna@CreateYourWorld link
1/9/2014 02:26:19 am

Great idea for a series, I look forward to reading your tips! I do have a smartphone but I recently changed my provider and not only pay 15eur a month, so that's not bad. :-)

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China Barbie link
1/20/2014 09:09:08 am

Nice Joanna! Thanks so much! (:

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Heather Bromley (@bromleyheather) link
1/11/2014 09:58:05 am

Great tip, and hey why not, it's still a phone, looking forward to the rest of the series x

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China Barbie link
1/20/2014 09:09:52 am

Thanks Heather! I know right, that's how I look at it! Thanks so much! (:

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Rachel link
3/5/2014 10:12:08 pm

This is a really good read for me. Must agree that you are one of the coolest Article I ever saw. Thanks for posting this useful information.

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China Barbie link
3/6/2014 12:04:06 pm

Awesome Rachel! I'm so glad the article helped you out, that's what it's for!:P

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Online Sports Betting In India link
2/27/2023 08:31:15 am

Nice blog:)

Reply



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    I'm Jessica!

    I've traveled all over the world, but Ohio is where I call home. I'm a lifestyle & travel blogger, and author. I love setting goals, reading, and snuggling up with my fur babies. I can usually be found at my local thrift store, or in the hammock in my backyard.

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