Job: Customer service specialist for State Farm Insurance Co.
Annual earnings: $36,000
Education: Graduated in 2000 with majors in political science and philosophy, Hamline University
Last major purchase: Bought a new house in April with fiancée Sara Kaler.
Next major purchase: A wedding in April 2006
Smart money: Buying an engagement ring through Amazon.com. "Compared to a local jeweler, I saved $1,500 for a comparable ring."
Stupid money: "I lost about $100 by not sending in rebate paperwork for my new laptop."
Job transition: The State Farm call center in Woodbury closes Aug. 31. Andy will get 6½ weeks of severance pay if he stays until then; if he leaves early, he forfeits the severance. Because he knows the termination date, Andy is being selective in his job search. "If I get a better job between now and then, I'll probably take the better job."
