Age: 26
Cash check: Grace Peterson
August 19, 2009 at 5:43PM
Home: Minneapolis
Job: I'm a copy editor for Internet Broadcasting. I've been at IB for two years.
Salary: $35,000-$40,000
Education: Major in English, minor in journalism from University of Minnesota Duluth
How'd you get the job? After I worked in the insurance industry for two years, a friend suggested I apply at IB.
Last major purchase: My car, a 2007 Ford Focus station wagon (I'm leasing it).
Next major purchase: I would like to say it's a house, but we'll see about that. I would also like to take some of the money I've saved and travel.
Spending/saving system: Thus far, I haven't saved too much. I participate in my company's 401(k) program and have a few mutual funds. I'm not necessarily living paycheck-to-paycheck anymore, but I could stand to save a bit more.
Smart money advice: I would say simply live within your means. The more money you make, the more you are tempted to spend. However, it's good to evaluate where you're at with your funds often and think about future purchases and money goals. Do you really need to get a brand-new car? Do you really need to buy brand-new furniture?
Stupid money choices: Probably leasing a car. At the time, I needed a vehicle -- mine had died and I was borrowing a car for a couple of weeks. I felt pressed for time, so I opted to lease. I'm worried I will go over on my miles and have to pay hefty fees.
Addictive purchases? Music. Also, every time I walk into Target, I buy at least 10 things I don't need. I go to buy toilet paper and end up with two new tank tops, Chapstick and a whole mess of other random things.
Dream job? A friend and I have always talked about opening either an animal care facility or shelter, being able to do that in a community like Minneapolis or St. Paul. But neither or us really has the schooling for it at this point, so it's just sort of a dream.
What would you do if you won the lottery? Travel. First I would want to go to Brazil, but I would want to go so many places.
Most stressful thing about money right now? Wanting more! I would love to be able to purchase a home. I'm OK with renting for now, but would like to have a place to call my own.
EMMA L. CAREW
If it feels like TikTok has been around forever, that's probably because it has, at least if you're measuring via internet time. What's now in question is whether it will be around much longer and, if so, in what form?
