conversation: User (QueenBee502): "My husband and I have struggled for quite awhile. We both have been in school and he worked a crappy factory job to cover bills and such. Somehow, we made it several years like that.\n\nHe has graduated and is starting a job in 2 weeks with a $60k salary. I graduated in a few weeks and have accepted a position paying $52k. We do excited to have a different type of life. I'm 26F and he is 32M. We have two kids, ages 6 and 3.\n\nOurselves, and no one in our family or friends makes this kind of money, so we have no one to give us advice. \n\nWe already save as much as we can, including our tax checks, so we do have money in the bank, about $7k. We are planning to stay in our apartment which is $550. Per month. We currently have no car payments as our cars are paid off, but we would like to get a newer car in a few months because my husband's car is always breaking down, but would keep the payment at $200 or less. Other than that we just have regular bills (electric, warer, etc.), daycare, and my husband has student loans. \n\nMy husband's job is relocating us at the end of the year, and mine is 100% ok with transferring. At the point, our rent will go up to about $850-$900. \n\nAny tips for us?\nThanks!!!!"
  Self: "&gt;Ourselves, and no one in our family or friends makes this kind of money\n\nI have seen this dynamic before and I would caution you about disclosing too much detail to friends or family about what you will be making.  Do a few nice things to help people if they need it but don't allow yourself to be viewed as an endless ATM.  \n\n\nIf you haven't read any financial books in the past I would recommend The Millionaire Next Door and A Random Walk Down Wall Street.  \n\nPlan on making contributions to retirement accounts early on.  Come back to the forum with a list of investment options when you get started with your new jobs, in whatever your company's plan has to offer.  "
  buysideeconomics (buysideeconomics): "I remember reading The Millionaire Next Door a few years ago in school. Recently, helping my parents get their finances (among other items) in line for retirement, that book really made me appreciate their frugality. \n\nPoint being, I agree that you (and everyone) should read The Millionaire Next Door, especially if your income isn't ridiculously high. There's a lot of value there (literally and figuratively). "
  