A Journey Towards Independence: Jada's Story

At just 18, Jada is already thinking about her future with determination and focus. With her 19th birthday fast approaching, she has set a bold goal: to move out and secure her own apartment before she turns 19. However, like many young people, she wasn’t sure where to start or how much money she needed to save to make her dream a reality. Jada's story resonates with many others who are standing at the crossroads of independence, feeling excited but uncertain. She turned to StepWise for help, eager to get clarity on how to prepare for such a significant life step.

The Initial Concerns

When Jada first reached out, she was feeling overwhelmed. She had saved $200 so far and had a steady job that paid $15.25 per hour. However, with her income fluctuating between summer and school months, and little knowledge of the costs associated with living independently, she wasn't sure how much she needed to save or what expenses she should expect. Her goal was clear: she wanted a safe and comfortable one-bedroom apartment with a good environment and job opportunities nearby. But how could she get there?

Breaking Down the Goal

During her conversation with her StepWise advisor, Jada's worries started to turn into actionable steps. The advisor asked key questions about her timeline, income, and expenses, and together, they started to piece together a plan.

One of the first steps was estimating her income and expenses. Over the summer, she was able to work more hours, earning approximately $1,220 per month. However, during the school year, her income would drop to around $762 per month, as she could only work 20-30 hours every two weeks. From there, they calculated her savings goal. To move out, she would need about $2,000 for initial move-in costs, including the first month's rent and a security deposit. Jada realized she had to start saving seriously, especially during the summer months when her income was higher.

A Clearer Path Forward

With the help of her advisor, Jada set a plan in motion. They mapped out her income, broke down her potential expenses—including rent, utilities, and groceries—and created a realistic budget. Step by step, Jada began to see how she could reach her goal.

Her advisor recommended she save as much as possible during the summer when her cash flow was higher. By cutting down unnecessary expenses and setting a clear budget, Jada could save over $3,000 during the summer alone. During the school year, she would continue saving smaller amounts, contributing to a total savings of over $6,000 by the time she turned 19.

A Newfound Confidence

As their conversation ended, Jada felt a new sense of empowerment. What had once felt daunting now seemed achievable. She no longer felt like she was navigating this journey alone. She had a clear savings target, a detailed plan, and the knowledge of what to expect when she moved out on her own.

Jada’s journey is one of growth, not just financially, but personally. She now feels more confident about taking control of her future, knowing that her efforts and careful planning will pay off when she finally moves into her new apartment.

Inspiring Others

Jada’s story is an inspiration for anyone on the verge of a big life change. Her determination and careful planning show that, with the right guidance, even the most challenging goals can be achieved. StepWise is here to help young people like Jada every step of the way, making their dreams of independence a reality.

Are you ready to take control of your financial future?