Valentina Slingbacks

I stopped by JCrew last week and scored these awesome snakeskin JCrew Collection slingbacks. They were admittedly an impulse buy which are normally a no no for me but it was sale time and I knew these puppies weren’t gonna last long.

I had been looking for a pair of classic slingbacks in black, these are an ivory snakeskin so just as neutral as black but a whole lot more interesting. I didn’t hesitate to snatch them up since they retail for $398.00 and I got them for a song.

I know most fashion blogs don’t go into detail about price, budget, etc but I think it’s a good conversation to start. I’ve struggled with debt in the past and a big part of the last few years has been reigning that in while still writing this fashion blog. 

Here’s How I Do It 

Mark and I share a joint checking account. We  both have artistic freelance jobs that we love but we do trade guaranteed weekly income for our freedom. We share all the money that comes in because sometimes I bring home the bacon and sometimes he does. 

Last year I also started “play accounts” for each of us. 10% of each of our individual income goes into our own separate play accounts. This means if I stop by JCrew and there’s a fabulous sale I don’t have to feel guilty that I’ve spent our money on something I really don’t “need”. Yes I NEED classic snakeskin slingbacks and I’m sure you all understand but I don’t need it the way we need food, water, and to pay rent on time:)

We also have a joint savings account which 10% of all earned income goes towards. Ideally this is just an abundance fund which has a year’s worth of expenses in it but often it’s used for short term goals like  travel or a new car purchase. 

I also recently embarked on the big “I”, 

investing and started a ROTH IRA for myself.

I can’t say I’m financially perfect. I still have some lingering cc debt and those pesky student loans but I’m getting there. Some financial advisors say not to save or invest until all cc debt is at 0 but that just doesn’t feel right to me. The younger you get started with investments the more time your money has to accumulate.

Do you have a financial plan? I’d love to hear about it. Would you like to see more posts about women and money on this blog?

No matter what your budget I think it’s possible to be totally chic and totally in control of your own financial destiny.