Living On $55K A Year In Jacksonville, FL | Millennial Money

[@CNBCMakeIt]

What's your budget breakdown? We're looking for stories from all ages, not just millennials! Share your story with us for a chance to be featured in a future installment of Millennial Money: ​cnb.cx/32TYZ2K​

[@christopherhennessey8991]

I am lucky that I collect a pension and receive Social Security benefits.

[@gidd]

Could y'all maybe branch out to places like canada and Mexico talk about the pension/retirement plans available there ,the saving and investment culture compared to the US,Cost of living etc ,I feel like it would make for really entertaining content just to see the contrast

[@nieawiggins512]

I would really like to see family stories. I'm in the older end of the millennial generation and I have a teen daughter. Those expenses look entirely different and most, if not all of these episodes (at least of the ones I've watched), while enjoyable, aren't at all relatable nor motivating because they are so unrealistic when you have kids.

[@angelk316]

Can you do more with people with families

[@povgabrielfernandez5854]

+1=7=1=8-5=4=0=-8=6=9=8

[@kielyandcarlyphysics]

Loving the more realistic Millennial Money episodes. I was starting to think that a salary of 100K+, multiple lucrative side hustles and a house by 30 is normal. She is a more refreshing role model: making it by just fine on an average salary, giving back to her family and charity, doing something she loves, and on her way up!!

[@BP_2869]

yeah that 100k salary episodes are stupid man people think everyone can do that

[@misshoneynevercame4832]

$100k salaries are more rare than common if you look at average incomes. I also got insecure after watching a few of these episodes tbh.

[@BenShope]

maybe she should pay her credit card bill first? As things stand, she's kind-of stealing what she donates

[@kielyandcarlyphysics]

​@@BenShope Being in debt does not equate to stealing. She's paying her credit card off incrementally. It isn't realistic to pay off your debt with every last dollar of your expendable income. Giving back to parents and charity can often be a more pressing matter. So good on you, Carlina!

[@BenShope]

@@kielyandcarlyphysics she is disputing the debt - essentially claiming she cannot pay

[@NursesToRiches]

She has a great personality. She derseves nothing but positive vibes.

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Thank you!

[@aminat643]

"Eventually I want to be able to work, because I want to - not because I have to" That's the dream and one of my major drivers for advocating for financial independence

[@user-td7xf3gz4l]

Agreed

[@user-td7xf3gz4l]

What's your number? Mine is 2 mil

[@colorfulcodes]

So true.

[@christopherhennessey8991]

I’m a retired RN,thank God I’m collecting my pension.When I wanted to return to work in order to maintain my skills, I’m over 50 so no takers.

[@CookingWithCarlina]

My life motto!

[@BrittanyGates]

As other people pointed out, Carlina needs to separate her business expenses from her personal budget. I know she has an issue with credit cards but she needs to devote one of those cards to only business expenses and use a bookkeeping program like Quickbooks. That way when it's tax time she can get as many deductions as possible. She can also go a step further and make a LLC or a S Corp and pay herself and her mom a salary. Boom! More tax breaks.

[@deborahrose648]

Agreed. She needs to separate her personal and business expenses, I agree with everything you said.. She can then pay her mum

[@CoolStorytellersLounge]

100%

[@jellygurl27]

This is the reality of a lot of Millennials and a lot of people do not talk about it.

[@cheapchicandcurvy]

So true!

[@MillaExplores]

Yep exactly! Struggling with money is really common.

[@tamamoni8908]

Very true

[@msf8297]

yes they do. on twitter

[@jellygurl27]

@@msf8297 I am not on Twitter that is probably why I do not see it.

[@swicheroo1]

She seems like an awesome person. For those who don't live in LA: 52K means you are treading water. If she hasn't already, she should talk to a tax professional about writing off her cooking-show-related expenses. The pie chart suggests this is part of her personal budget. But it should be structured as a business expense with funds from a separate account that should not be commingled. Keep those receipts!

[@TheFlyingPLiner]

52k in LA isn't treading water that's drowning.

[@joyaustin6581]

@@TheFlyingPLiner in my area you would be comfortable

[@dinnolinno]

That’s where she’s at now 75K was in LA before she went unemployed. She mentions that she had to ask her mom and take out of her 401k to make ends meet, which I’m guessing she was treading in water without any savings.

[@CookingWithCarlina]

@@dinnolinno Actually 52K was also when I was in LA. I recently moved to Florida several months ago.

[@meymay11]

@Taylor Reeves you sound pathetic. Just get an education or trade and maybe you can make decent money as well.

[@quinton3689]

She is a wayyy better person to put on the show than the other episodes, she got a good personality and likeable. Shout out to you and may god bless you

[@loyalone7355]

She's earning more than some Floridians with a regular job. Wishing her continued success 🎉🎉

[@xxxxMonkeyGirlxxxx]

Yup. Most people don’t know 70% of Floridians make $15 an hour or less which is why it’s funny to see all these people moving here. Whenever they look for a job they may be disappointed with what they find out.

[@femaletrouble]

I was gonna say. I'm from Jacksonville, and I can tell you I'd be living real good on $50,000 a year if it was just me and my mom.

[@jasperdilincoln2341]

I agree once all of her Debt is paid off and she decides to continue to live in Jax even still making $55k single she will do great.

[@iamwell5654]

Exactly!!! Some people with masters degree can’t even find a $40k pet yr job in 2022. To be a bank officer with all the license you make only $33k per yr 🥹

[@jeanettejbeauty6374]

I really enjoyed this episode and her beautiful aura! Giving back is so important 🥰

[@israeliana]

Truly she is so wholesome and sweet

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@LifeofKairo]

Family dynamics can either make or break you. It's awesome to see this one work so well 😊

[@MegaClemie]

I know right, my mom makes it a point to ruin me

[@JadenHercules]

Yep, you're so right!

[@AnhNguyen-sl5dm]

We need more eps like this and previous one. Not everyone making 100k+. This is reality for most millennials. But to see how they overcome the struggle it’s inspiring! Thank you for sharing.

[@LivingSwedish]

Sometimes. you have to go back one step in order to go two steps further 💥

[@MillaExplores]

So true 😊🙌🏼

[@smartmarketing173]

Yes! As a Realtor, I’m here to tell y’all to live home as long as you can possibly stand it; it’s the only way to save for 20% down payment (you can buy with less down, but you’ll have to pay monthly mortgage insurance). Here in the US we don’t do that but everywhere else families live together often for life- it has multiple benefits!

[@CaseyBurnsInvesting]

She’s about to be living on much more once KZbin takes off.

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Yes!

[@JohnsonKayla12]

@@CookingWithCarlina May I ask why you stopped making videos? Do you plan to make more soon?

[@Alexis-wh2de]

I am so happy that she donates. It's always confounding to see people who make six figures and budget nothing for donations. Like, is there no cause in the world that they intentionally want to support? More financially well rounded people who actually donate, pay bills, and invest please.

[@cauthoncrazy]

Well said!!

[@tshililomugovheli2717]

I don't think it's necessary to donate. Most of the time you find that individuals are also taking care of extended family members or are giving at church.... That can still be part of giving/paying it forward

[@danadomino]

As a 28 year old in Jacksonville (who also has a passion for cooking) I completely get Carlina and I hope her cooking show takes off! Wishing you nothing but thr best!

[@Gong14921]

Hey Dana, I'm thinking of moving to Jacksonville. How do you like it out there? I hear it's growing. Thanks for any advice

[@ellie5373]

I was shocked when she said she cashed out $1100 from her retirement, and that was her entire savings on a 75k salary in late 20s :(

[@CookingWithCarlina]

I’m still learning. :)

[@MFlint-un2tq]

Same here

[@abbyoneill4473]

Same!

[@joiet93]

@@CookingWithCarlina and that’s okay! Keep learning ❤️

[@hotmama298]

@@CookingWithCarlina No judgement here. I'm still digging myself out of debt after taking care of my mom who was in hospice. I wish you the best.

[@pbm9cje2n]

You know I was really wanting millennial money to go outside of New York and BAM they go right to my little hometown. Haha now that's delivering!

[@mckenziemorgan5867]

Jacksonville is literally a midsized metro area what are you talking about? “Little hometown” we have an NFL team etc

[@mckenziemorgan5867]

Like we literally have over a million people?

[@taram4414]

@@mckenziemorgan5867 I was thinking the same. 😂 Not to mention it's the LARGEST city in the US by size.

[@PamelaGrace31]

I love this!! Such an honest and relatable story. I had to move back in with my parents about a year ago, she’s doing great at rebuilding her life!!

[@AdrenalineJunkie25]

I'm from Jacksonville FL this was dope to watch I hope to run into her one day

[@CookingWithCarlina]

DUVALLLL!

[@AdrenalineJunkie25]

@@CookingWithCarlina lol yes ma'am Duvalllllllll !!!!!

[@MsAzraaa]

What a wonderful person! I’m sorry about your dad’s stroke but admire how close you are to him and your mom. Wish you all the best!!

[@luanofortuin206]

Thumbs up to her. She's the first I actually saw including donations into her budget.

[@ShenitaMoore]

She is her mother’s twin! 🙌🏾😍

[@CookingWithCarlina]

We get that a lot!

[@LifeofKairo]

She works in Food and Entertainment? That's a recipe for success...

[@financialtortoise7571]

Everybody should try to live with family if they can because you can save so much money.

[@gennagresham3986]

No thanks.

[@numerologicatarot3333]

Agreed!..

[@fofofofo3076]

@@gennagresham3986 why

[@luccianalewis9473]

It depends on what kind of parents do they have.

[@TheHippie60]

I still live with parents at 30 yr old and I pay rent on a 54k salary. It helps out so much! I’ve managed to save 200k living at home.. in American society living at home is looked down upon but I’m my culture they want me to be financially stable and save as much as possible while also contributing to my 401k too

[@tenten1656]

i love her! Giving 20% partnership commission to her mom, doing charities, using loans for her dad! This is what we need to watch! Optimistic, working hard, positive woman! I hope nothin but the best for you :)

[@everythingella4575]

I love how she’s utilizing time like there’s no tomorrow. If she’s looking to eventually get more into culinary she could also become a professional meal prep. They actually make excellent money, and you have flexibility on your own schedule. I heard it’s a really unique niche that’s hard to find sometimes. Florida or Cali would be the perfect spot, she would book clients in a second.

[@kevinbaker8583]

We went to high school together! So proud of you, Carolina! Keep going!

[@goodenergi]

I reallllyyy wish we could see an episode like this but abroad. People dont understand how much of a difference living abroad makes financially!!

[@aminat643]

Aww I love how involved her mom is! I went to her KZbin channel and she hasn't posted in a while. She needs to refresh it and continue to make money from it

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Thank you! Yes I’m working on new content!

[@sincerelysandi]

Yes, she does, I’m headed to her channel now to support.

[@emilyf2825]

It's all about the side hustles! Keep going with your cooking content, and keep uploading to KZbin. All you have to do is get the ball rolling and gain that momentum - things will start to get easier from then on out!

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Thank you!

[@littlemax8851]

You’re amazing.. but pause the donations & get yourself right first.. then you can make an ever BIGGER contribution to your community.

[@maxkrate4820]

I’m a simple man. I see a middle waged millennial money and I hit the like button.

[@bijoubijou7500]

This is one of the most realistic features. Wishing Carli much success.

[@jothisorthat]

love the relationship she has with her mom!! moms are incredible!

[@NefariaAdventures]

With her living situation now, she's in a good spot to pay off all the debt. And I hope she gets her tiny house to travel around in! That would be interesting to see her vlog that whole process on her channel.

[@CookingWithCarlina]

I've thought about it!

[@NefariaAdventures]

@@CookingWithCarlina you should! I'm thinking of buying an acre or so in West Virginia and putting a tiny house on it, for a getaway. But living in it full time would be interesting! Can't wait to see what you do! Subbed :)

[@THEBOUJEECOIN]

The “Taking a step back” part is very relatable!

[@AnnaGraceplansandbudgets]

Loved this episode! Carlina is such a wonderful person with an amazing personality, such a positive and upbeat aura about her, and I wish her all the best. Clicking on this episode was a no-brainer, as I personally lived in Jacksonville for 9 years and consider it home. It's great to see successes coming from this city. ♥

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Thank you! Please subscribe to my channel!

[@JuudainoExperiment]

This is a really great episode but CNBC really should have put a direct link to her channel in the description...

[@CookingWithCarlina]

I’m right here! :)

[@Mommacutz]

Thanks for representing our city well! My daughter just moved back home too.

[@Titus2Chic]

@@CookingWithCarlina Thank you because I was scouring the comments looking for it!

[@nicolebond3992]

I enjoyed this episode. Glad to see she is working towards reducing her debts and is gradually rebuilding her savings. I also liked her personality and how down to earth she is. Wishing her all the best.

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Thank you! Please subscribe to my channel!

[@mstrulygolden]

She has such a beautiful spirit. I wish her all the best. May she achieve all her dreams. 🤗

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Thank you!

[@Jshart92]

Anyone else waiting for Graham to react and mention the fact that this isn’t in NYC?

[@CW-yj8ce]

This is a more realistic salary for most. Her story is more typical and relatable. With her positive personality, she will greatly improve her life in a few years. I always tell younger people don’t worry about a late start, 10 years will pass no matter what you do so even if it take you 7 years to get your degree you will have a degree if you continue to work at it. Everything was going great but life happens and I had to start from almost zero again at age 32. I still remember that low point in my life but looking back there were only 2 choices, to give up and just cry how life is unfair or try to improve my situation. It was a hard 15+years but I’m more than fine now and looking forward to retirement soon. ~30 years seem to pass in a blink of an eye and I plan for next few decades to be enjoyable because of all I had done to ensure it. Stay safe and best regards to all.

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Love your story!

[@fashion4point0]

I’ve been waiting all morning for this 😭

[@ablargh]

She needs to start charging more because 3K a year for brand partnerships is highway robbery

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Noted!

[@positivelybeautiful1]

Hello Carolina from Jacksonville,FL. I’m a 53 yo mom of a 19 & 17. I will forward to them to watch. The fact is no one will escape suffering in some aspects of life ( life’s trials & tribulations). More importantly, is to have positive thinking even at your lowest, so that you can be flexible to cope & adapt to change. Also, hard work & effort got you there. In addition, you have good support & love from your parents ( even though Dad is not close by). All the best to you beautiful & talented lady!

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Thank you!

[@TFlowers]

She's beautiful and ambitious! Like most people like myself, she doesn't make a ton on money but she's Happy and Blessed!!!!

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Thank you! Please subscribe!

[@anabettencourt6943]

She's so relatable!!! Awesome video, love her personality!

[@KayLoveNYC]

She stumbled on rough times but she’ll be just fine. She has all the right tools and a positive outlook, good for her.

[@SAnderson54]

Wow she's really bouncing back well. I wish her nothing, but the best.

[@brickinvesting]

love how happy she is, she's amazing. Hoping her cooking channel takes off!

[@PaperRaines]

They cited her typical monthly budget at $1,968, which included savings and investments. That calculates out to $23,616 annually. They're missing at least ten to fifteen thousand dollars of where her money is going after taxes on $55k salary Not that it's anyone's business, but why use her and her budget if you're not going to give all the figures?

[@elenavelasquez208]

Congratulations to Carlina for preserving despite her hardships. Wishing her the best!

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Thank you!

[@dedesworld998]

my city! Lmao. I’m 22 currently still trying to scale my first business in Jax, and I can’t wait to be feature on here, hopefully soon!

[@jaysoncasper6889]

W•H•A•T•S••A••P••P••• +..1..7..1..7..9..3..4..1..2..3..9 I•N•V•E•S•T••IN••BTC••C•R•Y•P•T•O•C•U•R•R•E•N•C•Y....

[@dddaaaannnnn]

Another great one with someone making the most of what she has, and doing it with a smile. I bet she's going to go far.

[@Olivia-hj5fp]

Glad she's doing well for herself now. In perspective, $50k in Jacksonville (single income) is considered "above the poverty line" so living comfortable but not extravagantly. Raise your hand if you live in Jax and don't make $50k+/yr 🙄🖐️

[@philipmorata9025]

The rich remain rich by spending less but investing, while the poor remain poor by spending like the rich.Yet with no investment.

[@dustybccrypto2886]

Absolutely💯

[@deborahsimpson490]

2021 stock market is just difficult,I rather invest my money in bitcoin now .

[@user-hr7fs6bl6d]

Due to economic crises,one needs to have a diversified portfolio.Get a different stream of income

[@sarajoana895]

Amazon has also been one of the best stocks so far but I diversified to gold and crypto market, I have been earning much from it .

[@stephaniemichelle5234]

Bitcoin is the future, investing in it now is the wisest thing to do especially with the present rise.

[@lala40121]

So shocked to see my hometown on here. Duvallllllllll!!! I'm inspired.

[@CookingWithCarlina]

DUVALLLLL!

[@Boss365_allday]

Donations is more than retirement. I still don't get it, donating when you are not fully sufficient.

[@gregorypeterson9]

I was thinking the same thing 🤔, donations are great but I think that amount is way to high right now maybe 100.00 dollars.

[@tshililomugovheli2717]

Is there pressure in the US for people to donate? Are you seen as greedy if you don't donate or what?

[@gregorypeterson9]

@@tshililomugovheli2717 it's probably more of an individual thing, however most religions in the US will encourage you to give ten percent of your income to the church.

[@damatar]

Right, I feel like Americans don't really see the warning lights flashing on their personal finances like we should. e.g., She has very low savings and she previously cashed out her retirement, all while still paying down 10s of 1000s in debt. Her giving is admirable, but without a solid emergency fund and reasonable level of debt (and NO credit card debt), she'll find herself in serious financial trouble should, say, Nickelodeon go through a "restructuring" leaving her without a job.

[@chriswilliams1578]

I mean you can get it back for a tax credit

[@jenniferyoung8665]

personally, I would save that $200 donations and up the savings or open up an emergency fund. That's a huge chunk of donations......or even give that $200 to her mom. OR, $50-$100 donations and the rest to mom.

[@thekaerichtexas]

I love that she supports her mom in turn for her mom supporting her.

[@compton8301]

What a privilege it is to have parents who own their own houses.

[@candyjamaican]

I can’t wait to see more from her. I’m so proud of her parents for raising her right too.

[@Indowaindowa]

Great video, very humbling to watch. Never give up on what you want.

[@monk9008]

Graham is coming...

[@smartmarketing173]

I live in Jax and am excited to discover Carlina! Found her blog and subbed.

[@nia.aleese]

I absolutely love the idea of taking your tiny house and traveling the country! Good luck to you🥰

[@KyCandicee]

I really liked this episode, it’s a lot more realistic/relatable and she’s such a lovely person

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Aww thanks!

[@drewconway7135]

She seems almost ashamed of spending $500/month on food. I think that’s totally reasonable for one person, especially one who has a cooking channel on KZbin.

[@dertythegrower]

lol no. That is way too much. Most people only get food stamps like 200 a month, or so. And i lived it in florida as someone who grows also.

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Thank you.

[@Erin-rg3dw]

Ditto, considering the rest of her food budget is only $200. Even with the leftovers from all of the cooking takes, that's still pretty good.

[@bri5990]

"once you're at the bottom theres only one way to go" whewww I felt that!

[@sandykl]

Finally videos I actually REALTE to. This is reality, too. Not just the 100k+ salaries. She is also such a sweetheart. I wish many blessing to her and her family. 🙏🏼✨💙

[@israeliana]

This is so wholesome. My favorite episode by far

[@damienmiquel8513]

Carlina, you are a good person, with an healthy philosophy of life.

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Thank you!

[@mayataylor5743]

I love this . My mom wants me too move back home . I can’t show her this

[@MillaExplores]

Haha you would save a lot of money tho 🤭

[@farmergeorge6885]

The budget breakdown of $1,968/month doesn't show where every dollar is going. If she makes 55K in FL then the total budget should be well above $1,968

[@utikkartika7813]

I like her personality. Nothing but positive. Thanks for sharing❤️

[@weatherspoonelias]

No one: Someone from Jacksonville, FL: Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuvaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

[@Hannah-sw5it]

She is such a caring, amazing, woman 🥺👏👏

[@TonyaS]

Best of luck Carlina! Hope your cooking show takes off!

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Thank you!

[@jeretso]

Spending $200 a month on donations like a small lottery winner. 401k Roth has less than $200 and you raided it while back. Compound interest builds generational wealth and allows you to donate more in the future. People like your dad get sick and you need to save for a rainy day. Your integra is reliable but 20 years old you will need another reliable car. Save more now while your mom is giving you cheap rent! Also learn from your mom and save for your own house.

[@pavelurvan6655]

2021 online stock market is just difficult and unbelievable, I rather invest my money on crypto

[@emilyfloyd3823]

Bitcoin trade is great unlike the stock market and other financial market, bitcoin has no centralized location since it operates 24hrs in different parts of the world

[@julianapatricia4617]

Bitcoin trading might make you rich if you're hedge found with deep pockets or an unusually skilled currency trader.

[@financelife6698]

After a successful investment you have nothing to worry about, whether the rise and fall of economy or anything wont affect you,make your future brighter by making good investment

[@daksheshdalbir3414]

@@financelife6698 EXACTLY

[@aabishbadriyyah1824]

currently the rich stay rich by spending like the poor and investing while the poor stay poor by spending like the rich yet not investing like the rich

[@osmondrob9756]

I'm very happy Benjamin Albert has made me the most happiest person on earth, I don't really know how to thank you. I'm really grateful sir

[@osmondrob9756]

Telegram @banalbert

[@eamari87]

Carlina and her mom! 💜 🌺 Resilience and spirit!

[@NefariaAdventures]

I hope she is now considered a Florida resident, for tax purposes - Florida has no state income tax.

[@porshaj.9897]

I am so glad to see my city on here, i wish her nothing but the best

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Thank you! Please subscribe to my channel!

[@KS-tv6pe]

Absolutely following you, Carlina! Thank you for sharing your story ❤️

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Thank you!

[@MrReedGrantberry]

Even with there being a balanced representation of careers & income levels, everytime a working class episode is dropped it's "OMG! Finally a regular person!" 😂😂

[@autumnnorberg7534]

Hey I live in Jacksonville!! Carlina seems like such a sweet and positive person 😊

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Thank you!

[@hayleymiller7032]

Finally!!! Someone from my city!!!

[@SteelSmith00]

This is my favorite show please post more !

[@nathenhoang]

She's so lovely and I wish all the best for her 😁

[@christopherhennessey8991]

I paid off $ 38,000 in debt without being repaid by a family member( who owes me a mother load of money) I supported for several years.

[@smartappeal7296]

Keep motivating us cnbc !!!!🔋🔋🔋

[@kayayichibesa6481]

This episode was so relatable

[@FinancialShinanigan]

Not NYC? I'm shook!

[@ToddBaldwin]

You seem like an awesome human being! I'm going to go sub to your channel right now!

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Yes! Thank you so much!

[@netayconnection6236]

Loving the video man, and she seems like the best personality I've so far seen on this channel.

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Thank you!!!!!

[@khelseaal-arefi2861]

Very inspirational and real and honestly awesome. Thank you for sharing your story Carlina!!

[@CookingWithCarlina]

Thank you! :)

[@COMMANDRofAWESUM]

Hey guys it’s Graham, welcome to my show.

[@khf729]

Great episode! Nice to see a different storyline