Asking Strangers in Atlanta Personal Finance Questions | PART 1 | Atlanta Beltline

[@HatedJared]

My wife and I have spent the 5 last years paying off our debt. We had close to $200k of non-mortgage debt when we started, and are on the final $12,000 which will be paid off by spring. Its difficult. We skipped a honeymoon, havent gone on any vacations in those 5 years, and tons of other small cuts. Really looking forward to crossing that finish line.

[@thedude5040]

Keep going! We were at $100k and sleep so much better now that we're on the other side.

[@britneythomas3151]

Started with 112k and down to 32k. Will be done by April 2025!! Keep going! You got this!

[@M_SC]

Admirable

[@ivanvarykino8202]

Great job to you! I remember what a huge accomplishement it felt like when my wife and i paid off our non mortgage debt and actually built a $5k emergency fund. It seemed to take forever. And once we had it, we never wanted to go back to that earlier situation.

[@liabw05]

Good for you! Soon you will get to reap the rewards

[@braxtontwist8274]

Shoutout to the first guy’s transparency

[@M_SC]

I related to him a lot

[@ivanvarykino8202]

Yup, he was actually doing great. Now he should just begin to invest in a low cost simple s&p index fund so he's got something to build on. It's amazing how you can build momentum over time and prioritize on your financial goals once you take that first step 👍

[@triciamool8157]

he was so likable and real, and it's not easy to say you need help like this, kudos to this guy.

[@xbeautyxxkillzx]

He needs to get out of debt first

[@DomsPokeMMO-tf4tj]

That one lady with 50k in credit card debt, but she has 60k in investments is a massive face palm. Credit card debt has super high interest rates and should be paid off immediately with whatever she has.

[@ProjectFrugal]

100% - A bad move on her part. Economics 101 !

[@912912patriot]

Unless your investments have a rate of return equal to or greater than the rate of interest on your credit cards, which is probably around 25%, it’s lunacy to keep the investments in lieu of getting out of credit card debt which is the absolute worst debt on the planet. With that mindset, she will be in credit card debt for a lifetime, even if he doesn’t charge another dime in the next 40 years!!!!!!!!

[@badgerboyEA]

It was tricky to follow what she was saying, but I ultimately think the 60k is probably in a retirement account, because she said she doesn't have an emergency fund. Overall her and her boyfriend's lack of urgency with that debt is shocking. They are trying to ignore it so they can work on flashier goals... but you can't build very tall without a foundation before it will all crash back down.

[@HappyPenguin75034]

They shouldn’t be shopping!

[@LawrenceTimme]

She was probably lying or it's in 401k and it would be worse to take it out.

[@PInk77W1]

10 financial rules 1 have a written budget 2 ride a city bus 3 eat at home 4 save 5 invest n S&P 500 6 shop at thrift stores 7 no credit cards 8 no loans 9 buy bulk when possible 10 don’t worry what others think

[@alvarodias68]

I would only say put #10 as #1 and everything else flows from there. 😊

[@santiagonunez6294]

Crypto, specifically BTC and ICP and you'll be good to go 💯

[@Qqxx22]

I like this

[@TimmyCramer]

Date night to me is at Costco and that includes the ice cream after the hotdog! Debt free 20 yrs!!

[@aladdin888]

LOL!!! I'm right there with you, only I go to Sam's Club. Get a yourgut at the cafe & hit up the sample people. No debt, semi-retired, 33 years self employed, net worth $4.9M. ALWAYS LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS!!

[@TimmyCramer]

@aladdin888 You're Winning!!!

[@PInk77W1]

Smart

[@melaniemcconnell1828]

No shame there! I'm right there with you!

[@dgmcfadden2006]

Retiring next year at 58. Zero debt. Started investing in various equities at 18, budget, max spending 80%, save 20%. Understand deferred gratification. Our money makes more than we do. Do the same, never touch it, and you too will be have a wonderful life in retirement.

[@AznPrzsn]

Congrats! Or at least understand moderation in all things. Like it's fine to spend 80% as long as you're saving that 20% religiously. And of course those % should reflect and prioritize savings/retirement goals first and foremost. For me I'm saving 35%, Spending 30% on necessities, and the rest is emergency/fun money.

[@13Voodoobilly69]

💯🎯

[@44Mag]

You are winning!

[@passdagabagoul4369]

The “I’m doing it” moment at 3:00 is awesome. Most people meet fear and run. Doing is the only cure to fear

[@M_SC]

Yes! Challenge yourself! It’s the only way. But not so much it traumatizes you either. And don’t force it on others

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Thank you so much!!

[@michael-strohl]

married to a guy in finance and you have 30k in credit card debt is wild!

[@Gandalf17]

she hopes he pays her debt .

[@rjaymanguino2760]

Just cause you’re a finance guy doesn’t mean you’re good at personal finance.

[@XoseGuitar]

$30k CC debt...swinging retail bag literally in hand.

[@KurtisB]

Man. That first couple. 😣 $30k in credit card debt, $75k in student loans and they’re only making the minimum payments. They’re going to be in debt for the rest of their lives at that pace. 😔

[@machinesnmetal]

$600 a month for 30 years. He's gonna be 60 before it's paid., she's going to be long gone.

[@Boblib1970]

@@machinesnmetal I've been there. He will be okay. Over time as his income improves he will start knocking that debt down, and I doubt he's still paying on it at 60. I don't know where this notion that you should be able to pay off your student loan debt immediately after graduation came from, but it's not reality. It never has been.

[@steveshow-tos5394]

@@Boblib1970Agreed. I’m 43 and still have student loan debt. A lot of it. But it takes a back seat to paying off the credit card bill monthly (I put everything I can on my card for points/miles and zero it out monthly), saving for (and having now bought) a house, and saving for retirement. I just see it as an extra 10% tax I’ll pay until retirement for the opportunity to work a career I enjoy. On my plan, I’m essentially broke after all my payments, but I’ll have my mortgage & student loans paid off at 60 and will have an okay retirement nest egg due to compounding interest in my 401k, IRA, and HSA. Wish I had more to pay off my student loans sooner, but I’m not willing to forego building a little retirement stash and paying the house down at a rate that’ll make me mortgage free in retirement. So it’s slow and steady on multiple fronts for me.

[@jeremygermenis8036]

She is waiting for Mr Right to come along.

[@XFizzlepop-Berrytwist]

@@Boblib1970No one is saying to pay it off immediately after graduation, though if you have the ability, you should. We all understand that if you have a job, ideally you use your college degree job to pay down your debt within a couple years. But its a lot of people that never pay anything more than the minimum monthly payment, and they lose a lot of money due to interest.

[@Boblib1970]

It is good to see a video with young people who are so well adjusted and on their way. So much of what you see of people that age group is the negative side with massive debt, no savings, and low income, and little hope that you get the feeling that it's everyone. It's refreshing to know that they're going to be okay.

[@NanetteLoves2Budget]

Fantastic job! I’m so glad Sebastian supported you and helped to get you out there. Great job in the interviews. You are a natural!

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Thank you so much!!

[@larryjones9773]

$212,000 mortgage debt. 63, single and retired with $2,600,000 in savings. Grew up dirt poor on a farm. We didn't have a toilet or bathroom until I was 10. Consequently, I've been a saver.

[@Joe-ti7qd]

You didn't save. You inherited. Quit lying.

[@larryjones9773]

@@Joe-ti7qd I did inherit $100,000 in 2019. The rest, is from my savings. I never realized I'd have this much, either. It's due to the stock market and most importantly, compound growth. I retired in 2009, with only $400,000. Since then, the stock market has done quite well. Einstein called compound growth the eighth wonder of the world. It truly is magic. p.s. $1,500,000 of my savings is in a Roth IRA. I've been doing Roth conversion for ten years, and I have four years to go. Roth conversion mixed with a cash-out refinanced mortgage can be very lucrative. Another guy I've chatted with is similar to me (age 60) and his savings balance is $11,000,000, so he's done much better than me. He did just do a large Roth conversion and paid $2,500,000 in taxes, so his savings balance is now down to $8,500,000. He's a bigger risk taker than me, with 100% invested in Nvidia. I simply invest in the S&P500.

[@lmanderson2012]

This was great! You're helping to normalize talking about money.

[@libbysworld7649]

Leila, you're a pro! 4 years ago I would have declined this interview. Today, I am an open book!

[@80jmbrown]

Bravo for facing fear and rejection!! It's really eye opening how financially unfit so many people are. I was there too at one point, so no judgment. I hope more people are inspired to start working towards being financially fit. Their future selves will thank them

[@JaronPope]

Girl, this was awesome. Great job. We need more of these real world interviews. Loved it!

[@leonardoacosta4229]

This video is impressive; it shows how everyday people view their finances and the psychology behind it. Great Job!

[@Gypsyrose17]

As an MUCH older person, I really enjoyed this. I was recently laid off and my more frugal ways in my later years is the only thing that saved me. I paid off the last of my debt during the Pandemic, when many were taking advantage of different deferment payment options. Being let go from a job is never a joy, but at least you can breathe without having additional expenses than the norm. Great content , as it is ‘true life’. 👍🏽

[@jsb9157]

Nice job! Very brave going out of your comfort zone like this...shout-out to Sebastian for his support and help!!

[@robertmorris2576]

Awesome, Leila! Really would like more videos like this!! Great job.

[@ehderguyyashootadeerorno2313]

I'm 38 years old. $260k in mortgage on a $425k house, and $60k in mortgage on 80 wooded acres. $525k in the stock market. No other debt. 2025 goal is to eliminate most of the hunting land mortgage.

[@M_SC]

It was so nice of people to be open. We can learn from knowing what everyone else is doing. Learn empathy if nothing else

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Yes, so very grateful for them!

[@Tashas_Travels]

I absolutely loved this video, big ups to Sebastian 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@GyasiBarber]

Watched part 2 and now this 1. You are so brave doing this! It's very challenging. I would recommend having more open ended questions (Who/What/Where/Why/How) rather than questions people can answer with a yes/no!

[@davidgerke7150]

I LOVE this format. The street interview style is what drew me to Caleb Hammer's channel in his early days. Would love to see more of this.

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Glad you like it! It's not easy but I am hoping to do it more!

[@EmmaArsenault]

Awesome video! You were out of your comfort zone but so were many of the people you interviewed in the video! I think it's great to promote more open conversation around finances.

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Thank you!!

[@atxgurl00]

Props for putting yourself out there Leila! Definitely a tough topic to get people to open up about but you handled it like a champ! 👏🏽

[@thomaschambless4458]

Y'all did a great job with this. I know you were uncomfortable but you put your guests at ease. This was super interesting. Keep it up!

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Thank you so much!!

[@DanForsman-r2d]

Would have thought only people doing well would have done the interview. Good that people without great financial profiles are willing to share! This type of interview provides food for thought for the majority who aren't on top of their finances. The first step to change is taking an honest look at where you need to focus to achieve your goals.

[@aprilwoodworth5034]

Loved this!!! Please do it again, might I suggest first and foremost asking people name, age and what they do for a living

[@SaraBudgetOrganized...ish...]

Well done, very brave going out asking people and for the people answering.

[@paulc7884]

I used to love audit on the street so I’m glad to see this type of content return.

[@lollie387]

Great job! Awesome of you going out of your comfort zone. These small steps help build confidence in all areas😊

[@rebeccaoliver7977]

It's all about delayed gratification. It is so worth it in the long run.

[@53briley]

Imagine paying interest on 30k credit card debt while having 60k in investments and dating someone in "finance"

[@XFizzlepop-Berrytwist]

Well… its possible the finance guy told her to sell 30k worth to pay off CC debt, but she didnt listen. Though if I was dating someone… and they didnt listen and were in that situation, dating them might be very hard… you can lead a horse to water, but you cant make them drink it, as it twere. Though if he never mentioned that… I would question his financial skills.

[@DannyBowen25]

@@XFizzlepop-Berrytwist Depends on the investments. If the investments are pre-tax for instance, it doesnt make sense to pull out for a penalty just to pay down debt. Depending on the plan. The devils in the details. You can take a loan against a 401k, but thats not exactly free either. Probably a better way, but we dont know.. maybe its in some IRA that cant be used without penalties.

[@XFizzlepop-Berrytwist]

@@DannyBowen25 That would be the only exception is if it was a retirement account, but thats not what she made it sound like.

[@micker9830]

She is probably talking about a 401K. But yes, only a moron would not pay off the credit card debt.

[@Britt4880]

I mean, if she takes out of her 401k she’d have to pay a 10% tax penalty. So if her CC interest is 25%, but her investments are 15% returns, it evens out. Stopping contributions is another story but that also comes with discipline to put that money towards the debt full stop. I think there’s also a key point that retirement money is NOT meant to be taken out for anything other than retirement, hence the penalty. It can give people the mental permission moving foreword and screw them long term.

[@rebeccareyes776]

Great video! Thanks to Sebastian for encouraging you!

[@kp3509]

I am 52 and I have mortgage debt with 26 more years to go. We have to all be on top of our finances as a priority.

[@FitTechLyfe]

Love your bravery!! Keep it up, do more of these!!!

[@dominique971]

This was great! It’s awesome to get a glimpse at normal people’s financial position (what they’re willing to share). Good job getting out of your comfort zone!

[@budgetandbalance]

The more you do it, the better you get!!! Love this format for a video!

[@Kalvain14]

This is a great video! I really like this kind of content. Kudos to you for getting out there!

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Thank you!! 😊

[@beckypetersen2680]

That was really encouraing for me to see young people who are being smart with their money! It is such a wonderful contrast to the typical TikToks who are always so negative.

[@kh884488]

Great job with this. It may be easier to get people to share their personal finances on the public internet if they can hold an umbrella or fan to block their face. I wouldn't be willing to share these kind of details in a public forum without some assurance of anonymity.

[@debbieconnelly4431]

I LOVE this kind of content. It's so entertaining, and I it's cool to see how others are doing financially.

[@denise_pra]

You can be so proud for stepping out of your comfort zone 🎉 I can only imagine how uncomfortable I‘d feel! But love the video! 😊

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Thanks so much Denise 😊

[@larryjones9773]

Good topic. People rarely talk about their finances. Terrifying!

[@123keepitsimple97]

As of this summer, everything I own, including my home, is paid off; it is a dream come true for me

[@AllNighterHeider]

This is an awesome video series!!! I love the guy talking about using credit cards for delta, I may the only one to understand what he said? Questions: Is this series your idea, or did you borrow it from somewhere? Can I borrow this idea with your blessing? This is great, ill be watching more of these. And great name, spelled correctly too

[@ek6007]

1st Couple - Dating a finance bro, holding high-interest consumer debt but have $60K invested and no emergency fund. Neither of them seem to know what they're doing despite their "higher education."

[@Dodgerblue7381-ey3ql]

Honestly, it is sad to hear some of these younger people that have high student loan debt. It is good to talk about your finances. I had to retire early from my career due to health issues and I couldn't have done it if I wasn't debt free. It took me 2 years to recover to the point that I could effectively work part time. I don't need to work but I enjoy being involved and meeting people. Your boyfriend is correct, you should step out of your comfort zone. Try new things. The earlier part of my career I stuck with what I knew, about 7 years before I was forced to retire I expanded my horizons and it became pretty lucrative. Best Wishes on your endeavors and Merry Christmas.

[@daniellegasper2289]

This was interesting! Thank you for going into it if your comfort zone and doing it.

[@jessicatounkara8753]

I love this. Do more of these videos.

[@diana_loz5986]

so glad u didn’t give up! that looked like fun! 🤩

[@joygraves9301]

Thank you for doing this! Love hearing their stories. Love your boldness and courage. New subscriber here! 😊

[@lauriechan2966]

Well done chica! Keep up the great work. Really enjoyed the honesty from people in the video.

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Thank you so much!!

[@galupproperties3098]

I lowkey wanna do this so much. Personal finance is literally my #1 interest.

[@hexxlaxx2992]

Hi from Ontario Canada I fell on your video. Great job but it's sad to see so many people in debt. Keep up your good work!!!

[@catgodfrey6451]

U go girl😊❤😊 I’d 💜 to see more of these. Sebastian so supportive

[@melissafranco4918]

I love these type of videos! Make more please :)

[@TheMightyAgency]

To the lady with 30K CC debt and 60K investment, that's not a wise situation. Unless you're a high risk taker with individual names in your portfolio, the chance of you earning a higher percentage (post capital gain tax) than your CC charge is very low. It's understandable to have emergency fund but doing so while not paying down your CC is not a sound choice. I get the benefit of compounding in your investment but so is the CC balance. I know to many people spending on CC can be unavoidable but know that this is the second WORST thing you can do with personal finance, the first being payday loan. That cap on CC interest rate is not going to happen. That's just election year talk.

[@amendezmuniz]

Great Job! 😊 a good mix of interview

[@BlueBug-s9l]

Good job, boyfriend. As a local it was quite interesting. Always enjoy the sights on the belt line.

[@melissarodriguez4531]

Great job Leila 👏🏽💕 amazing effort and video 🎉

[@denorrisd]

Loved this segment great job getting out of your comfort zone

[@dcookou]

Love this type of content. You’re a great interviewer. Thank you

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Thank you so much!!

[@nicoletolmie3201]

Great video!! Well done, Leila!!

[@deb2be582]

Awesome, Loved it, please do more!!!

[@Justchilling8261]

Love this!!! Very well done

[@thehoteldeveloper]

First time I've ever seen you. Keep doing this!

[@amendezmuniz]

🎉 Great Job Sebastian

[@AT-fp3sg]

You did good! It's also interesting to hear about different financial situations of the people living nearby. I love that area but we don't go into the city much!

[@orbitthewonderdog]

More of this pleaaaaaase! You did great! :)

[@sonialofton5526]

Leila, you did well! I enjoyed this type of video. Nice job! 🎉

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Thank you so much!! Glad you liked it!

[@DebtFreeJessie]

You're so brave, Leila!! Loved this style video. Those puppies😍

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Thanks Jessie 🤗

[@ConserveMore]

This was really well done!

[@AdamNicol-o8j]

I find it's better to tackle one thing at a time, like pay of one debt aggressively. Then move on to the next one, then save an emergency fund of 3-6 months of expenses. I won't ever live without an emergency fund ever again! BTW a credit card or credit line is NOT an emergency fund!

[@ludens1526]

I subbed before the video started I’ve been looking for something like this

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Thank you!! I'll definitely make more of these but gotta wait for some warmer weekends!

[@ludens1526]

@ for sure this is could be a big series

[@randallblizzard]

Love these videos. I’ve been practicing the Kaikebo method for my expense tracking. It works for me.

[@alexandercorley]

Great job with these interviews.

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@faxbullog8361]

Fresh perspective. Subbed.

[@densrier]

Great job! I would have also been out of my comfort zone, but I would have stopped & answered your questions.

[@jasonbowman709]

Great job, keep these coming!

[@Cormin]

So many of these people don't seem honest. Dude with $2k credit card debt, $5k in savings, makes $100k but he's preaching being frugal? What?

[@dcookou]

I noticed that too

[@Boblib1970]

He also said that he pays it off every month. Maybe he uses his CC for all of his monthly purchases and that 2k is an estimate of what his current balance is?

[@Landmeinz]

Talking about money will break your brain

[@macedaking]

Sounds like just invests all his money. He is in finance after all.

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

I cut this part out but he lives right there in the city, which is quite expensive/month. He said he pays off his cc bill each month. I can believe that he is frugal and is investing quite a bit

[@stefflores]

Great job! I would love to see more of this! 🙌🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@PersonalFinanceWithAshtyn]

I love this Leila! YES! Get out of your comfort zone! I have a tattoo that says “seek discomfort” and it’s my reminder that getting out of my comfort zone is what will help me to grow and be better. So I love this for you!😍☺️ you got this girl!!

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Thank you so much Ashtyn! ❤️

[@meganann6199]

10:37 The dogs are like "bit** you interrupting my walkies!"

[@justinbediako3155]

My Fav kind of Vids! Excellent Job. Thank you

[@Voodoo_Kudzu]

Nice work, host. Keep it up!

[@brigitterolens]

This was so cool and different!! Great video

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Thanks so much!!

[@truckyeah]

This was great! Good job 👍

[@MidlifeMoneyMoves]

You’re doing great with these!!

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Thank you!!

[@analisamendmentblog]

Loved this video! Definitely do more like it!

[@ThePowerOfTheChain]

i love this please do more

[@tobirama2898]

I agree with the others, loved this! Definitely something worth being done once a while! :p

[@gwendolynantionette4337]

Good job!!! This was great content.

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Thank you!!

[@braxtontwist8274]

Shoutout to the boyfriend for the support. Dope couple shit

[@nelly.alqaisi]

Love this Leila!!!

[@J.Young808]

1:26 $10-20k is not almost payed off dude. I thought he was going to say at most $2,000.

[@timothywilliams2887]

good job!!! I enjoyed it.

[@PersonalFinancewithLeila]

Thank you so much!! 😊