Budget Interview

Estefenia Rodriguez is not the typical college girl. Suprisingly, Estefenia grew up in Manhattan but does not live up to the sterotypes of high class "city people." After comparing her budget to mine, I realized that I manage to spend so much more money than she does. It is shocking to see other college students save their money. From my experience, I have had a difficult time saving money and not going out when all my friends do.

Estefenia does not go out a lot and when she does, she refrains from drinking, leading her to spend close to no money. I however drink when I go out and therefore spend much more money a night. Her "going out" expenses are close to $20.00 per month. Additionally, she does not ever have to take a cab back to campus because her friends have cars which is also a reason she saves a lot of money. Estefenia spends about $70.00 a month on going home and about $65.00 per month on necessities such as beauty supplies.

Due to the fact that she is in EOP, her tuition is fully paid by the school. The school gave her $200.00 per semester for books but she had to add $100.00 for the difference. She has a work-study job which pays her $228.00. Although sometimes she does not go to all of her hours, she still manages to recieve close to the intended income per month. Her parents give her $200.00 a month and although she has money coming in from many different places and does not have to pay tuition, she does not have a savings.

I would say that she has her priorities set. She does not go out a lot and when she does, she does not drink which shows that she is a very responsible person. Additionally, she goes home once a month which shows that her family and friends from home are imporant to her. Moreover, as a college student, it is somewhat difficult to maintain both a job and an average GPA and Estefenia does. She is clearly a motivated woman who wants to accomplish a lot in life.