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I want you to know—my story is one filled with support, learning, and to be honest, a lot of just figuring things out along the way. I hope by sharing it, you feel less alone in your own journey—especially if you’re making a big move like I did from Georgia to Michigan.
Let me say this up front: turn off Instagram, stop comparing, humble yourself, and open yourself up to building a life that works for you. It might not make sense to everybody, but it has to make sense for you.
The most important piece in this whole process was employment. It’s the key factor that influenced every other decision. When it comes to being financially stable, you can either increase your income or decrease your expenses—and truthfully, you have more immediate options for reducing your expenses.
Your budget’s "big three" are:
How you manage those three will determine your financial success.
After accepting a position as a Data Scientist at Grand Valley State University, I asked: “What can I leverage to make this move affordable?” At that time, I didn’t own a car. This led me to the Laker Line, which is a part of The Rapid—Grand Rapids' bus system. It’s reliable and all over the city. And with my GVSU ID I could go to work for free and then use Ubers on the weekends.
Next, I chose Fulton Place Apartments because they were on the Laker Line and close to my church—where I spend the second most time each week. The apartments were more expensive than some alternatives, but the proximity to the places I most frequented made it worth it.
To rent the apartment, I needed to show my job acceptance letter. That verified my income since I didn’t have two years of work history. Be prepared to pay a deposit (usually half a month’s rent) and know they may want you to make 3x the monthly rent. These guidelines can be waived if you ask and provide additional verification.
Once I had the apartment, I had to move. My sister and I drove a U-Haul across the country with furniture my mom gave me. At the time, she was downsizing from a four-bedroom house she could no longer maintain, so her furniture found a new home with me.
For those starting from scratch, Facebook Marketplace, Goodwill, and thrift stores are your best friends. A studio apartment with a Murphy bed is a great way to save on rent. Roommates are another cost-saving option—though I skipped that because I was getting married soon.
We all need food—but we don’t need all food. Cook. Meal prep. Buy in bulk. Don’t ever buy a small pack of anything you know you’ll always need (toilet paper, napkins, etc.).
Switching up seasonings can keep meals interesting. My wife and I love taco bowls because they’re versatile. We also use grocery pickup or delivery to avoid impulse buying. It may cost $10 for delivery, but that’s cheaper than an Uber and much better for budgeting.
Cook meals that stretch: rice, beans, veggies, oatmeal. Meal prep also helps with portion control.
Here’s what I use and pay for:
Budget-wise, I tithe 10%, try to save 10%, and always include a line for giving back.
Also—who you bank with matters. I use Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU). Their Max Checking gives 3% interest—on a checking account. You just need to:
We realized we were spending $1,700/month in rent and had no equity to show for it. Saving $500/month would only get us $18,000 in 3 years—not enough for a down payment. So we asked ourselves: what if we redirected our rent into a mortgage?
We took a homebuyer class through LMCU and learned about a $10,000 grant for closing costs. That made homeownership real. We got pre-approved, worked with a realtor (shoutout to Jay Kilgo) and loan officer (Mario Leon), and found a condo. We offered the same day as the open house—and it was accepted.
We had to pay about $2,000–$3,000 out of pocket for inspections and closing costs. Don’t spend any money on furniture until the home is officially yours. And don’t buy a car until after—any new debt will reduce your borrowing power.
Now, we pay for:
We planned to Uber just twice a week—but our church involvement grew. Uber costs hit $400/month, so we bought a car—a 2010 Nissan Sentra through LMCU’s dealer program.
Look for:
We used Progressive Insurance (but use USAA if you’re military). Budget $20–$40/month for maintenance. Get a car warranty. The moment you drive off the lot, that car is yours.
This journey isn’t just about money—it’s about self-control and intentionality. Budgeting brings peace. Saving, even small amounts, builds confidence. And remember—life will always be expensive. Deposits, fees, and surprise expenses are guaranteed.
You are the only one who can create a life that works for you.
I got through this season with the help of my church, family, wife, and a few good systems. I encourage counseling too—moving, adulting, and marrying all at once can be a lot.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
Graduating at 24 and stepping into adulthood came with a lot of fear—but also a lot of favor. The 8–5 grind is real. Be clear on your “why.” People care, but not as much as they should, so take care of yourself. Be honest about your challenges. And whatever you do—don’t wait to start living your life. Live it now.
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