People of EarnIn: Angela Torres

Angela is the mother of two teenage boys, 14 and 16. With college tuition coming around the corner, she and her husband have been working to free up money for their children’s education. Hear how Angela stays on top of her finances through planning and a little help from EarnIn:

“My goal is just to retire on time. I don't want to be 62 and working at Target. There’s nothing wrong with that, but that’s just not where I want to see myself. Once I hit 62, even maybe 59, I want to enjoy the rest of my life. Through my job, I have a 401k. We own our home. My husband also has a 401k and different funds. We’re on track, but it’s hard to think about it because, to be honest, if my husband wasn't thinking about it, I probably wouldn't be prepared for retirement other than my 401k at work.

I do understand that people have to live for the moment. Am I going to put a hundred dollars away for my retirement or do I need that for food now? Everything's very expensive nowadays. We're going through trying times so you have to get through the next month, three years, five years, 10 and so on. I don't think most people are in the position to plan for retirement. You just don't give it that much thought when you're living check to check.

I have two sons, 13 and 16, and they cost a lot of money, which is where EarnIn saves my butt. My oldest one is a junior already, so he's going to be looking at colleges in a year. I’m at a point in my life where I'm trying to get my kids ready for their future. Right now, my husband and I are kind of in prep mode, paying off this, paying off that, which is why Earnin is so helpful to me because I'm able to juggle what I have to. It's a cushion for me for this next year or so.

I mean, if I have to, I will [use a credit card], but it depends on what it's for. When you’re living a single life, twenties, or just married where it's just you and your partner, it’s whatever. When you have kids, it changes. If I didn't have to put my kids through college and buy cars and do these things, I would be a responsible credit card user, but I'm trying to eliminate any type of monthly bill or fee to have my money freed up for them. Now, do I have credit cards? Of course. Do I want to use it in-between payday? No. Do I need it to buy a new oven if it breaks? Sure. There's a time and place when to use it so to speak.

But EarnIn just makes it easier for me to stick to the plan and to free up my money for my kids. It was the best thing ever and it still is to this day. It helps me to do what I need to do to get where I'm going. If something comes up, if I have an unexpected expense, or if I have to, in the past, go into overdraft and get hit with a fee, EarnIn’s there to help.

My family life and coming to work motivates me. I love my job and being able to give my kids the things that they need. I'm a very content person. I don't really need more or want more as long as I can eat, have a comfortable lifestyle, and drive my car. As long as I have the basics, I'm pretty content. We're really lucky.”

Check out the rest of our People of Earnin like Jerry, Samantha, or Connie!