u/Cardiologist3mpty138

Hello! I’m sure some of this info is covered in this sub, and while I’ll definitely reference it, I was curious if someone could give me more personalized advice.

So, I will be starting my first full time job here at the end of June. I intend on living as frugally as possible (no car, no travel, minimal entertainment, etc) for the first six months at least. My rent will be about $1300 and my gross take home should ideally be around $5k each month. I’m wanting to apply for my first credit card, begin paying off my federal subsidized loans, and then set aside a good portion ($1,500, potentially $2,000) towards a high yield savings account.

All I understand about high yield savings accounts is that you put money in, and it compounds over time. That’s about it. Is there anything more I should understand or be weary of? How exactly do I open an account to begin with? Is this something I can do through my local credit union? If not, what are some good recommendations?

Overall just looking for general tips and tricks regarding opening my first high yield savings accounts. Really trying to start saving now while I’m young and also invest too. Thanks.

This might be a really stupid question, but are there any ATMs in Ames where you can deposit cash directly into your account? My credit union is super far away and I’m wanting to put some cash into my account. Would it perhaps be better to do like a money order check?

Long story short: I’m 26, born and raised in the state of Iowa, and urgently looking to relocate within the next several years. I graduate college in a month, and will likely remain in Iowa for at least another year for my first job. I am an engineering graduate set to work within the aerospace/defense industry, although I have knowledge in other fields too. My career objective over the next 2-3 years is to pivot into the space industry in some capacity. If I can’t do that, I want to try and do something with hardware design.

Ultimately, I want to live in a populated area with lots of amenities, good healthcare, a vibrant art/music scene, political awareness that isn’t too performative, easy access to secluded nature, and lots of opportunities to meet new friends. Socially, I’m kind of a mix between extrovert and introvert. I desperately crave company, but also deeply value space and time to myself. I’m single atm, and have never dated but really want to start putting myself out there. And of course, this place would ideally have good job prospects for someone like me in engineering. My goal is to pivot into the space industry, particularly working with companies such as Lockheed Martin or Blue Origin. Maybe SpaceX.

Iowa doesn’t check any of my boxes. It was an ok place to grow up but, over the last ten years, it’s really gone downhill. We may get new leadership this year, but even then, I think it’s gonna take even longer to repair the damage that’s been done to this state. A lot of it I feel is permanent. In any case, I feel like I’m wasting time here, and am desperately trying to get out.

The main areas I’ve had my eyes on are the following:

- Denver metro area

- Twin Cities metro area

- Portland metro area

- San Diego metro area

I’ve personally visited Denver and Colorado numerous times and loved it each time. I love the nature and mountains. Absolutely gorgeous. The only issues I have are I’ve heard dating can be hard there as a guy, that gentrification can be a problem, and the food scene is mid. Curious to hear perspectives on this from those living in Denver currently.

Twin Cities is nice. I like the infrastructure up there and how they live through the winters. I’m used to bitter cold Iowa winters so I feel Minnesota winters wouldn’t be too much to adjust to. That being said, the main thing that keeps me hesitant in having the Twin Cities as my first pick is I’ve heard making friends there can be exceptionally difficult if you aren’t a Minnesota native. Is this true? Curious to hear from any transplants in the Twin Cities who managed to circumvent “Minnesota nice” and form a vibrant, large social circle.

I’ve never been to Portland or San Diego, so no comment on either of those.

I guess I’m just wondering how these areas compare. How would living in each of these be like for someone in their late 20s-early 30s who’s single? Wanting to hear from people who’ve actually lived in either of these metro areas if possible.

I currently have a contract phone through Verizon. I’ve fully paid off the phone. Is an eSIM all I would need to access data in Japan? Would I need anything else? How much does it cost? I would likely only be bringing my phone and laptop to use in Japan.

Sorry if this is a dumb question. This is my first time overseas so just wanting to make sure I have everything set up right. I’ve already booked all my flights and everything.

Hello!

To start, let me just say that I was not raised by parents that were financially sensible. As such, there’s a lot I don’t understand and have had to figure out myself, for better or worse. Recently I had a few mishaps that finally taught me I should probably stop exclusively using a debit card for everything. I didn’t understand the benefits of having a credit card until recently, and so I’m quickly trying to do what I can to become more financially stable moving forward.

I know there’s info on this sub, but I’m just wanting advice more so tailored to my individual situation. Currently, I’m about to graduate college and start my first full time job and have my first apartment. I’m wanting to apply for my first credit card ASAP but not sure whether I should open it with my current, local credit union, or one of the big banks like Discover or AmericanExpress. What’s the difference?

How long does it take to apply for a new credit card? Are there any institutions I should avoid? Anything I should be weary of when applying for a new credit card? All I know about credit cards is to not spend more than you can and be consistent with payments. That’s all. Are there any recommended cards for someone in my situation?