> “I used to drop $12 on boba three times a week. Now I fund my Roth IRA—and still treat myself every Friday.”
I didn’t set out to be “financially savvy.” I just wanted to stop getting that awkward look from my mom every time I came home with another neon drink in hand.
But last summer, something shifted. I got hired—by my parents. Before you roll your eyes, hear me out.
The Boba Budget Wake-Up Call
My boba obsession was legendary. Taro with oat milk, less ice, 25% sugar. But $36 a week adds up, and one day my mom handed me a sticky note:
> “$1,872/year. That’s your boba budget. Want to earn it?”
That was the challenge. And the opportunity.
Enter: My Part-Time Job (In the Family Biz)
My parents run a small online business, and they needed help with social media. I already spent hours on Canva and TikTok, so it felt like a win-win.
They hired me legitimately—with a job description, timesheets, the whole nine yards. I made $15/hour, max 5 hours a week.
By the end of the summer, I’d earned just under $1,200. And yes, I still bought boba. But once a week. Like a grown-up. Kinda.
Starting a Roth IRA at 15 (Yes, Really)
This is the part that still surprises people: I opened a Roth IRA with a parent as custodian.
Because the money I earned was legit, it counted as earned income. So we put $500 into the Roth, and the rest stayed in my “spend/save/splurge” jars (also known as: Venmo, bank, and weekly bubble tea budget).
If that $500 earns a 7% annual return, it could turn into $5,400+ by the time I’m 45— without me adding another penny.
That’s bananas. Or taro. Whatever.
What I Learned (Beyond the IRS Rules)
I learned that earning money feels different when you’ve got a say in how it’s spent. I also learned that investing doesn’t have to wait until “someday.”
And most importantly, I learned I don’t need to quit boba— I just need to budget like a boss.
Now I track my spending in Notion. I negotiate new tasks with my parents. And on Fridays, I buy myself a boba and toast to early retirement.
👋 Closing Beelinger Flair
We believe wealth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about values, action, and yes, the occasional milk tea. Want to raise a financially fierce teen? Hire them, pay them, teach them. Jay’s already two bobas ahead.
Let’s Talk 💬
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you tried this? Got tips of your own? Drop a comment below!