What I do with Backer: Maddy's story

Tell us about the kids you love you are saving for and why you started?

Maddy:

I live with my husband, 18-month-old son Emmett, and two dogs. Around us we have parents, in-laws, friends and coworkers who support us. We started saving when we decided we wanted to grow our family. We currently have seven backers and have encouraged friends and family to make contributions at birthday and holiday time.

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We don’t have a set goal per day, but we’re aiming to put away at least $1,000 a year for Emmett and any future children, and increase our monthly contribution each year.

What was your saving approach from childhood, and how has your approach to money and saving changed?

Maddy:

My parents helped fund me through school and, because of them, I didn’t have to take out student loans. As an adult, I now realize what a blessing that was and how it opened doors to our future in ways I couldn’t imagine. So many of our friends have outrageous student loan payments and debts and I don’t want my children to be in a situation like that or avoid furthering their education for fear of financial burden.

We’d like to be able to support their futures, whatever that may be.

What does saving money with Backer mean to you?

Maddy:

I have always been a terrible saver. I donate a lot of my money to nonprofit organizations in the area that mean a lot to me and also have a hard time avoiding spoiling friends and family or doing nice things for people I love. But the older I get, the more I realize how important it is to put money away.

We are working hard to put away money for our children, but also for ourselves. We’ve focused on creating a family budget, living well within our means, and planning for the future so we’re prepared for whatever comes our way.

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We are working hard to put away money for our children, but also for ourselves. We’ve focused on creating a family budget, living well within our means, and planning for the future so we’re prepared for whatever comes our way.

Neither one of us cares much about buying things so that has made things easier for us, but we still have to pay attention to what we’re spending on food and outings. Plus we bought a fixer-upper house this year and every couple of weeks something new happens which adds up the cost.

But we’re being resourceful, planning our meals, and even paying attention to the little expenses here and there more and what can be avoided.

What’s something you’d pass on to the next generation of kids when it comes to saving for their futures?

Maddy:

Save!!! Throughout high school and college I had part time jobs and not a whole lot of expenses. I had so much extra money I could have put away but instead spent it on a lot of other things- primarily donating to nonprofits, which is great, but it’s important to remember that you have to put your financial needs first.

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The more you’re able to put away at a young age, the more you can invest and be prepared for what’s ahead. Once you have a good handle on your budget, then you can properly plan for how to support others.