24F working as a dermal clinician… how can I save more and pay off debt?

Hi everyone, I’m a 24-year-old female working as a dermal clinician. I finished my studies recently and make €16/hour. I live with my parents and help them financially because my dad is sick and my mom struggles with depression. I also own a car, which costs €95/month in taxes.

I have €25k in student debt and I’m determined to pay it off within 1.5 years. But even though I work 5 days a week, it’s been tough to save enough to reach my goal.

Any tips on how to earn extra money or pay off debt faster? If you’ve been through something like this, I’d love to hear your advice!

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Try investing in dividend stocks or ETFs. I started doing this and also work two jobs to bring in extra income.

Rory said:
Try investing in dividend stocks or ETFs. I started doing this and also work two jobs to bring in extra income.

I tried taking on a second job, but with my 9-to-5 and a 1.5-hour commute, it’s been hard to manage. Some places didn’t hire me because I couldn’t be super flexible. Any other ideas?

@EdwardGenesis
Yeah, it’s tricky. I’ve got a part-time job that fits around my main job’s 2-2-3 schedule. My commute’s only 12 minutes, which helps a lot. Maybe there’s something close to you?

Rory said:
@EdwardGenesis
Yeah, it’s tricky. I’ve got a part-time job that fits around my main job’s 2-2-3 schedule. My commute’s only 12 minutes, which helps a lot. Maybe there’s something close to you?

It’s so hard to find something with less than 6 hours a day. I’d love to stay busy, though. Any ideas?

@EdwardGenesis
What about food delivery apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash? Flexible hours and good if you have limited time. Just keep an eye on your driving record!

Rory said:
@EdwardGenesis
What about food delivery apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash? Flexible hours and good if you have limited time. Just keep an eye on your driving record!

Is it safe for women, especially at night? I worry about that.

Rory said:
@EdwardGenesis
Depends on your area. Where I live in North Carolina, lots of women do it. But safety first—stick to times you feel comfortable.

I’m in the Netherlands. It’s mostly safe, but you never know what could happen late at night.

@EdwardGenesis
I’ve done food delivery and it’s great! I only delivered food, no passengers. I even gave out little treats like Hershey’s Kisses with orders—customers loved it, and I got better tips!

Since you’re a dermal clinician, maybe you could start offering personal consultations online. We could set up a social media profile, and I could help you with ads since I’m learning marketing. We’d split the profits if it works!

Could you ask for more responsibilities or a raise at your current job? Or offer your services privately or online? Also, track where your money goes—small savings can add up over time.

Kip said:
Could you ask for more responsibilities or a raise at your current job? Or offer your services privately or online? Also, track where your money goes—small savings can add up over time.

I’ve thought about doing online consultations or maybe becoming a skincare influencer, but I’m not sure how to start. I’ll definitely look into it!

Have you thought about starting a blog or YouTube channel? You could talk about skincare tips or treatments. With enough followers, you could earn from ads or brand deals. It takes time, but it’s worth trying if you enjoy it.

@Quincy
I’m too shy for that, but I know it could be really helpful if it works. It’s crazy how people blow up on TikTok so quickly.

EdwardGenesis said:
@Quincy
I’m too shy for that, but I know it could be really helpful if it works. It’s crazy how people blow up on TikTok so quickly.

You could try running a channel without showing your face. Maybe focus on skincare routines for hands or something like that?

Learning about investing has been a big help for me. I recommend books by David Bach—they’re super practical. I practice on apps like Webull, and I wish I’d started at your age. Good luck—you’ve got this!

I bought a budgeting app to track my finances, and it was eye-opening. It helped me cut back on unnecessary spending, like eating out. Now I save so much more. Maybe give something like that a try?

Chen said:
I bought a budgeting app to track my finances, and it was eye-opening. It helped me cut back on unnecessary spending, like eating out. Now I save so much more. Maybe give something like that a try?

I already know where most of my money goes—rent, insurance, medical bills—but I do spend on food because I don’t pack lunch. I’ll try cutting back on that. Thanks for the tip!

@EdwardGenesis
It’s wild how those little things add up. I used to spend a fortune on small stuff without realizing it. Once you see it all laid out, it’s easier to cut back. Packing lunch saves so much!