2013-08-01, 09:37 AM
MetaSeraphim Wrote:I don't have any advice for you that hasn't already been said, I just dropped by to say that you know you were raised poor when spending $80 dollars on clothes in a two month period is a lot to you.
...really? I just paid 50 dollars for a shirt, and I still think that thing was overpriced.
opinions... everyone has 'em. ._.
anyways, some goods of thumb I was taught growing up, but I've modified them to fit my life:
1) Try to set aside at least 10% of your paycheck into a savings account.
2) Barring emergency purchases and food, if there's something you want, wait two weeks to get it; if you still want it by then you should be able to afford it, otherwise you'll forget about it and move on.
3) Don't get more than one credit card. (Can't stress that enough)
4) Never get into any type of financial/legal bind without witnesses and documentation.
5) When you get your paycheck, after expenses are taken out, withdraw enough to live for a week in cash (gas, food). If you run out before the week's up, adjust your spending or withdraw more (but only if you live in an expensive area)
As far as specific information tailored to suit you, I would recommend going to your counselor. Talk to someone there (if your school has any (which it should)) about getting some help setting up a budget. Remember, everyone's opinion and advice here should be taken into consideration for your life situations. Like Meta said, everyone views money differently, and has verying amounts of access to it. I myself just had to get a car, and the price of the monthly payments for the loan and insurance will hurt, and it will mean a lot of frivolous things I'd buy from time to time need to be dropped.
Ultimately, self control is key to managing your money. Wish schools would teach this pomegranate. I guess the logic is Learn from your (and your families) mistakes. Or it's a conspiracy to keep the poor middle to lower classes uninformed so they never breach the poverty line, and the rich bourgeoisie can keep suckling on the teet of yours and our tax dollars!!