“Save your pennies!” was something I would constantly hear my parents saying.
I regret not taking their advice seriously. I listened, but I had a serious issue with money burning a hole in my pocket. Before I even received my next pay check, the previous one would be gone. The worst part is that I have no idea where a penny went.
The first week into my junior year of high school, I went job-hunting. Luckily, I found something convenient and fun: 3 hours, 3 days a week making chocolate and candies. Not much, but it was a start. Fortunately, I am proud to say that I am very organized and have good time management skills.
Senior year, I spent my days heading to school around 7 a.m. and making it home somewhere between 9 and 11 p.m. Four clubs, Venture Crew, Scouts, tutoring two days a week after school, and two jobs filled my week. I still managed to keep the A’s coming.
So, how much money did I have to show for all of the hours of work? Not one penny. While I may have done and bought what I wanted, I saved nothing… big mistake!
It was time to head off to college. My dad and I made a deal: he would pay for the first two years of school and I would pay for the last two. Next year, it will be my turn to pay!
Through stocks and bonds, I have some of next year covered. While that may be a good thing, I don’t have anything once that is gone. I still have phone bill payments and a few more credit card payments to make. The chatting has been cut back and the credit card is cut up.
I am fortunate enough to have my parents to help me out with things, but being in debt to anyone stinks. Being in charge of my own finances it not easy. But, I’ve realized there are fun things to do without having to spend money.
I faced reality and realized it is time to start saving. I will have to become completely financially independent sometime soon and like they say, there’s no time better than the present.
It is time to stop checking under the recliners and start putting my own earned money away.
Posted to the web by Marisa Gallelli
