The Chronic Consumer

That’s not to say that I’m rich now, but I don’t have financial problems like I used to. When I was in my mid-twenties, I was pretty bad off. I hadn’t yet graduated from college, was living in an efficiency apartment at the Westgate complex, and was working the night shift at a metals factory. I remember that I took home about $230 per week after taxes (I was making just $6.50/hr), and would spend almost my entire check over the weekend.

I had no money management skills at all, and just spent whatever I had on whatever I needed. If it was the week that rent happened to be due, I’d pay my share of the rent ($125) and have only $105 left to spend. If there was nothing due, I blew everything on cigarettes, beer, and blackjack.

Everything turned around when I got a better job and forced myself to follow a budget. I spent only what I had to, made sure I saved at least 10 percent every week, and cut up my credit cards until I got out of debt.

I know times are tight right now, so you’re probably tempted to charge more stuff on your cards, but I’m telling you: don’t do it! You’ll regret it in the end, and have a mountain of debt to show for it. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but it requires discipline to get there!