8 week ballers
Tis' the season for income tax returns and school refund checks. This is a time when impoverished Americans become antsy, anxious, and impatient. A time where temporary tags will pop up on all types of new and used vehicles in the inner city. A time where the clubs will be crowded and crunk, as many young people invade the spots buying bottle after bottle of overpriced liquor and arrogantly making it rain. This time is quite similar to Black Friday, because as soon as the money hits checking accounts, or prepaid debit cards, stores will be flooded, car lots will be packed, and restaurants will be swarmed. Children will come to school with Ugg boots, iPhones and Tablets, co-workers will show up to work with $500 handbags, a hair style like Beyoncé, in a brand new 2014 ride.
This sudden come up, similar to winning the lottery will last for about 8 weeks, if that. If you've ever heard of the innumerable tales of big time lottery winners, (I'm talking millions and millions of dollars) becoming broke after 5 years, imagine how fast $5000 goes down the drain. This money has been long awaited for months and months, and without proper planning will be spent days after the initial deposit. Many cars will be purchased by people who are unemployed. Car notes will be overdue, leading to repossessions. iPhones are useless with no service, and Ugg boots can't put food on the table once all the steak and shrimp has been consumed.
As one who will too be expecting a refund, I find myself reflecting on my behaviors from last tax season. The first day I received the notification that I was $3000 richer, I immediately began texting people with cars to see who would escort me to the mall. I proudly offered to pay for gas and lunch to whomever was available. Prior to getting the money, I would check the "Where's My Refund" site daily, and check my bank account at all times of the night hoping my money would hurry up and come. The first day, I spent about $600 on basically nothing at all. Clothes for me and my son, shoes, dining out, and spending a few dollars here and there on my temporary crew. The smartest thing I did, and the only thing I have to show from last year, is the $300 prepaid MasterCard I got to boost my credit which I have kept up to date. Everything else was useless.
The $200 I spent on clothes for my son at Crazy 8's, he grew out of, and I should've went to a much less expensive store and got way more for my money. The $80 I spent on his Stride Rite shoes was worth it, but he wasn't walking at the time and didn't need three pairs. All the money wasted on going out to eat, $50 here, $35 there, plus tips... what a waste. This year, everything is going to be different. I have already budgeted everything, and I know what I need. I will not be buying unnecessary extras just because I can momentarily, or because YOLO. I need a reliable vehicle, a new cell phone and plan, some books from my publisher, and clothes and toys for my son. In essence, that's really it. I plan to put away $300, and as needed slowly spend the rest.
I will not be an 8 week baller this year. Poverty is not a game it's a trap. A trap that through obtaining my education, I already have one foot out of...
This sudden come up, similar to winning the lottery will last for about 8 weeks, if that. If you've ever heard of the innumerable tales of big time lottery winners, (I'm talking millions and millions of dollars) becoming broke after 5 years, imagine how fast $5000 goes down the drain. This money has been long awaited for months and months, and without proper planning will be spent days after the initial deposit. Many cars will be purchased by people who are unemployed. Car notes will be overdue, leading to repossessions. iPhones are useless with no service, and Ugg boots can't put food on the table once all the steak and shrimp has been consumed.
As one who will too be expecting a refund, I find myself reflecting on my behaviors from last tax season. The first day I received the notification that I was $3000 richer, I immediately began texting people with cars to see who would escort me to the mall. I proudly offered to pay for gas and lunch to whomever was available. Prior to getting the money, I would check the "Where's My Refund" site daily, and check my bank account at all times of the night hoping my money would hurry up and come. The first day, I spent about $600 on basically nothing at all. Clothes for me and my son, shoes, dining out, and spending a few dollars here and there on my temporary crew. The smartest thing I did, and the only thing I have to show from last year, is the $300 prepaid MasterCard I got to boost my credit which I have kept up to date. Everything else was useless.
The $200 I spent on clothes for my son at Crazy 8's, he grew out of, and I should've went to a much less expensive store and got way more for my money. The $80 I spent on his Stride Rite shoes was worth it, but he wasn't walking at the time and didn't need three pairs. All the money wasted on going out to eat, $50 here, $35 there, plus tips... what a waste. This year, everything is going to be different. I have already budgeted everything, and I know what I need. I will not be buying unnecessary extras just because I can momentarily, or because YOLO. I need a reliable vehicle, a new cell phone and plan, some books from my publisher, and clothes and toys for my son. In essence, that's really it. I plan to put away $300, and as needed slowly spend the rest.
I will not be an 8 week baller this year. Poverty is not a game it's a trap. A trap that through obtaining my education, I already have one foot out of...
Comments
Post a Comment