I remember when I read the first eviction notice that my mom was keeping from me. I was only 13 at the time; I didn’t yet understand what it meant. Then it was like an epiphany, I then knew that I was living in poverty. Every so often I recall finding eviction notices; I knew we were barely making it. It was my mom, my sister, and I. My sister had just been born less than a year ago, and it was getting more and more difficult. I had just started high school, a freshman that just wanted to fit in. There were some kids in the school that would come with the latest things in fashion and electronics. All I had were hand-me-downs and the things my mom could barely afford. I used to want to be so much like that, but I knew I wasn’t, yet I would sometimes pretend. I would deny it and act like I was one of them. I knew I had to do more for my family. I hadn’t heard from my father in years and it hurt. This was only the beginning of my struggle.
- Stefannie
Archive for the ‘Money’ Category
Poverty Lane
Thursday, October 6th, 2011
Moving Into Your First Apartment
Sunday, September 4th, 2011
Every young adult has goals. Many young adults share similar goals when transitioning from childhood to adulthood. These goals may consist of going to college, getting a car, finding a decent job, and the most exciting, moving into your own apartment. Moving into a new apartment may sound like fun. Not having to follow the rules of parents, being able to have company at any time, and not having a curfew, may be things that come to a young adults mind when he or she considers moving into their very own apartment. Although it may seem like one of the greatest phases in a young adult’s life, there is the reality of heavy decision making that follows. When living in an apartment alone, and individual must know how to make responsible choices and settle hard decisions. Saving money to pay rent instead of going shopping, or paying for groceries every month instead of paying for cable and internet are only two of the many hard decisions that may challenge independent young adults. Having a space all to yourself is not always what it’s made up to be. These are things to think about when you are considering moving into an apartment alone. You will experience many new and difficult things that will prepare you for independent living in the future. Always remember, you must learn life in order to live it.
- Sharenna
Not Just A Handout
Monday, August 8th, 2011
It is unfortunate that many people still characterize welfare as a way to make poverty look desirable, to make laziness acceptable, to make teen pregnancy more attractive. I doubt those people have walked down the street to see many men and women working two jobs and are still unable to afford the rent and food and school fees for their kids. I doubt they have stroke one conversation with the people in the “ghetto” without judging the way they talk, their occasional misuses of words and grammar, or the clothes they wear. I doubt they realize that the cycle of poverty starts from families and that they are looking down at other simply because they come from a very lucky place to even talk about meritocracy.
- Phy
Managing Money Responsibly
Monday, July 25th, 2011
Ever since I’ve gotten a debit card, spending money has been a lot easier. It’s not that swiping a card is easier than grabbing cash- actually, I continue to struggle with putting the card in upside down or reversed or trying to tap the screen with my finger in vain when a magnetic pen is required. No, the reason spending money has become a minor issue is more in my head. When I use my debit card, it’s not like I lose anything that I can touch. Some money vaporizes from my online account, but that’s a lot more abstract than forking over valuable pieces of paper. Consequently, I have to watch myself. If I don’t, I might soon encounter overdraft fees, which I hear are pretty unpleasant. It’s worth reminding yourself, if you use a debit or credit card in lieu of cash, that money is money, regardless of its tangibility. It might seem obvious that when you use your debit card you’re spending money, but all the same, it lowers the barrier to buying stuff. So think about what you really need, and how much you can spend. Otherwise, you may end up in over your head.
- Will