This is a Stick Up! (Do I NEED more money PT.2)

“Put all your money in the bag, RIGHT NOW!”

It’s been only 48 hours since you have been paid, and BOOM, you are now mysteriously low on funds. AGAIN. “How tf?!” you think to yourself, and then it clicks. You were ROBBED! Right?! Nope. Unfortunately it does not cushion the blow that no one actually robbed you.

The truth is, you robbed yourself. You went overboard turning up bottles, and popping tags. Now you are out here trying to make a dollar buy the club drinks, but your gas tank on E. So do you need more money? Do you need to avoid being robbed? (Duh) Nah. There are a few steps before you NEED more money!

Step 1: Analyze your finances. Identify how much income you have, and then how much your expenses/bills cost. Expenses are necessities like costs for shelter, food, gas, and utilities. Are you able to reduce your expenses in any way?

Step 2: Reduce expenses and bills where necessary. (I went from averaging monthly light bills of $180, down to $50) Also unplugging electronics such as extension cords, tv plugs, and microwaves when leaving your home. I personally turn off my a/c unit as well. Getting dark curtains and controlling the temperature the best you can also reduces your light bill!

Step 3: Budget and make a plan for any income you are about to have once you begin to reduce your bills/expenses. Do not go insane and begin wasting and spending money because you’ve now found more money. Place the money some where that it cannot be touched. If you have any debt, I highly suggest you work to clear it to maximize your credit ability. I personally just recently set up my repayment plans for my student loans and disputed inaccuracies on my credit report.

Identifying a plan of action for your money for things of importance such as investments and self development will lead to better stability. I know in the past that I have personally spent money before actually touching it. This is why many people struggle with credit cards and other loan situations.

Since then, I have created ways for myself to not only have more money to save and invest, but opened other avenues to generate more income. This is the key to building wealth. So look yourself in the mirror and yell, “THIS IS A STICK UP!” and put all your debit cards, and credit cards in a bag until you figure out if you NEED more money!

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