Money shortage (3) Sep 12, 2007
Let me preface this by saying I've never been short on money, at least not in the life-or-death, lose-my-car-and-house kind of way.  I don't own a BMW and I'm in a considerable amount of manageable debt, but I've never really been short on money. 

But I know people who have been.  The thing about people who are short on money is that there are two distinct types.  There's the type of person who's just having a bad week, month, year, or life.  They get in a car accident the same day they lose their job.  Then their identity gets stolen and they file for bankruptcy.  These people are unfortunate.  I feel bad for them.  Nobody plans for these things.  This type of money shortage is legitimate, and whatever complaints they have are deserved, and whatever subsequent actions they take are understandable. 

Then there's the other type.  I referred to these people a little in my previous post.  These are the people who complain about not making rent while driving around in a new car and going out to bars on Friday nights.  They complain about being broke while researching solutions with their Optimum Triple Play (TV, internet, phone, ~$100/month) and using some of their 5000 cell phone minutes.  They dread the idea of living with a roommate or moving in with their parents, even temporarily, saying, "I just need my own place."  To these people, I'd like to give some advice (since I probably wouldn't say many of these things to a person face-to-face, I cowardly yet boldly write them on my website): 
  1. As Mick Jagger says, you can't always get what you want.  Depending on your situation in life, you legitimately might not be able to afford to live by yourself.  This is especially true if you're a resident of New Jersey or some other financially hyper-inflated area.  This is also true if you're 22 and you just got a job.  Wait a few years; maybe you can afford it then.  If not, throw out your pride and get a roommate.
  2. Perform a reality check to determine what's actually a necessity and what's not.  Do you really need an internet connection at home, or can you do internet things at work?  Would you rather watch the latest episode of House or eat dinner this week?  I can kind of understand if you need your uber-expensive cell phone plan, but if it's a choice between buying gas to drive to work and paying for a cell phone, I'd opt for the former because it basically determines the latter.
  3. You can't always buy nice things.  Nice things are for people with money.  There exists a whole world of things that can be bought at cheaper prices, and nobody's gonna look down on you if you buy a "vintage" t-shirt from a thrift store.  It might actually look like the really expensive ones, in which case it'd be a double-whammy:  Stylish clothes, and for pennies.
  4. Have a budget.  Figure out how much money you make and how much you need to spend in order to survive (food, clothes, shelter).  Then buy things or go out.  I'll admit I didn't have a budget when I graduated college, and I blew through money like nobody's business.  If I hadn't been living with my parents, I could've potentially run into some trouble down the road.
  5. Bars aren't a necessity.  I don't know if I'm the only person that knows this or not, but beer can be bought at a much lower price from a liquor store than from a bar.  You can still pound a few 6-packs, but do it at your place instead of a bar or club.  This isn't rocket science.
#money
Lending people money Sep 12, 2007
Let me preface this by saying I've never lent a person money.  Hence, this post will be extremely narrow-minded and one-sided.  That being said, here it goes. 

I'm not opposed to lending people money.  I can understand if a person is in a ditch and needs a little boost to get out.  It's understandable.  Stuff happens.  Life isn't always predictable, and money doesn't grow on bonsais. 

However, if I was to lend a person money, there would be a few terms to the agreement.  For one, I wouldn't necessarily need to be paid back, unless the amount was followed by three or more zeros.  I have bills too, people.  Second, I think I should have at least some say in how the money is used.  If you say, "I don't have enough money for rent this month," I wouldn't expect you to use my money to support your heroin addiction.  However, I'm not opposed to lending money for the sole purpose of splurging.  I would be ok with saying, "I know you don't have much money, so here's $50.  Go nuts."  Third, I think I should have at least some say in how you run your life.  This is the most important part.  If you say, "I don't have enough money for rent this month," I reserve to right to point out the fact that a person who's short on money doesn't need high-speed internet or new timbs.  He/she doesn't need cable TV, an all-inclusive cell phone plan, and three nights out partying each weekend.  I have no desire to be the moral authority in anyone's life, but if I'm giving my money away, I expect at least a shred of common sense.  If you can't afford to pay your rent or other relatively necessary expenses, you shouldn't be affording life's amenities.  And I don't consider things like gym memberships and alcohol consumption necessities.  Disagree with me if you want, but don't expect to borrow any money from me. #money