In this thread we bitch about being broke

[Peaches-n-Cream]

Originally posted by Rudey
Some of you have awful money management skills me thinks. I read this thread and it was funny to see what people consider necessary to function.

-Rudey

I agree. When I was broke, I had only the necessities which meant no cable and no meals out. I only bought food and paid rent and the phone bill, and I took public transportation or walked everywhere. It wasn't that rough, and I got through it. You just have to be creative and find inexpensive ways to entertain yourself.

[ZTAMich]

Paying my movers Saturday was torture. Tho it was worth it even if I'm broke now. Now I'm spending more money furnishing & decorating the new apt.

[Corsulian]

A bunch of people owe me money for the hotel we stayed at in Va Beach this week, some concert tickets I bought, I got in a car accident and that's $742 just for my car damage and the girl I hit hasn't gotten back to me yet (though it's been a month and she didn't see too concerned--mine had all the damage anyway), and I just paid my bill for fall semester tuition and housing. I'm really thankful for my credit cards and the relatively huge amount of money I can make as a server when I actually work instead of taking random summer vacations.

[winneythepooh7]

Originally posted by Peaches-n-Cream
I agree. When I was broke, I had only the necessities which meant no cable and no meals out. I only bought food and paid rent and the phone bill, and I took public transportation or walked everywhere. It wasn't that rough, and I got through it. You just have to be creative and find inexpensive ways to entertain yourself.

Wise words Peaches So many people my age consider themselves to be "broke" but when I look at the lifestyle they lead, it usually involves spending way beyond their means. Designer clothes weekly and dinner out twice a week and three nights out drinking in Manhattan on $30,000 a year in NYC, umm, yes, please re-evaluate your finances. I work with people who receive half that per year and manage to save money. It's all about priorities.

[XOMichelle]

I have 3 jobs to pay my bills and not be broke. I work my a$$ off.

My friends however, are broke. My roommates are broke. The girl my current roommate and I want to live with is broke. Can no one pay their rent?

[Munchkin03]

Originally posted by Peaches-n-Cream
I agree. When I was broke, I had only the necessities which meant no cable and no meals out. I only bought food and paid rent and the phone bill, and I took public transportation or walked everywhere. It wasn't that rough, and I got through it. You just have to be creative and find inexpensive ways to entertain yourself.

Consider the source. I would estimate that a lot of GC posters (and a lot of post-college kids in general) didn't have to pay for the majority of their school-related expenses--either due to parents, or the fact that they went to inexpensive schools close to home. As a result, many did not have to manage their money as wisely as others. Also, being a student (especially within the confines of sorority houses, dormitories, or off-campus apartments in cheap college towns) is just cheaper than being out in the working world, especially in the big city. If you've spent 22-24 years living one lifestyle, it takes some time to transition into a completely different one. Eventually, most people learn to live within their means, if only because they have to.

This reminds me of one of my co-workers--at 28, her parents still pay for everything. She thinks it's the most quaint thing that I pack my lunches. I don't have to, but I would like to exhibit SOME iota of independence. And she has the nerve to say that I'm a baby. I would like to think that, at 28, I won't have to rely on my parents for the same things that I do as a student.

[winneythepooh7]

I remember when I was in undergrad we talked about how being a member of a GLO should teach you financial responsibility. It was still a priority issue then as much as it is now though. I recall many sisters that would have money to go out every night of the week and buy new outfits at the mall but then complain they didn't have money for dues or mandatory sorority events. I give much credit to the sister who was treasurer at the time I was there cuz her job was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo difficult!

[swissmiss04]

I've managed not to be broke. I had a good job this summer and the job I have now isn't so bad. I just prioritize. If I don't need it, I don't pay for it. I don't need to go out, I don't need to order takeout (it's bad for me anyways), I definitely don't need new clothes, at least not until school starts back. I'm not the kind of girl who goes shopping for pleasure. I only shop when I need something. I've never understood shopping as a pastime.

Boys, the line starts here

[GRhinoUK]

I'm not broke, I'm differently fixed.

Between bills, costs of living, and unexpected expenses, I've managed to save about 500 bucks. Funny thing is this is more than most summers when I had no expenses. I just love how I've finally gotten my act together and still managed to not accomplish anything.

[AlethiaSi]

bumping this too... b/c well... i'm broke (a little better off than a few days ago, but working on it majorly)

[WarEagle07]

Undergrad Me - school full time, work full time so I could live in a flea infested apartment.

Post Grad Me - Transmission partially went out on car and I couldn't afford to get it fixed. What do I mean by partially went out? The car would only go forward and not in reverse! I had to park creatively wherever I went!

Adult Me - Pay college tuition for child. Within 2 weeks I receive a letter from the school asking for donations!!!!!

What have I learned from being a broke college student? Never pass up free food!!

[bcdphie]

If I didn't live in Vancouver I'd probably be well off...

[neosoul]

a bitch is broke!!!!

[OneTimeSBX]

Originally Posted by neosoul

a bitch is broke!!!!

amen to that!

[LucyKKG]

How come I never saw this thread before? Ha! I'm pretty freaking broke. Because Santa Cruz is pretty much a college town, it's pretty hard to find a job here. I had a job on campus last year but the program is no more after budget cuts. So I've been living off money from the summer and grocery/utility money from my parents. I asked my parents for a little extra money when I saw them yesterday, but I felt really bad about it. I'm always really embarrassed to ask for money. I shouldn't feel THAT bad cause I'm not a "gimme pig" (haha get it! My dad uses that term). Blahhhh...