Payday is one of the sweetest days of the week, month, or however often you receive that sweet paycheck. A little a year ago I received my my first paycheck and it was so nice seeing money going into my bank account that I earned myself. What I did not realize till a few weeks later, is that saving the money, is hard. Getting a job gives a teenager a small sense of independence because you don't have to depend on your parents for all your "expenses" you have as a teenager; such as relationships, friends, and food. Once I had responsibilities reality hit me in the face and it hit hard.
I got my first job at Publix when I was 16. Most 16 years olds are driving already, but I decided to wait, for reasons I now do not know why I did. But the time was coming to where I would have to buy my first car. My Parents and grandparents said they would match half what I saved. My mom would pay half of what I saved and then so would my dad and grandparents, my parents are divorced. I had $1,000 already saved up from doing random stuff for relatives and such over the years, so I knew if I wanted a decent car I needed to save up another $1,000 so I could receive $5,000.
When the money started rolling in, not a lot but it was about $80-$90 a week, I was ecstatic. But being a teenager I had distractions and things that …show more content…
I could buy some food on my break at work or go home and eat for free. It was difficult because it's easier to just buy some food than going home. Or my friends would be going out to do something, but if I didn't have enough money I wouldn't go, it was the smart thing to do. It was a tough 20 weeks but I made it through. When I did I still had to save some money for insurance every month, but not being "in debt" felt good. But what I didn't realize is that my parents showed me how to be responsible and this will be an important quality to have as an adult. Looking back now, I'm thankful they did
I got my first job at Publix when I was 16. Most 16 years olds are driving already, but I decided to wait, for reasons I now do not know why I did. But the time was coming to where I would have to buy my first car. My Parents and grandparents said they would match half what I saved. My mom would pay half of what I saved and then so would my dad and grandparents, my parents are divorced. I had $1,000 already saved up from doing random stuff for relatives and such over the years, so I knew if I wanted a decent car I needed to save up another $1,000 so I could receive $5,000.
When the money started rolling in, not a lot but it was about $80-$90 a week, I was ecstatic. But being a teenager I had distractions and things that …show more content…
I could buy some food on my break at work or go home and eat for free. It was difficult because it's easier to just buy some food than going home. Or my friends would be going out to do something, but if I didn't have enough money I wouldn't go, it was the smart thing to do. It was a tough 20 weeks but I made it through. When I did I still had to save some money for insurance every month, but not being "in debt" felt good. But what I didn't realize is that my parents showed me how to be responsible and this will be an important quality to have as an adult. Looking back now, I'm thankful they did