Okay, so my professor today went on something that would probably help me for the rest of my life. Yes, it’s that important, but in a way, not really. My professor teaches Economics and he’s probably the best there is. His experiences in investments and business makes him more than qualified. I almost forgot to mention, he is very funny. He told us this joke the other day because he loves to make fun of the Auburn tigers:
“There was this couple from Auburn that walked into a park for an afternoon stroll. The guy tells his girlfriend that there is a dead bird. The girl looks up into the air and says, “Where is it?”"
Haha, that was pretty cool wasn’t it? Wow … I already got off topic. So, moving along. My professor talked about how to manage your money, put it into investments, and basically the money works. As high schools we are, we joke around and throw paper airplanes but something caught my ear. He said that a 1/3 of Americans don’t even know how to manage their money mainly because schools don’t teach it. I’m was shocked at the spot because the first thing that came to mind was the American dream – the rich houses, money, and gold. Well, I was easily mistaken when he reminded us of a certain classmate that doesn’t even have enough money with his job and ended up in a very bad place, which I will not mention. So, my head moves toward the board as I look at a encrypted letters and numbers. I ask him, “What is this about?” He mentions that this is how investment early on in life can result in more money than when you spend your life making burgers for a restaurant. It’s mainly because not many know where to invest their money and end up using it all. From experience probably, I guess most families know to invest their green in the bank with a CD or in bonds that will pay them back. So I’m thinking, where do you learn this from? I’m almost ready to be out the door and I don’t even know how to even manage my money correctly.
To me, it was very amazing how I was moved by that discussion and it brought me to my own adventure on how to do this. I looked up online banks, investment options, and any possible means how getting started. I was about to give up when I came a website called PayPal. Apparently, it’s a free place where you can put your money, even for teens! From the description:
“Student Accounts give teens experience managing money in a safer and more secure way.
I was amazed and I knew I have found the solution. Even though it might not be real money, this will do. We’ve got to learn somewhere right? Okay, so I ask my parents and get my account set up. It looks real awesome so I wonder, where should I get my “sample” money. I looked around for a good website but gave up that moment because there was so many of them, until I found the perfect one. PrizeLive! It says that you get paid instantly to your PayPal and plus, the website looks so good! So what now? I look around and complete some stuff to get my money. Once getting it into my PayPal, I asked for a check so I could actually get it, as a test for my investment experience.
Okay, so my check comes about a week later. At that moment, it was the experience, the light, but also it could be my demise. It was a good amount of money and I wanted that new game, Modern Warfare 2. But no, I told myself but temptation was to strong. So I told my parents to go out and get this money used. Yes, I know I’m bad. After waiting in line, I felt a sorrow inside as I look down at my hands. Just a receipt and some other stuff I got from visiting the bank for my investment. Dang, not only did I see my money disappear but I had to spend the week, hearing my friends talk about Modern Warfare 2 and Left 4 Dead 2. Aww life suck but it’s probably worse if I haven’t done this either. I would have spent it on everything that I came across but from this I learned the reality. I can understand why 1/3 of Americans have spending and investment problems. It’s easy to get dragged away but just a little a time, unfortunately, can help you in the long run.
