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How to Avoid Living Paycheck to Paycheck

Get Off the Paycheck to Paycheck Treadmill

“Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. Some suffer too much, others too little.”

Buddha

Wealth requires a commitment and responsibility to those with less. Offer your knowledge and expertise to those without.

The Problem with Check Cashing Services

I just returned from a quick trip to Wal Mart to pick up some groceries. It’s Friday afternoon and my check out lane was directly across from the “Money Center.” This “Money Center” is a place where you can cash checks; for a fee, buy money orders; for a fee, and do a lot of other financial tasks; for a fee. It is not a bank.

Because at a bank, if you have the right type of account, you can get your paycheck deposited FOR FREE!

The secret to getting rich {without winning the lottery}-click here.

How to avoid living paycheck to paycheck.

The line was really long at the money center. In fact, there were people trailing out into the main part of the store. Many lower income people don’t have a bank account. That means no savings account, no checking account, and no place to cash or deposit their paycheck for free.

Rosie Spent Her Entire Paycheck

I remember back to my first full time job as an invoice clerk; I was amazed on payday when my co-worker, Rosie and I went to the bank. She cashed her paycheck and took all of the money! I thought it was quite odd that she didn’t put any of it into the bank.

I never saw someone take an entire paycheck in cash without saving any.

But I digress, back to the Wal Mart Money Center. I got very despondent after seeing the enormous line-because I knew most individuals were there because they didn’t have a bank account. And they were lower income and paying a fee that higher income people didn’t pay, just to gain access to their money.

 I was struck by several things:

  1. How can one save, if he or she has NO BANK ACCOUNT?
  2. How can one move out of living “paycheck to paycheck” without a bank account?
  3. Where are those individuals in the Money Center line going to learn the principles of Financial Literacy?

You Can Avoid Living Paycheck to Paycheck

If anyone reading this does not have a bank account, read My Story. My dad was so poor growing up, he started to work at age 10 to help out his family! In order to move out of poverty, you have to change your mindset and your life. It is possible.

For those who know a thing or two about money management, take a risk and share some of your financial literacy with those around you. Don’t be afraid to talk to others about basic smart money habits. Lots of folks out there don’t have anyone to teach them money basics. If you see a friend or co-worker making stupid money choices, take a risk and talk about it.

And, if you don’t have a bank account-Open a bank account with the money from your next paycheck. Make sure the account does not charge a monthly fee or for a low balance. Go to  GoBankingRates.com to compare rates and services. There are online banks that don’t charge fees and once you have a bank account, you can stop paying those check cashing fees. Next you can even start saving part of your paycheck.

Make this commitment to yourself; never cash your entire paycheck. If you have the cash, you will spend it! Put part of every paycheck in a savings account!

Action Step

Take a small step today to avoid living paycheck to paycheck tomorrow. Start by opening a bank account and depositing part of your paycheck in the account each week. 

If you know a bit about money, share your knowledge with someone who needs it. 

Learn wealth building basics in a few hours here.

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