ADVERTISEMENT

Esther Mukumbo is a mom from South Africa, trying to find her way toward financial independence. She has over 10 years of experience in Development Finance and Banking and is a director at a black women-owned investment company she co-founded called Malkia Invest.

While trying to achieve her goals, Esther also regularly posts on social media and one of her latest tweets has gone viral. In it, the woman asked everyone to share their most controversial takes on personal finance, and people happily obliged.

This prompted an interesting discussion on money, a subject many often avoid in the real world, fearing making a fool of themselves or saying something that would trigger those around them. Yay the internet!

Image credits: EMukumbo

RELATED:
    #2

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    petti_mayonaise Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    D. Pitbull
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    HA!!! HERE IT IS!!! The Terry Pratchett Sam Vimes Boots theory I mentioned before!

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    However, let's challenge this thread from a different perspective. Not because it's inherently wrong—it might allow us to get a better understanding of what these people are talking about. As Kristin Wong pointed out in The New York Times, traditional personal finance advice is often tossed around in blanket statements. While there's nothing wrong with the actual advice in theory, the way we deal with money in reality is often much more nuanced.

    Consumer spending is increasing and unemployment rates have fallen, but wage growth has been slow, and income inequality is still very much a problem. With the situation changing so fast and drastically, what can we actually do about money?

    #4

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    withlovemaria Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Rabbit Carrot
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How is this controversial? They absolutely should not exist. You don’t become a billionaire by paying people fair wages and a fair amount of tax. You become one by playing the system and cheating people out a liveable wage.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #5

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    ThereGoesTonio Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    D. Pitbull
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is true. Terry Pratchett's Sam Vimes had a GREAT little commentary on that.... too darn true.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    "I'm interested in the causes and consequences of inequality, particularly from a labor market perspective," Kate Bahn, director of labor market policy and an economist at the research organization Washington Center for Equitable Growth, told Wong. Dr. Bahn argued there's not enough emphasis on the larger structural barriers that make people's financial lives difficult. Personal finance might sometimes even further de-emphasize these barriers, she said.

    There is, for example, a concept called labor monopsony, which is what happens when a single hiring entity gains control over the workforce.

    "So employers will take advantage and pay workers less because there's nowhere else to go," Dr. Bahn said. "It's geographically remote areas where there may be only one big employer, and there's no other company to work for, so that company can pay whatever they want because workers can’t say, 'Screw this,' and go somewhere else."

    #6

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    darealjaymz Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Troux
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    YES to #2. "Start your own business" is advice that gets abused just as much as "Go to college." It's not for everyone, folks.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #7

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    EmpressRandom Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Andy Acceber
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or better yet: Don't police how other people spend their money. Unless they ask you directly, it's literally none of your business. How would you like it if people commented and judged you on your purchases? Don't do it to others.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #8

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    Duubemmm Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Swan
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had very good grades at school where's he money they promised my I'd have if I worked hard? did I work hard for nothing? Do you just have to know rich people and they give you jobs... or not FILLON RENDS L'ARGENT!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    justxhenry Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Wilko Lunenburg
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Get rid of religion, it is only about control and money. Controlling YOU and YOUR money.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Dr. Bahn's argument is that personal finance is necessary, but not quite sufficient. It's put forth as a solution when what we really need is policy, she said, and places priority on personal choice over issues that are ultimately out of most people's control.

    But there are still plenty of folks who think that personal finance remains helpful because it is a way to share information that many are discouraged from seeking. "People have criticized financial education, saying it doesn't work because people are still making mistakes," Billy Hensley, president and CEO at a private nonprofit, National Endowment for Financial Education, also told Wong. "Education can't help access jobs, but it can help people navigate the system as it exists."

    #10

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    melanindokter Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Andy Acceber
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You also can't buy in bulk, transport far for savings, or afford an annual subscription for discount stores or Prime.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #11

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    DavidW128 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    D. Pitbull
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In... the USA... yes. I remember well the incredulous conversation I had when I was in my early 20s with an American friend. I laughed and asked him something like 'Ha ha.. yeah, sure, so what happens if you break your leg on vacation?" and he said "I dunno... pray... and beg?" - then I realized he was serious. And... the conversation got worse from there... it took me a WHILE to truly accept he wasn't exaggerating.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #12

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    ceruleanspiral Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Linda Lee
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes! The highest earner's compensation should not be more than x% of the lowest wage employee. This should apply to every company!

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    But when you think about it, how do you even measure the effectiveness of personal finance? After all, so much of it is... personal.

    Rachel Schneider, a researcher and co-author of The Financial Diaries: How American Families Cope in a World of Uncertainty, tried to look at how people handle money in the real world. She and her co-author, Jonathan Morduch, a researcher and professor at N.Y.U., worked with over 200 families for a year, gathering information on every dollar that went in and out of their homes.

    #14

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    ChilopaChilopa1 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Sue User
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Our job offered " free 30 talk with a financial planner" He determined that I would have to put 1800 a month towards retirement to make the magical 1 million mark. That would have left me with $800 a month to live. And why do i need a million if i am living off 45,000 a year now ?

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #16

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    amyliztweets Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Shane S
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s also totally fine to keep finances separate. Have one shared account for joint household bills, but then separate accounts for your fun money and personal expenses.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #17

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    ChadMethnerMBA Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    LagoonaBlueColleen
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    True. Very true. We don't own a car. There was a time we had to take the bus home from a big grocery haul. It was cheaper to get a ton of food all at once than spend bus/cab fare multiple times. So I'd be waddling down the block from the bus stop carrying 6 bags on each hand. Sometimes having to go back and forth up and down the block lol. Laundry day meant gathering up 3 large bags, putting them on the wagon and walking it all down to the laundromat. There was no car to just drive the kid to school. Rain, sun, ice and snow we had to walk her there and back, sometimes using the wagon or sled. Cleaning meant actually scrubbing and dusting, not using all that fancy stuff. We had slumlords so we had to do a lot of repairs ourselves or wait until a cheap, careless contractor came to do a temporary patch job. I was in way better shape back then than I am now lol.

    Soleil SanMao
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The people that work the hardest get paid the least. I worked my butt off in my early years (worked late, did extra) and it didn't pay off. My company went from a tenure/yrs of service promotion model to a college degree model.

    Wednesday
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lazy knows no race, gender or economic status. Same with ambition and industriousness. The clue here is take each person as an individual and see who they are.

    Al Padilla
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I was in college, I volunteered, teaching inner city ghetto kids in Chicago. Some of them were quite bright, and others quite not so. But nobody had ever taken the trouble to find out. Back in the mid-60's, had the bright ones been identified, and given proper educational opportunities, they might have flourished. But at this point, with evidence showing that the benefits of "Operation Head Start" rapidly attenuate when kids leave the program, it is pretty clear that the only "occupation" where hard work and effort are rewarded are in violent crime. You can't make much $ flipping burgers or shelving cans. But above some minimal effort, there seems to be little correlation between laziness and wealth as a whole, in the US. And while I did well financially, (academic medicine & private practice), I'm always haunted by the possibility that I "got in" because of affirmative action, depriving a more qualified candidate of the opportunity. Last name ends in a vowel.

    Celtic Pirate Queen
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, we're not the ones constantly hungover on our luxury yachts posting selfies. Many of us work two jobs just to pay basic costs.

    Tatiana Kouzmanoff
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No group is all anything. All generalities are incorrect. I don't think laziness is the biggest problem. I think two things are bigger causes. First, unrealistic expectations. I'm not saying that the system is fair, but it's not going to change overnight either. If you want a house and family, the odds are very, very slim without additional training of some kind. Second, people don't know how to budget their money. I blame our educational system for not preparing children for the real world.

    Tom Hanlin
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited)

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Most of the poor people I know ARE lazy, and likely to throw out what little they do earn on gambling, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and fast food. I'll grant you that there must be poor people who aren't like this but, I haven't met any.

    C W
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow I’ve never seen more downvotes in my life. Every single one of your comments 😆 May be time to reevaluate!

    Load More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    "A huge finding was the level of volatility people experience in their financial lives over the course of a year," Ms. Schneider explained.

    Although she expected to find income volatility year to year, she was surprised to see how widely income varied within the year, too. A subject could be above the poverty line for the year overall, but that same person could fall below the poverty line in any given month.

    #18

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    kiwicuties Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Karen K
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When my mother was in her late eighties, I told her that she could stop saving for her old age. She blinked and started laughing because she realized that she was, in her mind, still doing so. I miss her every day.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #20

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    lucie_dhog Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    LagoonaBlueColleen
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom has a serious problem with this. She's super finicky about interior/exterior appearances and every boyfriend she's moved in with, she's "helped" with redecorating and renovating. Each time I just shake my head and roll my eyes when she's not looking. Keep telling her to just stop and stop moving in with men just because she doesn't feel comfortable being a "single woman living on her own".

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #21

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    sp_carey Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    LagoonaBlueColleen
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a personal matter between the family. There are some well-to-do parents who have no problems kicking their 18 year old to the curb without anything to survive on. And then there are the other parents, regardless of how well-off or not, who know how hard it is for the single, young folk to get by on their own and are okay with letting them remain at home to save money. It's no one else's business. You do you, people. If you're okay with your kids living at home, then that's you're business. If you want to kick them out of the nest, that's you're business.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    "This has a huge impact on how people deal with money," Schneider said. "The economy has been growing and the unemployment rate is relatively low and declining, yet we’re not seeing that growth and prosperity getting distributed down to the bottom."

    ADVERTISEMENT

    While Schneider agreed that financial education is necessary and can be useful, she also worried that overemphasizing it as a solution to financial challenges shifts responsibility away from our economy's major players (like banks that offer subprime predatory loans or companies that take advantage of workers).

    #22

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    BrianOsenda_K Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Swan
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yes some poor children are smart but we never get to grow our smartness meet other people study be given opportunity we just stay there in the bled.. I mean.. it's a waste ; and I hate waste; us, poor people, do

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #23

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    paradisepennies Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Chucky Cheezburger
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unless you have been in those shoes, you can't know how to advise someone on living in them.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #24

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    vynluvbot Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Amy S
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I get frustrated at people saying it's inexpensive to cook healthy stews with cheaper cuts of meat and veg. The ingredients might be less expensive but having the oven on for 2 hours is more than many can afford where I live.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #25

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    Pajamazon Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ChimeraBubbles
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Disability benefits are there to cover the extra costs associated with having a disability/being disabled. Do you have to keep the heating on 3/4 of the year because of kidney failure, because there's a cost to that. Do you have to eat food without certain niche ingredients and therefore spend additional money covering the cost of that. I spend additional money each month on petrol so I can get to places because the bus isn't suitable. Disabilities cost more.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT

    One thing that both proponents and critics of financial education seem to find common ground on, however, is that if we're going to help people navigate the current system, the way we talk about money has to evolve.

    Financial education should not be telling a person to do this and in this exact way or you’re a failure. We need to humanize the topic and try to acknowledge the individual.

    #26

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    _dazils_ Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    You cant stop the truth
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anyway saving is a myth, that is NOT how rich people get rich. Source: I am in the 1% in my country, own 3 cars, paying off two properties, have two servants, private schooling, etc. How did I do it? Sheer luck, and playing the stock market with spare cash.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #28

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    ThakaNgidi Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Shane S
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not having a car payment ROCKS! I’ll drive mine until the wheels fall off or it’s no longer economically sound to keep it

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #29

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    NwandoWoman Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Deb M.F.
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    been hearing that poor people need to work harder to have better things. If we don't work harder we don't deserve nice things. I work hard yet things don't get better..at my age I don't think they ever will

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #30

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    jintemptation Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Lesley Shore
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ex-Credit Union manager here. If you're married, you should at least tell your spouse you have your own acct. Most honest couples disclose that ahead of time. AND don't ask anymore questions. If they can't accept that then they have issues that will probably ruin your relationship eventually anyhow. In the event of death the spouse is usually the beneficiary anyway.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #31

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    angryaboutbikes Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    You cant stop the truth
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This. I keep saying to people let's say "he is paid X" instead of "he earns X". Generally a person in management or above does not earn anything, they are more or less email forwarding devices that forward instructions between upper management and staff. That's not work.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #32

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    bluemglory Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Swan
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    a child's happiness depends on money I would feel better (and the people at school insulting me too) if I coul take a shower when I want instead of "water is expensive and we only have one hot water balloon-storage/day so we'll have to take turns : for a family of three max MAX is 1 shower every three days :(

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #33

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    Huey_Crypto Report

    #34

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    MAN_ANGE Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Andy Acceber
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Financial literacy" is code for rich people wanting to believe that poverty only happens due to personal faults and not systemic injustice.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #35

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    BaldMoneyGuy Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    LagoonaBlueColleen
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Youtubers and other platformers get a lot of help from friends and family to advertise, and those who really did it themselves took a lot of sacrifices many of us aren't willing to risk. All these ones saying they quit their jobs to focus on their channel for a couple never tell you how they were able to do to that. Same with the ones saying they tried working one office job, quit and vowed to never work for someone again. HOW?

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #36

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    kushchronicle21 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kylie Leanne
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it should be taught in secondary school, as not everyone goes on to university

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #37

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    solitarycheese Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Amy S
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The US system seems so complicated to me. In the UK your employer just deducts your taxes for you, mostly it's self-employed people have to do tax returns/work out their own payments.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #38

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    LovelyT_31 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    madbakes
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never knew how true this was until a year ago. If I end up not being able to go back to work (currently on leave with a medical issue), I may or may not get social security benefits. They say that I can work, even if it's a job with less pay and less hours. How am I supposed to live on working 20 hours a week at $10 or $15 an hour?? If I don't find the right treatment, I'm poor no matter what.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #40

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    Sobieck Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    LagoonaBlueColleen
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you have dyscalculia that is a very annoying statement to hear. It's not like we can't learn it just takes longer, and not a lot of people have the patience to take the time to teach it to someone with math dyslexia. It's frustrating and easier to just give up. But it's not that we're ignorant. We want this knowledge.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
    Unlimited content
    Ad-free browsing
    Dark mode
    #41

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    lolatiffhur Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #42

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    hyggepunk Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Lady Goldberry
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Charity shops are starting to have some pricier items these days though...I've found stuff in charity shops that would have been cheaper in H&M. This is irritating.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #43

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    tiffinields Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    CatGirl
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Absolutely - I have a PhD from Oxford and another one from Sydney. I've worked in and for several universities and one of the best editors I worked with taught at a community college in North America. A LOT of tenured professors at ivy league colleges are terrible teachers and not much good with undergraduates. Just because it's a more humble institution in terms of public profile, doesn't mean you won't get an excellent education there.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #44

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    Jani__Gee Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Not A Panda
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Where I am right now, divorce is the better strategy. I calculated it. If my husband and I divorced now we'd be financially better off, even living in 2 houses, because we would each be entitled to several types of rebates on taxes, rent and health care.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #45

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    s0larbody Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Amy S
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This should be higher, the poor people I know are far better at budgeting than the better off people I know (me included) because they have to be to survive.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #46

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    Kathrynlena Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    KatKaleen
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Weird, but this upsets me. I once asked my late dad to buy me one carrot when he went out for groceries. I only needed one carrot for a side dish. He brought back 1 kg of carrots because he thought they were cheaper at 99 cents than the single carrots at 1.59 per kg. I needed one carrot. 80 - 100 grams. Would have cost 16 cents or less. And WTF was I meant to do with the rest of the carrots? It's so annoying to me, it's such a waste of money and produce, don't buy stuff unless you can actually use it!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #47

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    MyamaNgenkani Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    D. Pitbull
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep... "... as you peacefully can"... that's key. I had to move out so that they'd stop holding it over me... ie: "You live here so you do this. We pay for your heat, electricity, so you can't do this, can't have that, we don't care if you're using your own paycheque, you live in our house so you can't." - ie: I couldn't buy a gecko, where I was paying for the food, the tank, the maintenance, the everything-to-care-for-it, because they didn't like lizards. Even though it was in my room so they did not have to see it... it was in their house. THEN they'd add on... that my choice of pet was 'causing all the bad luck' in the house - sooo yeah... out.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #48

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    VyvyMets Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Linda Lee
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You've been eating that avocado toast again while wearing those designer jeans!

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #49

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    MelissaWeber Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    LagoonaBlueColleen
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whoa whoa whoa! So every financial guru/expert on YT and social media is not licensed? hmmmm......

    #50

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    Akeem_meekA Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #51

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    FullSend_Raver Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #52

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    djjustdrew2 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    D. Pitbull
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Marriage is *partially* a business... and truthfully how you each view finances will have a massive impact on the sustainability of the marriage. The reason being that money matters. We don't live in a barter-based society. All-give-no-take on anything, repeated over years, will have an impact on the 'loooove'.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #53

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    __BigO__ Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Linda Lee
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you can't afford to go out to eat now and then and come home and watch Netflix, you're not bad with money, you're underpaid.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #55

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    Ink_andStitches Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kimi Tomminello
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you're defaulting on loans to take out loans to buy luxury comfort items it is being bad with money. If it's stopping at the diner down the street to get some mac and cheese and pie after a bad day- my heart is with you.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #56

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    IDontFeedTrolls Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    M Rob
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The invest idea can bite you... Lost everything in the 80's... Only invest what you can lose... The stock market is GAMBLING.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #57

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    ambient_gf Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #58

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    kudzieKG Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Novel Idesa
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one I agree with. I have an Android that I bought three years ago for $112 and it does everything I could ever want a phone to do. Why are people paying $1000 for a phone that will be obsolete in a few years? I don't get it.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #59

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    MyeniM1 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Timmy Pillinger
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tithes don't have to go to the church, but to any charitable endeavour. If your church says otherwise leave

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #60

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    AndreBothmaTax Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    You cant stop the truth
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can see from this guy's name that he is in SA (my country). Specifically that he's Afrikaans. And he's right. If you are paying income tax here, it means you have a full time job and can probably afford either a house or car, but not necessarily both. which puts you in the top 60%... the other 40% are unemployed.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #61

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    TerryThierry Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Steven
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think this depends on where you live. $100k salary in San Francisco, CA vs Ruidoso, NM will get you very different results.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #62

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    JoePostingg Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    iseefractalz
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Being good with money means spending $1500 taking a training course to learn a trade that will take you from minimum wage to $25/hr instead of spending it on a new phone. Being good with money means realizing that even if you're only spending $3 or $4 on something, if you're doing that every single day of the year, it adds up.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #64

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    ToastKing6 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    MoMcB
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Before we moved in together, my husband and I made a spreadsheet of all income and bills, so we were able to split everything. We also talk about anything we do in the home, projects like renovation and redecorating, and split that. We are older, so no kids, any any excess is the person's.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #65

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    Loquacious_Pint Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #66

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    AemanLlantada Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Mark Alibozek
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm wealthy and you can be to. All you need to do is buy my book! :D

    #67

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    ABlonc Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #68

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    JasonClaman Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Shane S
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can play with stocks but consider it like a trip to the casino. If you can’t afford to play the slots, don’t buy stocks. But if you have a little extra, it’s fine. Just don’t invest more then you’re willing to lose!

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #69

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    mtlawmiami Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Anne Kanters-Eerden
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I honestly think everyone should be using a debit card, so they can't spend money they don't have. A creditcard is basically a loan and can get you into massive trouble.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #70

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    AnastasiMokgobu Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    You cant stop the truth
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope. Put down a small deposit and pay the monthly. The rest of that money you saved up, put into an aggressive investment portfolio. Even if it's a "small" amount like $8000. Look at this. These calculations are based on approximate interest rates in our country on loans and aggressive investment portfolios. Option 1: Pay the car off over 5 years (usual approach). Result, you lose about 22k USD. Option 2. Pay the car cash up front (poor person approach). Result: you save about 3k USD. Option 3. Put a small deposit, pay the rest over 5 years, and take the rest of those savings and invest in a stock that outperforms your loan's interest rate. Result: 2.6 million USD after 5 years. Screen-Sho...41-png.jpg Screen-Shot-2022-04-24-at-140636-62653d9558741-png.jpg

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #71

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    chefobubu Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #72

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    prenn Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    You cant stop the truth
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not really true if you are the broker. Simple example: before the war started in Ukraine I bought US weapons stocks. Cynical, sorry. But it worked. I made about 20% after holding for 1.5 days.

    #73

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    NathanMmm1 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    You cant stop the truth
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    nah, if you are penny pinching like that you are already poor. You should be looking at how to grow whatever money you have. What can you prioritise and where can you redirect funds to say a stock portfolio? Even a small one...

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #74

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    EssArrBee Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Rahul Pawa
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes! I've met so many people who see getting a huge refund as a good thing. To me it's bad. It means the government has been stealing my money for 12 months and finally gave it back (without paying me interest!). I'd much rather owe the government a small amount than have them owe me a big amount.

    #75

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    KarLeia Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    finisz
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That appointment at the hairstylist costed like 1 week worth of food. Just saying....

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #76

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    KylePlebeian Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #77

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    Yoli_Que Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Dave
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I use it ONLY for potential Bookings when I travel, that is it. Nothing else. I do not shop with a credit card, ever!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #78

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    BowTiedEffer Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Rahul Pawa
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Long term, inflation has been under 2% for years. I do agree that dividends are not important when investing.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #80

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    JonLuskin Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #81

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    pollen196 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Rahul Pawa
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Inflation is a measure of how much less we can buy today with yesterday's money. It's not something we know how to control. No economist in the world can correctly and consistently predict inflation, or tell anyone exactly what should be done to increase or decrease inflation.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #82

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    LetsTalkGORDON Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #83

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    KanyomozRabwoni Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    iseefractalz
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Living within a budget is never unreasonable. You know the bare minimum it costs to keep yourself afloat. Rent+gas+electric+water+ food. Everything else is a luxury. This is especially important if you don't have stable income...because until you cover those expenses, you shouldn't be spending on anything else. Likewise if you live alone, and your food budget is the same as your rent, that's not really sustainable. People have trouble seeing the difference between "want" and "need" you want to spend $200 a month on streaming services and internet, but you need to spend $200 on your electric bill for that to even be a consideration.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #85

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    Sphamandlaz2 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    M Rob
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Walk down the street in Los Vegas, speak to the homeless. Ask them how much good gambling has been for them.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #86

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    ccmarce_writes Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    You cant stop the truth
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    mmmm nahhh. This assumes you'll get a better phase of life etc. You do not know that.

    #87

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    audi_xolanik Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    You cant stop the truth
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    with a name like "Audi sales exec" we really are going to trust you becasue you totally are not selling cars. LOL

    #88

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    Divayetty1 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    iseefractalz
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well if you're in a position to live with your parents that presumes that they own their own home. Which means it's probably paid off. Which means even if you have to pay them some rent and split utilities, it's going to be considerably LESS than the $1500-2500 you spent a month living alone pissing money away on rent. I've said this before in this thread, people don't acknowledge the difference between WANT and NEED very well. No one wants to move back in with their parents, but if it means you get to save $15,000-$30,000 over the course of a year or two, you need to consider the worth of doing so to be able to invest in owning a house.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #89

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    JamilaSylvester Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Timmy Pillinger
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If your mortgage overpayments allow an automatic mortgage holiday you can count this holiday towards that savings total, and the amount saved on mortgage interest is >>> amount of interest you will get in a savings account

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #90

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    sheaskedhim Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    CatGirl
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Another gladsome-sounding generality which means literally nothing in any specifc situation

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #91

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    MeasureTwiceMNY Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #92

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    lizhamupembe Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    You cant stop the truth
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Translation for non-africans. "Black tax" refers to your family asking you for money help if you are employed. It's called that because most black families have about 40% unemployment and hence the "family tax" is basically racialised. Few white families here are poor enough to have a family group / household that has to survive by borrowinig money from employed members.

    #94

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    Bonecondor Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Lady Goldberry
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just because not being able to remember anything from high-school is her reality, doesn't mean it was mine. I would have appreciated those lessons very much!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #95

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    Klark_R_Kent Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Catrina Bomberry
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you need a reliable vehicle to get to work because you live in the country. Just save for it, right? 🤦

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #98

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    DBillz Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Catrina Bomberry
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sex is one form of great entertainment poor people can afford! Condoms can be gotten for free btw

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #102

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    Alexwanjiku97 Report

    #104

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    capittalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Troux
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Walkable neighborhoods are more expensive. Location is the first three rules of real estate.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #105

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    TheBrookeAsh Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Adam Madej
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's actually counterintuitive and can ruin somebody, wth?

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #106

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    KylePlebeian Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Nicole Weymann
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Earn more money" gee, thanks! Now that's some practical advice. How do people come up with these pearls of wisdom /s

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #107

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    chrissky_ Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Is Be
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That could get you kicked out of your lease for breach of contract if there is a no pet policy.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #109

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    Sonny_Utahna Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Luther von Wolfen
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're not responsible enough to legally drink alcohol, but we'll let you take out $100,000 in college loans. Any claim of of innocence or naivete is just a weak excuse.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #110

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    form_whisperer Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Linda Lee
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aww yes, the weather is so lovely this time of year in the south of France. Charles, fire up my private jet.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #112

    Controversial-Personal-Finance-Takes-Twitter

    jamesjonesesq Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    John Baker
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nobody asked to be born, Sunshine, including your parents. Get off your lazy ass and get a job.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT