‘Dear Student’ is a series of posts that are directly aimed at today’s teenagers. I am a youth pastor and am able to speak into our students’ lives constantly. But these posts are different. This series of posts are intentional, directed pleas to the next generation, based on some specific convictions about the unknown dangers that lie ahead. My tone is meant to be strong. My intention is to invest in you.
Today, I pumped 6 gallons worth of gas and spent $22 doing it. As I got back in my car, the first thought that hit me was this: “I wonder how many budgets are being changed to accommodate for transportation?” Better yet, I wonder how many people had just enough money to cover their expenses; that is, until the gas prices spiked?
It’s normal for a young person to see older people making a lot of money.
It’s normal to think that you can borrow a lot of money now.
And pay it back later.
It’s also normal to have at least $8,000 in credit card debt (says Dave).
I speak as one who is learning my lesson the hard way. I have friends who are learning their lessons the hard way. The beautiful thing about your generation is that you are growing up to learn the lessons from us, the older generations. You are growing up in a time when money is as scarce as its ever been. As much as that sucks, I hope and pray you grow up thinking differently about money than I did.
And that’s what this post is all about. I’m BEGGING you. Look at every single dollar as a gift from God. Spend wisely. Don’t spend more than you make. Don’t fall into the “I’ll pay it back at the end of the month” trap. I don’t care if you’re rich or poor. At the end of the day, everything you have could be gone in an instant.
As I see it, you have two options.
A. Believe me and those like me, and actually apply what I’m saying.
B. Learn it the hard way. Buy stuff on credit. Go get a bunch of awesome clothes. Buy a car you can’t afford. Spend a ton of money on food and drinks – things that you won’t leave you with anything to show for your money (debt). Get yourself into trouble…and then…remember these words. Remember them and wish you’d applied them on the front end.
It’s your call.