Bajans must learn to live within their means, and my message here is aimed at the younger generation.
You need to stop following people and become your own person – be a leader. If you are out of school and can’t find a job, find something to produce which you know people will buy.
There is no excuse. Every one of you has a talent; you just have to find it.
Mine was making clothes. Some people bake, cook, buy and sell products. We are all good at something to make a living out of. Work is never too “low class” when you are supporting yourself.
What is distasteful and “low class” is when you are begging on the street.
As a young girl my mother instilled in me the value of a dollar, and the importance of buying quality goods. Quality, she said, lasts longer than the cheaper stuff. That’s why I don’t buy designer brand stuff, because
I have better things to do with my money. In fact, I love saving more than spending.
Anyway, there is a store in my neighbourhood, where at the end of the season all the big department stores bring their leftover designer stuff.
Some are very stylish and fashionable, and are reasonably low priced. This is perfect for me and others who don’t mind looking terrific without spending full price.
I don’t need the latest style to look terrific. My mother didn’t raise any fool. Looking terrific is okay, but saving and investing are even more satisfying in my book.
The reason I stated the above is to let Barbadians know that they don’t have to make the already rich richer to look good. You are paying for a label, something you can do without.
Put your money in the bank; better yet, invest your money. The economy is bad, and the return on investments is at its lowest at banks and all other saving institutions. But that’s okay – we have to roll with the punches.
Find something to invest your money in but not expensive bags, shoes, clothes and crap like that. That is not the way to go.
When I was living in Barbados, I made all my clothes. When I came to America I did the same. My outfits were so well made that they were mistaken for designer wear. I inserted my own labels, giving them a professional look.
The reason I am saying this is to educate my fellow Barbadians about the value of saving.
Saving is the one valuable tool everyone should incorporate into his/her life.
Some time back I was in Barbados and every man jack on the street had a cellphone. I was amazed.
What a waste of money! Those weeks there I spent more money making business calls than I ever spent here on my cell and house phones together. It still makes me angry when I think about it. Now I try making most of my business calls before leaving the United States, and limit making unnecessary phone calls, if possible.
When I first came to America, the salary I received was very tiny, but I didn’t grumble. I did everything to satisfy the duties that were set before me, and pretty soon I was making much more.
It isn’t how much you make it’s how you spend it. There are people who make over a $100 000 a year, and have no savings whatsoever. And there are those who make less, and have retirement funds tucked away.
I hope this sparks an idea in some young person’s head. We all have hidden talents. We just have to find what is right for us. Give it a try – you might be surprised by the outcome.
