Talking To The Unfortunates
A few days ago, a friend of mine - Jason Harwood gave us $10 to donate to someone in need. So my money went to a unfortunate man named Steve around outside of Metrotown area in a cold rainy day. As a money manager that I am, I asked Steve "If I give you $10 dollars how would you spend it?". Steve said he is going to call this an earlier day, he usually begs for 3-4 hours and go inside Mcdonald to buy himself a burger. The remaining part of the money will be spent when he is back to the shelter. Steve said he has to pay for his food in the shetler.
Steve also gave a reason of how he got into this stage and a plan to get back on track. Before becoming homeless, Steve was a contractor but had an accident - he got permanent injury to his shoulder in the job. From there on he collected welfare but that is not enough to survive in such an expensive city as Vancouver. Neediness to say his finance start to go downhill quick. (Depending on solely your employer and the government to pay you is risky as hell)
In my opinion, the word from Steve seem to focus on how his environment is affecting him, not how he is affecting the environment.
However, the good side is Steve has a plan. A plan to get back to school to re-educate himself and trying to get an office job. My next appointment with the bank is up, and I had to go. So I wish him Luck.
Highlights - Trying to maximize the value of Jason's $10 dollars there is a lesson we could benefit from these- Please add to my comments to see how we could prevent running into problems like Steve had.
Contingency fund - The average American do not have enough money saved up. Money enough to cover 6 month of your expense is needed.
Build your network - friends and family is your best bet on downtimes like these - remember to treat them nicely.
Multi Source of Income - This is what this blog is about. Income from many different sources is always a plus and would help you through the downtimes. Drop me an Email and constantly read this blog to learn more.
Steve also gave a reason of how he got into this stage and a plan to get back on track. Before becoming homeless, Steve was a contractor but had an accident - he got permanent injury to his shoulder in the job. From there on he collected welfare but that is not enough to survive in such an expensive city as Vancouver. Neediness to say his finance start to go downhill quick. (Depending on solely your employer and the government to pay you is risky as hell)
In my opinion, the word from Steve seem to focus on how his environment is affecting him, not how he is affecting the environment.
However, the good side is Steve has a plan. A plan to get back to school to re-educate himself and trying to get an office job. My next appointment with the bank is up, and I had to go. So I wish him Luck.
Highlights - Trying to maximize the value of Jason's $10 dollars there is a lesson we could benefit from these- Please add to my comments to see how we could prevent running into problems like Steve had.
Contingency fund - The average American do not have enough money saved up. Money enough to cover 6 month of your expense is needed.
Build your network - friends and family is your best bet on downtimes like these - remember to treat them nicely.
Multi Source of Income - This is what this blog is about. Income from many different sources is always a plus and would help you through the downtimes. Drop me an Email and constantly read this blog to learn more.
posted by Patrick @ 8:44 AM
2 Comments:
At November 4, 2008 at 10:54 PM ,
Patrick said...
Someone Want to talk about ways to help Steve?
At November 7, 2008 at 11:06 AM ,
fcgrowth said...
As a financial advisor, I would say that we are all essentially "money-making machines ourselves". If something goes wrong with the "machine", life is not so pretty any more. So generally speaking, we all need (various sources of passive income + savings as liquid cash + financial security base, like insurances and benefit programs).
However, in Steve's case, it might be a little late for that now. But I think it is crucial for him to re-educate himself on jobs that do not require labour work that much. There are many choices out there, but first he needs to change his perspective in life. If he decides to give up and just stand on the street all day, his world won't turn around. But if he is willing to start looking for simplier jobs and take one step at a time. There is no despair in life. That's just my personal opinion.
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