Throw it up, Throw it up, Watch it all fall down…& Crash

William H. Kelly III
Associate Editor

As we all know, it is refund season here at Jackson State University, and students are running around campus like chickens with their heads cut off. While some students are still struggling to get their account zeroed out, others are enjoying the luxury of having extra money in their pockets.

The question of the day is: Are you spending your refund like a responsible young adult?

Many of us claim to be grown, yet we are not properly investing our refunds or spending them on necessities and priorities.

While buying new clothes, shoes, and even a new car may seem beneficial to you at that moment, it might not be what’s best for your future. As students who are determined to be the best in their field and hustle legally, we should be focused on investing in things that will provide us money in the future and not wasting money on frivolous spending.

I get if you need clothes for the fall and winter weather that is approaching, but buying $200 kicks and $100 jeans when you don’t have all of your textbooks is irresponsible.

If you have a hustle or a side gig that makes you money, invest in that craft. A responsible photographer should invest in camera equipment; a make-up artist will purchase make up supplies; and even someone gifted at cooking or baking will buy the essentials needed to grow that hustle.

This is not a test fellow Tigers. The spending habits you are learning now will follow you for your entire life.

For some, the refund money you received was a result of taking out loans of some sort. Why not begin the payment process ahead of time just to reduce future stress? Why not leave the money in the bank to gain interest until you really need funds for a rainy day?

Refund season tests your self-control and willingness to handle your responsibilities first and wants second as an adult.

Don’t get me wrong, spending your refund on new clothes and shoes is your prerogative. But always keep in mind that you may need those funds later and you don’t want to look back on refund season wishing you had saved and spent your refund more wisely.

My advice is that you consider investing or saving at least half of any extra money you receive. Whether it be a school refund, a work-study check, tax refund or even money from home. Consider putting AT LEAST half into savings and spending the rest on yourself as a reward for being so sensational (Future voice).