$$$

I was explaining to my coworker how I built up such good credit *pats myself on back* - btw I wasn't gloating she definitely asked my opinion on something.

It just reminded me how people my age have such crappy credit and I wish the NYC public school system would have been a little more helpful in preparing us for the real world. Pshh, who am I kidding? I was lucky enough to attend a public high school that didn't have metal detectors, and sadly that was a "perk".

Luckily, my mom taught me how to be financially responsible at a young age. And it wasn't even about her sitting me down and saying "do this with your money and do that with your blahblahblah" - I just had a great role model!

My mom was a young, single mother with 3 kids. Struggling! For sure. But you know what? We always got what we wanted. A beautiful apartment on the Upper West Side, always up on the latest electronic trends, etc. I don't consider that being spoiled. My mom worked hard for her money! And she taught me that if I want something from her I have to work hard for it too. Without a man in the picture my mom had to be both parents to myself and my siblings while maintaining a full time job and running a household. (and keep us from killing each other when we'd get into our crazy fights). I admire her and respect her. And although we ruffle each other's feathers from time to time I strive for a better life because of her. I saw her doing her thang and it made me want to be a responsible and respectable woman too. So far so good! lol