I was gonna make up some story about how I made a shotgun out of a paper towel tube. But I can't lie to you. I was watching the Oscars and got motivated to learn how to use Adobe After Effects -- popular software for creating special effects.
I've got around $10,000 in cash. I don't want to go bankrupt, but I see no other way out.
Help me!
Kathy 32 years old Orange, CA
Kathy,
Firstly, cut up your credit cards. Remove them from your wallet right now and destroy them. I am taking away your credit card privileges. Use your debit card instead. That way you'll only be able to buy stuff you can actually afford.
If you think you need a credit card for emergencies, get an American Express. They make you pay the full balance each month and don't charge interest.
Secondly, call your existing credit card companies and tell them your situation. Many of them will let you settle your debt for less than you owe (i.e. give them your $10,000), or they might give you a much lower interest rate.
That said, it's not so terrible to owe money. It's nice to spend other people's money. Most people are in debt, including rich people.
While walking past a homeless man outside one of his buildings, Donald Trump once told his daughter, "technically, that man has more money than me."
I'm a sophomore in college studying computer engineering. My passion is music, but I wanted to be financially secure. Plus, I'm sort of good at math and physics.
But now I wish I hadn't put so much stock in my fear of being poor, because I absolutely can't live without music. I wish I could drop out right now and form a band and play bass, but my conservative judgement says otherwise.
What do you think?
Sincerely, Ben 19 years old St. Louis, Missouri
Ben,
Unfortunately, you don't have what it takes to succeed as a professional musician. Or rather, you have TOO MUCH.
With very few exceptions*, ask any professional musician what they'd be doing if they weren't doing music. The typical answer? "I dunno... working at a gas station? Maybe fast food. I have no idea."
Having a successful career as a professional rock musician is about as likely as hitting the lottery. And when you have math and physics to fall back on, you'll likely fall back on them. It's just so much easier.
Rock on, Pud
*notable exception includes the singer of The Offspring, who was a Ph.D. candidate in molecular biology when his band made it big. also his old drummer, who's a gynecologic oncologist. may they bring you inspiration.
I've been single for about two years now. I grew up around women, so I generally know what they want and need.
So why do I get rejected so often? Every girl I talk to is either taken, not interested, or doesn't see me as a "boyfriend" -- just as a friend.
Help!
Thanks, Kenny 23 years old Clinton Township, Michigan
Kenny,
The fact that you grew up around women -- that's what's holding you back. You act too much like "one of the girls." They see you as just a friend. Or worse, as a sister.
I know it sounds 1950's, but women want manly men. They want a man who's simple; who subsists solely on food, sex and sleep. Women THRIVE on telling men that we don't "understand" them, even if we do. Which, incidentally, gives us the perfect excuse for when we fuck up.
You see? It's the perfect ecosystem. And you're poisoning it for yourself.
Forget everything you know about women. Be confident, and you'll do great.
Pud is an expert in many things including money, sex, business, arts, music, food, fashion, technology, nightlife, travel -- almost everything except sports.
