Effective use of pocket money at school

  

Date Posted: 11/27/2012 2:53:51 PM

Posted By: sashoo  Membership Level: Silver  Total Points: 382

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Let’s face it; most students do misuse pocket money at school, especially if it’s their first time in boarding school. This is not uncommon to form ones during first term. They usually squander cash as soon as it gets in their hands. In fact, most will tell you that they did not realize how they just became broke all of a sudden. Which is why theft cases involving money are rampant in our boarding schools. But here’s how to manage your pocket money at school.

Do not buy goodies (I mean foodstuffs) because everyone is doing it. While some may have the entire bank to spend, you may only have peanuts with you. Of course, we all come from different backgrounds—not all of us are from the well-to-do families. Also, even though you may be overtaken by peer pressure, be wise enough not to be blindfolded by it. Buy goodies only when you know you really need them, like when you are not satisfied with school meals (I know our appetite may be high sometimes).

Don’t carry all of your money during school outings. I understand this is a time when you might have that single opportunity to visit some lucrative supermarket. All the same, do not throw all your money in the supermarket, only to end up being broke within minutes. Learn to be wise, despite the intensified peer pressure. Always remember that you did not go to school to show off; not at all. Even if it means being laughed at by your peers, because you are not flowing with the current, please persevere. After all, it’s only for a short while (4 years) and you you’ll be out of ‘prison’.

In some schools, boarding masters are given the responsibility to keep students’ pocket money, and allow for withdrawals only once

per week. I do highly commend such schools for a job well done. Such schools have helped students avoid squandering money anyhow. Furthermore, the practice has helped students manage their money responsibly. If your school doesn’t support such options, you can look for a teacher whom you can trust with your money, keep it with them, and be withdrawing from them once on a consistent basis.

Moreover, choose your friends wisely. You could be having a friend who is a thief without realizing it. I stress again that you should choose your friends wisely. Of course, your friend will know where you keep your money in the hostel. Your friend will know if you keep it under your pillow, under your mattress, inside your shoes, socks etc. Now imagine if your friend would have a long hand—all of your money would vanish within a twinkle of an eye. Plus, you will not know if it was your friend who did it, because some of these thieves are really smart when it comes to denying. You had better watch out!

Last but not least, it would be fair if you asked your parents to give enough pocket money. In other words, they should not ‘under-pocket-money’ you, but some parents truly could be mean to their children. Let your parents know how much will be enough to sustain you. Let them know that you can’t survive without pocket money, either. Still, while I understand that not all parents may be MP''s, at least I know they could afford to give you enough money, but not 100/= for a single term honestly.

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