When I speak to struggling young people - foster kids, teen mums - I give controversial advice: put money first. People are unreliable. Money does what it says on the tin.
Money is freedom. Money is options. Money is safety. Money is a place to stay, an exit from a shitty relationship, a reprieve from a dumb job.
Poverty isn't moral, novel, or romantic. It's terrifying, sad, and shit. Prioritising money isn't gauche. It's smart and I want you to do it.
Don't worry about corruption. Few of you will get so rich you'll have to learn about the importance of friends and the dangers of an in-house McDonalds.
Don't worry about purpose. Revisit that once you've got no debt, an emergency fund, and a side hustle.
Don't worry about guilt. You're not the one fucking the system. Vote well, insist on taxing corporates and in the meantime, get your bag.
Merry Christmas.
🎄 About 24 Days of Unpopular Opinions
This December, I'm calling bullshit, to keep you sane over the silly season. Over 24 days, I'll share 24 unpopular opinions - like an advent calendar, but filled with controversy instead of chocolate. Share widely to whoever else needs this.
Catch up on unpopular opinions you might have missed:
December 1: You don't have a strategy
December 2: CEOs are tiny babies
December 3: Women should be ugly and mean
December 4: Leaders are dry drunks
December 5: Conspiracy theorists are right
December 6: We should tell people to shut up
December 7: We should lose our Internet privileges
December 8: Self-help is a con
December 9: There's no right answer
December 10: Play the power game
December 13: We need to talk about class
December 14: Kiwis don't work hard
December 16: Money comes first
