How To Get Out Of Debt

Dear PO:  “I’m having a hard time getting by. I’m so deep in debt, I’m on the verge of losing my home, my car… what can I do? My credit card payments are outrageous! Please, I seek sound advice. Thank you Playas Only.” – Henry From Lawrence, Ma.

Ayo, this is a no-brainer and I’m sure I have an idea of what the root of your problem is. As you know, we Americans (yeah, not limiting myself to just my hood n**gas) tend to love buying s**t we don’t need. First things first… Grab a pen & pad, not a spreadsheet on your $3,000.00 dollar Apple computer. Just a pen or a pencil and a pad….that’s it. You got that? Ok, now write down what you take home on a monthly basis after taxes. Now, draw up your monthly expenses that you need in order to survive. Key word here is “SURVIVE.” Ok, have you gotten that far? Now, deduct from your monthly earnings your survival kit. Are you left with anything?? Ok, if you included the massage parlor, the iPhone 5 that’s dropping next week and the Obama Jordan’s, then guess what? You are doing it wrong my brother.

The main reason why so many people are deep with s**t up to their knees in debt is due to excessively buying into the ways of the Boss. It’s like this… If you’re a minimum-wage-ass dude and that iPhone is going to set you back but all you really do with a phone is mainly text your girlfriend and call your parents, get a Nokia 1661! That s**t has a flashlight sun!

Now on a serious note, if you really wish to survive and cut down on your debt, first let’s get for real. We’re going to let you know what you do NOT need. This way, you can at the slightest, not have to sell your house. Things to do without:

Pets: If you are thinking of buying pets as accessories and they will hold no sentimental value, don’t waste your time. Think about it, it’s also an extra mouth to feed. If you have one, get rid of it for the same reasons.

Tablets: iPads, Samsung Galaxy, whatever the f**k you plan on rocking with… If you have a PC, there is really not much difference you’re going to get out of a tablet unless angry birds are your thing.

Smoking Cigarettes:  In some states, the cost of smoking a pack of cigarettes is up to the staggering amount of $11.00. If you’re hurting financially, there’s just no better time to quit smoking.

Jewelry: If you wear excessive s**t hanging down to your stomach, that you tuck under your shirt when you are going for an interview or when you’re roaming out of town in some hood you’re not familiar with, don’t bother. It’s like this… If there’s a possibility that dudes are going to rob you for it, do without it!

Clothes: You only have two feet right? Right… So chances are, you do not need 20 pairs of shoes. Get rid of some fast. Coats for the winter; Do you really need 8 leather jackets?!?  There’s really no need. Get on eBay and sell some of that s**t ASAP!

Beauty Salon: I know some brothers love looking fresh, head out for a fade every week, paying the barber extra in order to not deal with the long queue. Sun, if you’re low on cash get some dreads or get a low cut Caesar. Buy you a pair of clippers and cut it yourself! After a few weeks, you’ll be mad at your barber for ripping you off all this time. And to the ladies, men love women with short hair. Get your Sinead O’Connor on!

Computers: If it’s you and your wifey but each of you have a laptop plus a desktop for “working from home” or whatever, keep one and get rid of the other two. You can both share; this will only help you guys out in the long run. You’ll be more on point with the chicken heads you talk to on facebook® and vice versa. (You’ll thank me later forthis one.)

Anyways, you’re seeing where I’m going with this. There are just so many things in our lives that are not necessities. My list can go on and on… So, let’s do without them and you’ll be saving yourselves a ton of cash.

Need advice? Reach Tiger Hood at contact@playasonly.com