Reflections on the First Paycheck: Building Credit and Cherishing Owls

Looking back, I remember clearly my first steps into the world of financial responsibility. It wasn't the first paycheck I received, but the first credit card I acquired, which I got at the ripe age of 18 from a jewelry store at the mall. This purchase marked the beginning of my journey in establishing credit.

From a young age, I was determined to build my credit and take on responsible financial practices. I bought pearls for a small ring and paid it off; I did the same for a different finger. For a more extravagant purchase, I bought a gold necklace with a diamond in it, which I still cherish to this day. The fact that I still own all the jewelry I purchased more than 34 years ago, and my credit score is well over 800, speaks volumes about the choices I made back then.

The Evolution of a Journey

Life has brought about many projects and paychecks since then, and with each one, I've had new opportunities to purchase items. Some of the first things I bought have been with me for years, like a series of high school supplementary readings that afforded me my first Acer black notebook. Though the notebook's right shift key is lost and its Windows system is corrupted, it still holds sentimental value. I also have an Acer white notebook and an Acer Liquid smartphone from subsequent projects.

The Early Years and the Drive for Independence

Reflecting on my childhood, I remember the financial struggles we faced and the early age at which I started earning and working to help out my family. The concept of making a “first paycheck” was early for me, as I worked at the age of 8, helping out in any way I could. There was no specific purchase I made with that income; it was more about contributing to the household than acquiring items for myself.

The First Big Purchase: A Racing Motorcycle

My first formal job was as a busboy in a coffee shop. I initially saved up to buy a racing motorcycle. After a few months of working, I had enough money to purchase a race bike. While the clothes from that job no longer exist, I still proudly own the motorcycle, which has been a true testament to my early financial goals and dreams.

Technological Advances Over the Years

The computer hardware from those early days is long gone, possibly upgraded multiple times. One machine from that era was an Acer notebook that was 26 years old, which still held together well enough until its tech life expired.

Empowering Women Through Credit

It's important to note that during the 1960s and 1970s, women faced significant challenges with credit. In many cases, they could not obtain credit in their own name; it was based on their husband's credit. For me, it was a pivotal moment when, after completing college, I purchased a set of CUTCO knives on credit to establish my own credit standing.

This move was a big deal back then, and it remains etched in my memory. While it might seem "stupid" today, it was a crucial step in the empowerment of women's financial independence.

Through the years, the items and memories of my first paycheck have transformed, but the core lessons of responsibility, credit building, and the lasting value of smart financial choices have stayed with me.