She Strengthens

Lessons Learned: The High Cost of Risky Behavior

As a recent college graduate living in a big city, I thought I was invincible. I had no student debt, thanks to a generous scholarship and my parents’ financial support. But a series of unfortunate events in June taught me a harsh lesson about the consequences of my actions.

The Universe’s Wake-Up Call

Within a span of two weeks, I engaged in three risky behaviors that cost me a whopping $900 in unnecessary fees and penalties. These incidents were a stark reminder that my actions have consequences, and I’m not immune to mistakes.

Risky Behavior #1: Speeding

I’ve always struggled with being punctual, and I’ve often driven over the speed limit to make up for lost time. But two speeding tickets in one week brought me back down to earth. The first ticket was $40, and the second was a whopping $160. I realized that being late wasn’t worth the risk of getting caught, and I could avoid the stress and expense by simply leaving earlier.

Risky Behavior #2: Parking Illegally

I’ve parked illegally many times before, but I never thought I’d get towed. That was until I parked overnight in a resident-only parking lot and woke up to find my car gone. The towing fees totaled $324, and I had to take a $16 Lyft to retrieve my car. I learned that parking signs are not just guidelines, and I need to respect the rules to avoid costly mistakes.

Risky Behavior #3: Neglecting My Shower

When I moved out of my old apartment, I discovered that mold had accumulated in the closet due to moisture from the shower. Although it was a shared responsibility, I took the blame and lost my $350 security deposit. I realized that I should have been more diligent about checking for damage and cleaning my shower regularly. Now, I make sure to deep clean my shower and tub every week to prevent any future issues.

The Importance of an Emergency Fund

These mistakes cost me $900, but I was fortunate to have an emergency fund of over $10,000 to cover the expenses. Having a safety net reduced my stress levels and allowed me to learn from my mistakes without financial burden. I’ve already replenished my emergency fund and continue to prioritize saving for unexpected costs.

Valuable Lessons Learned

From these experiences, I’ve learned that risky behavior is not worth the cost, even if I get away with it most of the time. I’ll follow the speed limit, park legally, and take care to safeguard my financial well-being. I’ll maintain a large emergency fund and avoid acting like I’m invincible. These hard-won lessons will serve me well as I navigate adulthood.