I’m Just a Poor Black Man Living in San Diego

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I’m Just a Poor Black Man Living in San Diego

Look, I am just a poor black man trying to make it in San Diego.

I am not afraid to tell you, and I am not embarrassed about it.

If only I could figure out how to rub two nickels together, that would make raising a family so much easier.

I don’t mind shouting my brokeness from the rooftop. In fact, I just did. I started this blog just to tell you how broke I am—I stand boldly in my brokedom.

My family conspires against me…

I tell my kids I’m broke all the time.

“Look baby, Daddy is broke. If you can help the poor black man out by turning off the lights sometimes, that would help. I know you’re trying to help out the utility company, but daddy could use some help too.”

You would think that being a financial advisor, I would be embarrassed about being poor. I’m not. Let me assure you of this, I know how to tell people how to spend money. I just wish I had some.

As a matter of fact, I had to start this blog as a side gig so that my wife wouldn’t leave me because I am soooo poor.

Look, I have 5 kids to feed. My wife asks me to buy stuff all the time for her. I look at her all bug-eyed and say, “I can’t afford that. I am just a poor black man trying to make it. Rich people carry those kinds purses! I can put a little sumthin’, sumthin’ in on it, but that is all I can do. Maybe, you should talk to one of those husbands whose wives drive Mercedes—I hear they are luxury providers.”

The Definition of Broke

You shouldn’t have a problem telling people you are broke.

I have to say, though, you know you done made it when white people stop believing that you are broke.

I remember the first time it happened to me. I was at my daughters’ school, and I said it—my favorite line: I’m just a poor black man trying to make it in San Diego.

Kim said, “whatever, Armond.”

I whipped my head around and looked at her in shock.

“What?! Who you been talking too?” I bet you someone went through my financials at my house while we were playing a hard game of settlers! (Game nights are for real).

Having money is relative. I mean really, what is your definition of being broke? Your interpretation doesn’t have to match up with mine.

Why being broke is the best!

The greatest thing about telling people that I am broke is that I don’t have to keep up the facade that I have money.

I literally have no problem with someone thinking I have no money. This is why I drive a crappy car—I ‘m broke. This is why I don’t have the latest clothes—El Broko. This is why I go to Roadrunner to buy used shoes. I can’t afford to buy Kobes. Kobe ain’t putting nothing in on my mortgage; I told you—I’m broke.

I personally think that we should start a broke movement.

If you want to be in the broke movement, work on your pucker face and turn your head to the side like you smell something horrible and say the following words, I am just a poor (Fill in the blank) trying to make it in (fill in the blank). Then pat your pockets and give them the Monopoly man broke shoulder shrug and keep it moving.

The broke movement is going to be real, and I’m going to make it cool too. I want people everywhere, across the seas, to say they are broke.

I am broke until I reach my financial goals. 

I am broke until I reach my level of happiness.

I don’t know what it is, but I have always had that mentality. Even before, I read The Millionaire Next Door.

I want to add in this disclaimer: mentally, I am rich. I have positive thoughts, and I can do whatever I choose to do; I don’t limit my life. I work hard and do what I have to do, so my family is where they need to be, but if I am asked for an expensive non-necessity—I’m broke.

Follow my lead!

Personally, I can’t afford these things that you keep in your home and what they show on commercials because I know that none of that crap is going to make me rich. I also know that causing people to think that I have money doesn’t enrich my life. To be honest, it makes me sad to part with my money. Call me greedy if you want, but you can’t be greedy when you’re broke, and we have established this already.

I have to make smart money decisions and you should too!

As a matter of fact, if you need to use my name, you can. “I know a guy named Armond Croom. He’s a financial advisor and broke, so there is nothing wrong with me.”

Now, don’t you feel better?

Think about the peace of mind you have now that you don’t have to buy a whole bunch of crap. And wait, there’s a bonus—you can get rid of some of the crap you have already accumulated too.

“Why did you get rid of your Mercedes, Mr. Jones?”

“I am hungry for bigger and better things, so I didn’t need that stupid car anymore.” Then twist your face up and look at them like they’re crazy.

In this instance, you’ve established that you don’t care what anyone thinks.

I only care about the individuals that live under my roof.

If you are not one of the 4 girls living under my roof (plus two more kids that contribute to my brokeness), then financially, I can’t take care of you. As soon as I said, “I do.” As soon as the doctor said, “it’s a girl”—times three—my commitment to taking care of my girls became unwavering. I cannot come up with the money to help you because I’m raising a family and the math just doesn’t work in your favor.

“Armond, I need $500. Can you help me out?”

Hmmmmm, if I give you $500, then my wife is going to know that I have $500 to give. If my wife knows that I have $500, then my daughters know that I have $500. Then, my baby’s first words will be $500. Add in the two pretend kids that I have, and that’s $3,500.

Nah, playa, I can’t do that!

Why would I give you $500 and not the mother of my children? There are built-in benefits if I give my wife the money, and I don’t even want to give it to her. You have nothing to offer me compared to my wife.

You see how that worked? That is an excellent conversation to have with yourself. I suggest we all practice in the mirror. Tell people you are broke and don’t even smile when you’re doing it. You will feel a lot better.

In conclusion, for the good of your family finances and for the good of the United States of America—tell people that you’re broke.

Thank you and good night 😊

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Check out the rebuttal to this article titled “Why Do You Continue to Beat Your Head Against a Wall?”

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