Cautionary Tale About What Not to Do with Your First Paycheque

"Hello, my hardworking daughter," her father beamed as he greeted her. "Tell me all about your week at work. My friend hasn't raised any complaints about your performance. He thinks you're a great employee."

Weeks before this Sunday night dinner, Sage got her first job in fashion.

As time passed that Thursday afternoon, it felt as tedious as watching paint dry. The day had finally come for the girl with almond-shaped eyes after two weeks of making endless photocopies and handling thousands of letters for every department in the 10-story office building. Working for a global fashion brand was starting to lose its appeal, especially when she was stuck in the mail room. However, something significant was about to happen that day. It was the second Thursday of the month, which meant it was payday.

Today was the day Sage would receive her very first paycheque, a moment she had eagerly anticipated for weeks. With this paycheque, she would finally have her own money and be free from her father's constant criticism about her spending habits. Now, Sage felt like a proper adult. "I'll be able to stand on my own two feet," she thought. The possibilities that lay ahead with this paycheque made her ecstatic.

The young worker wasn't sure how much money would be on this glorious paycheque, but there would be money, and that's all that mattered. The prospect of never enduring her father's lengthy lectures about her spending habits was intoxicating. This pay was her hard-earned money, and after weeks of suffering from her unbearable manager, it was time to let loose.

The moment came for the pay distribution. Angela, the office manager from hell, distributed the white Mineola envelopes. Sage was giddy with excitement. Opening the envelope, she saw two pieces of paper: a slip with many numbers and a small note.

Dear employee, We have yet to receive your void cheque. Please submit the requested information before Friday so we can directly deposit your pay into your bank account.

Sincerely, Claudine Math, administrator of HR

Where was my paycheck? What does a VOID cheque mean? Completely lost, Sage decided to do what anyone else would do in the same situation—she Googled it.

What is a void cheque? What is it used for?

A void cheque is just a standard cheque with the word 'VOID' printed in prominent characters. This means the cheque cannot be used to make payments or cash out. It is like saying, 'Hey, don't use this!' Even though it isn't useable as money, it does display all of the necessary banking information for things like direct deposits or automatic payments.

She planned to open a bank account since a bank was conveniently located down the street from her office. The sooner she acquired the void cheque, the quicker she could receive her money.

She rushed out of the office at noon and went to the bank. The exterior of the building was imposing, but the interior resembled a department store. People were stationed in cubicles, talking with others over half-walls. It didn't seem so daunting. Sage approached the reception and explained that she had no money or a bank account but would receive her first paycheck and needed a voided check.

The woman directed her to a teller, who swiftly opened a bank account for her. Sage returned to the office with a renewed sense of purpose to locate the HR department. Finding the department was a piece of cake, as she had already discovered the floor for HR on the elevator panel. Numerous small office doors lined the vast room. Disheartened individuals gaze at their computer screens in the middle of the space. As she dropped off a slip of paper with VOID written on it, she reconsidered her feelings toward her department. It was better than she had initially thought.

As she stepped into the elevator, she carefully reviewed the note to ensure she would receive her payment the next day. Examining the second sheet of paper with numbers gave her a slight headache. She had expected the final figures to be higher, but it was still money. Earning $1000 for two weeks seemed like little money, but it would be enough to buy a few outfits and treat herself to some great dinners. Combined with her father's monthly allowance and credit card, she would have enough to do light shopping after work tomorrow.

On Friday morning, before first light, she grabbed her phone and signed into her bank account. There, her first paycheque was deposited. The young girl began dreaming about all the things she wanted for fall. The new looks were all over her Tik-Tok get-ready-with-me within her saved folders. She would need new sweaters, which were practical purchases. She would quickly stop at the mall, pick up a couple of sweaters, and save the rest of her pay.

Who's a responsible adult? I am.

That morning, she was suddenly urged to go to the mall before work, so she called in sick. She then decided to clear out her closet of all the clothes she no longer liked to make room for some new, in-season items.

"Sage, what on earth are you up to? It's not even sunrise yet," a drowsy voice came from the door.

"I'm just tidying up my closet," Sage said as she held two identical sweaters against her chest in front of the full-length mirror.

"What will you do with the ones you're not keeping?" Lavender's freckles seemed to pop off her cheeks as she thought of getting new clothes without spending money.

"No problem. You guys can take them," Sage said while sorting through her clothing choices.

After shopping, the young worker picked up some great finds. The new fall season clothes were stacked at the front of each store, and Sage couldn't resist getting multiple items in different colours. Then, she had to stop and pick up some new jeans to go with the sweaters. After looking at her latest purchases, the raven-haired girl had to get her hair done to look suitable for her parents' Sunday dinner. When Sunday rolled around, she was excited to show her new look to her parents.

Her parents were already there when she arrived at the restaurant, beaming with pride. Her dad had a big smile on his face as he greeted her.

"When we were playing golf last week, our friend had nothing but good things to say about you," her father mentioned as he sipped his wine.

"Did he really say that?" her mother asked. "You didn't mention that before."

"Actually, I had been eager to share it with both of you," the old man remarked.

"Thanks, Dad," Sage expressed. "I'm really loving my job in fashion. Mom, have you noticed my outfit? I used my own paycheque to buy it. And I also got my hair done for this special occasion."

"Wow, you look stunning, sweetie," her mom exclaimed. "So, how much of your pay were you able to save?"

"Save," Sage asked, puzzled. "Well, I did open a bank account and I also learned what a void cheque was," she said proudly. "Anyway, why should I save when you guys have money?"

"Her father was surprised. 'What do you mean?' he asked. 'Did you spend all of your pay in one day?'"

"Not all in one day," Sage remarked, anticipating a lecture from the old man. "Things are just expensive, and it all adds up, daddy.""

"Sage," her father scolded, his brow furrowed in rage. "Did you really take two weeks' worth of your hard-earned money and spend it all on clothes and hair styling? I've always noticed your tendency to be careless with my money, but I never expected you to be so reckless with your own money."

"Dad," Sage was familiar with the bulging vein on his forehead. The sign that he was agitated. She chose to seek understanding from her mother instead.

"Sage, we have been too lenient," her mother said quietly yet sternly. "From now on, you will learn the value of money. Please hand over your credit card."

"Wait, what's happening?" she wondered. She's been working and earning a paycheque, so why is she being asked for her credit card? What's happening? This was supposed to be a fantastic dinner, and everyone was supposed to be proud of her. Why are they upset with her?

"Things have taken a sudden turn. Let me know what you need me to do, and I'll do it. But please, don't involve my credit card in this."

Her dad appeared severe as he extended his hand, waiting for her to hand over his credit card.

"From now on, you'll be responsible for your own expenses, young lady. You need to show me that you can take care of yourself. When you prove that you're responsible, I'll return your card. If you can't, you won't get it back."

After the conversation, Sage felt defeated. How was she supposed to make ends meet with only $1000 every two weeks? She had to allocate $500 for rent, leaving little for basic necessities like food, electricity, and clothing.

She arrived back at her apartment feeling overwhelmed. The day started great, but now everything turned upside down. She was worried about managing with so little money. Would she have to resort to buying clothes from thrift stores? She was used to getting what she wanted, and now the situation seemed unfair.

"I'm gonna need my clothes back," Sage said, slumping onto the couch and addressing her two roommates. "My parents just cut me off. They think I can't handle money."

Her roommates remained silent, clearly siding with Sage's parents.

Will Sage make significant progress in money management? Stay tuned to find out more.

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