What I learned being poor

I was raised poor and had to unlearn the culture of poverty.  It did not take me long, since my mother's family was well off and my father's family I don't know.  I think there are some things we have to remember about the culture of poverty, if we are going to change things.

1.  In the culture of poverty, time means nothing. 
2.  They spend every dime, money is not saved.
3.  The standard of living is basic and not excellent.
4.  Luxuries are clothing, shoes and electronics, not homes.
5.  A mindset of learned helplessness keeps you thinking things will never change.
6.  Education is not encouraged.
7.  Promiscuity is overlooked.
8.  Teenagers can be viewed as adult once they have a baby.
9.  Frequent moves to look for cheap rent.
10.  Hypersensitive to violence.
11.  Petty crime overlooked.
12.  Aid is expected.

What I learned
1.  Don't waste time by always being late.
2.  Save a percentage of your paycheck as no touch money.
3.  Don't allow mediocre to be called excellent.
4.  Put your money under your feet and not on your feet.  Get a home.
5.  Get positive, stay positive
6. Get an education at all cost.
7.  Don't have sex until you can pay for the consequences.
8.  View your teenagers as big children because they are still children.
9.  Establish longevity somewhere.
10.  Establish that violence is not your answer.
11.  Stop talking about the law, but obey the law
12.  Expect nothing but be thankful for everything.