Young girls who first come out to work renting rooms know little about building good financial reputations.
I see an example when I sat down with an experienced chief tenant who have had tenants for five years. A girl who has flawless complexion, much above average looks, dresses sassily may be late most months in paying rent. I guess all that expensive make-up, skin care and costly clothes make balancing the monthly budget difficult. That was until the day the chief tenant related how she had an unbeatable record of paying rent at least a few days before it is due. All the neighbours knew about her prompt payments. At least three other houses within hailing distance have been offered to her at matching amount. She then went on to tell her pretty tenant that beauty is important to a young woman, but a good reputation is important too. People tend to talk, not only the inmates of one house, but if one person stays more than a few months, her reputation might travel. Neighbours would match face to car, perhaps voice with occupation. The world can be a very small place. It is therefore smart to build a flawless financial reputation from day one.
After this chatty lecture, the pretty one reformed and pays on time monthly. Once she even surprised her chief by paying a few days early. Now I can see why my eldest became the favourite tenant of his landlord. Within his slim means he habitually pays his rent a week ahead, summer and winter. No wonder soups came weekly, extra food of all kinds travelled from the landlord's bountiful kitchen often. I am fortunate to enjoy this favour when I visit.
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