Most people never set out to be poor but many certainly end up there.  We often ask ourselves why this happened, or how this happened but truth is for most folks it doesn't just happen to them, it's a choice.  So just in case someone is bound and determined to be poor, here are some sure-fire choices they can make to ensure a life of poverty.

1.  'Don't get No Education' ~ Turn your back on the basic education that is afforded you by your public school system. Go ahead drop out of school.  It's a hassle getting up and being on time for boring old school, so sleep in and fail out! Don't even think about going to college or technical school.  Talk about a waste of time and money. Now that will put you on the fast track to poverty.

2.  Get an Addiction ~ Drugs & alcohol are always a great choice on the road to destitution.  It's a terrific way to waste what money you do have and the bonus is it can result in health issues that can becoming very costly as well.  Don't forget that many jobs require routine and random drug tests so if you happen to have a job, you can easily lose it if you test positive for illegal drugs.   Other addictions to consider are gambling, shopping or even sex.  You can equally keep the poor house in sight with these as well.

3. Go to Directly to Jail ~ "Do not pass go, do not collect $100" If you've ever played Monopoly you are familar with those words BUT in the real world a jail term or conviction of any crime can easily add the words "Do not get a Job, Remain Unemployed"  Even a simple arrest without a conviction can influence an employers decision to hire you.  You are simply viewed as a potential liability.  So write bad checks, get a DUI, shoplift or start a fight so that you can be rejected by employers and stand on the bread line with your new friends.

4. Hang Around with LOSERS ~ And become the company you keep.  Spend time with people who drop out of school, abuse drugs, and/or shun work.  If you keep company with barflys, lounge lizards,  and lolly-gaggers, eventually their bad habits, lack of ambition, and general ability to waste life's opportunities will become the norm in your own life.  This will certainly help guarantee your path to pennilessness is a successful one.

5. Live Paycheck to Paycheck ~ Make sure to spend all the money you can get your hands on. Overextend your credit so that you can "borrow from Peter to pay Paul".  Max out your credit cards so all you can pay is the minimum payment. That way you can pay on them for decades without ever reducing the balance.  Spend like there is no tomorrow.  Buy more house than you can really afford THEN go a purchase a household full of new furniture because you can get it 'interest free' for 3 years.  But please make sure you miss a payment on that beautiful furniture so that 22.9% interest rate can kick in.  Don't forget to acquire lots of high dollar toys to play with.  Expensive cars, large boats, impressive motorcycles are all excellent selections to help you cruise on down the road to POVERTY!

There are tons of rags to riches stories, where people born into extreme poverty become rich beyond belief but most of those people have coupled hard work with wise choices to get where they are today. It's rarely just a fluke or dumb luck.  Poverty will certainly continue to exist but seeking a sensible lifestyle can keep you from feeling the pangs of hunger and the harsh reality that being poor can bring into your life. 

I am positive these are not the only ways to be poor so add your own suggestions on sure-fire ways to be poor!