Phone in hand, I check my bank account balance, groaning when I see a number in the very low three digits. It’s not like I’m surprised. I’m a teacher with a side gig as a musician. No one does either job if they have expectations of wealth or grandeur. All of my bills are paid for the month, so I’m not truly at risk of running out of money before my paycheck hits next week. But I still can’t justify splurging for takeout.

