The $190K Courier: A Cautionary Tale in Financial Planning

High incomes are great—but lasting security comes from preparing for change, not assuming it won’t happen.

The $190K Courier: A Hard Lesson in Financial Planning

William sat at his kitchen table, staring at the letter in his hands. The legal language was cold and final. He was about to lose everything he thought he’d built.

Just three years earlier, he’d been making nearly $190,000 a year delivering parts across the U.S.-Canada border. Today, he was staring down bankruptcy.

His rise had been sudden. And so was the fall.

How It All Started

Fresh out of high school with no real plan, William didn’t expect to find a goldmine. But that’s what it looked like when his friend Jake offered him a chance.

Jake ran a customs brokerage in Buffalo, New York. He needed someone who could deliver parts across the border—fast. If the parts didn’t show up, factories would grind to a halt. Speed mattered, and companies were willing to pay for it.

“All you need is a van, good timing, and solid records,” Jake said over coffee. “You’d be your own boss. Not an employee—a contractor.”

William wasn’t sure. He’d never run a business. Never even held a steady job. But it made sense. Low risk, immediate income. Within two weeks, he bought a used cargo van, set up a bank account, and registered as a sole proprietor.

Learning the ropes was intense—customs forms, border crossings, deadlines—but he pushed through. He had something to prove.

Fast Growth, Fast Money

In no time, William built a reputation for being reliable. Never missed a deadline. Always picked up the phone. His van was spotless. His deliveries were always on point.

By month three, he was earning what many made in a year.

Then Jake added more clients.

“Three pickups in the morning, more in the afternoon—can you handle it?”

William didn’t blink. “Absolutely.”

His income doubled. The days were long—multiple border crossings, tight timelines—but he thrived. More referrals rolled in.

By the second year, he was managing fixed routes, emergency deliveries, and urgent calls that paid hundreds per trip. When he added it all up, the number shocked him: nearly $190,000.

Spending Like It Would Never End

For someone who’d just entered the workforce, that kind of money felt limitless. William had no idea what “normal” income was. He thought he’d found his forever career.

A small apartment turned into a $650,000 house in a fancy suburb. The used van was replaced, and he bought a luxury car just because he could.

He took weekend trips to Toronto and NYC. Bought designer clothes. Dined at high-end restaurants and paid all his bills with ease.

He wasn’t reckless. Just convinced the money would keep flowing. After all, Jake’s business was booming. Orders kept coming in. He was in demand.

But what William didn’t see was that his income wasn’t about him. It was about a temporary market need. And markets shift.

The Slow Downturn

By year three, the cracks appeared. Some clients said they were “reviewing logistics costs.” Orders marked “urgent” now said “deliver by tomorrow.”

William brushed it off. Every business hits bumps.

But the shift continued. More clients decided slower (and cheaper) shipping was good enough. William’s service was still fast—but no longer necessary.

His premium rates couldn’t compete with low-cost carriers offering 24- to 48-hour delivery windows. Within months, his income dropped from $16,000 a month to $8,000… then to $5,000.

The demand for same-day cross-border runs dried up. And with it, his business.

Reality Hits Hard

His lifestyle needed $8,500 a month just to stay afloat—mortgage, car payments, insurance, basic expenses. But now he was earning far less.

He had no emergency fund. No backup plan. No other income. Every extra dollar had gone toward living large.

Within half a year, the house was in foreclosure. The luxury car got towed. He sold his electronics, furniture, and anything else of value.

The debt kept piling up.

Eventually, all he had left was the original van. And hard lessons.

What He’d Do Differently

Sitting in a tiny studio apartment, William faced a tough truth: he had treated his highest income as his guaranteed income.

If he could go back, he said he’d live on $60,000 and save the rest. He would’ve asked: “What happens if my income drops 75%?” and built a plan from there.

He eventually rebuilt, but it took years to recover.

His story is a sharp reminder: income can change fast. It’s not pessimism to plan for the worst. It’s smart.

The Real Lesson

The problem wasn’t taking the courier job. It was assuming it would always pay big. Success fooled William into thinking it was permanent.

But without savings, backup plans, or extra income sources, he was left exposed when the market changed.

The takeaway? Don’t let your peak earnings set your lifestyle. Plan for the valleys too.

How to Apply This Lesson in Real Life

This isn’t just one man’s story—it’s a blueprint for how to protect yourself when times are good, so you don’t collapse when they’re not.

Expect Change

Industries shift. Clients leave. New tech disrupts old methods. Ask yourself: If my income dropped by half next month, what would I do?

Budget Based on the Low End

Don’t build your lifestyle around peak income. Choose a safe number. Live on that. Save or invest the rest.

Build an Emergency Fund

Aim for six months of expenses. It’s not a luxury—it’s survival when income slows.

Diversify Income

If all your money comes from one source, you’re vulnerable. Add a side hustle, investments, or more clients to spread the risk.

Keep Growing

Don’t coast. Keep learning, networking, and expanding your skills. It’s your safety net if one gig dries up.

Warning Signs Your Income Might Be in Danger

• One client makes up over half your income
• Your industry is changing or moving towards automation
• New clients and referrals have slowed
• Clients are pushing for lower prices
• You’ve stopped learning or growing

Quick Checklist: Are You Financially Prepared?

Income Safety

• I have more than one income stream

• No single client accounts for more than 50% of my income.

• I stay up to date on industry trends

Emergency Readiness

• I can cover six months of expenses if needed
• I’ve asked myself: “What if income dropped 50%?”
• I’ve built a plan for financial dips

Spending Habits

• I live on a modest income baseline
• I track and review my spending regularly
• I avoid big expenses I can’t scale down

Personal Growth

• I’m learning new skills regularly
• I network and look for new opportunities
• I don’t assume today’s income is forever

FAQs: Financial Planning During Boom Times

Q: I just started earning well—can’t I enjoy it?
Of course. Celebrate—but with boundaries. Live below your means and build savings first. That freedom is worth more than a new toy.

Q: How much should I save?
Aim to save 30–50% if you’re in a high or volatile income field. Build an emergency fund, then invest the rest.

Q: I’m already overextended—is it too late?
No. Start now. Cut expenses, sell what you can, and stabilize. Even small moves make a difference.

Q: How can I tell if my income might drop?
Look for red flags: industry changes, fewer clients, pricing pressure. Don’t ignore the signs.

Q: Should I get a financial advisor?
If your income rose fast and you’re unsure what to do—yes. A good advisor can help you build a smart, long-term plan.

Final Thought: Don’t Confuse Momentum With Permanence

William’s story isn’t rare—it’s just one that got shared. Fast money can disappear just as quickly. What separates long-term winners from short-lived success stories is planning.

Use the good times to prepare for the lean ones.

Ask yourself now: If my biggest income source ended tomorrow, would I be ready?