Chī bù qióng, chuān bù qióng; bù huì jīngjì, yīshì qióng.

吃不窮穿不窮, 不會經濟一世窮。

Lit Eating [will] not impoverish [one] nor will clothing, [but] not being able to plan [a budget] [will make one] poor for a lifetime.

Fig The ordinary necessities of life will not impoverish one; what will make one poor all one's life is to live beyond one's means.

Note [Rhyme; also said ... bù huì jìsuàn, “... cannot budget,” etc.; see also chīfàn, chuān yī and chuān bù qióng below.]

Topics BUDGETING EXTRAVAGANCE POVERTY