Does anyone ever tell you that if you stop spending money on Starbucks every day, you'd probably have more to spend when you need it? Well, that might be true, but there's another side to the argument.
So… basically, I’m stressed. I’m anxious. And, I’m overwhelmed. I spent the day moving into my college house, figuring out what I have already versus what I still need to buy. And while I know that I need to restock on my shower necessities, groceries, etc., I’m not sure what I quote unquote need to make my bedroom feel like home. I am trying my best to work with what I’ve got, but the minute I start scrolling on Pinterest, I decide I want that rug; that canvas; that pillow. All is good and well with that until I check my bank account. I don’t have the extra money to spend on a new this or new that, nor can I get myself to spend what I do have on something I’m convinced will be thrown out at the end of the year anyways. Now, before you get all worked up, I know this is a first-world problem. However, if I am going to uphold my promise, to be honest and authentic, I can’t say it doesn’t weigh on me. It’s a battle of my mind and my budget.
By no means am I a financial expert, but I feel like I have some insightful tips, mainly inspired by my scarcity mindset. By definition, a scarcity mindset means that I view resources like money as limited. For example, when I say my pockets are tight right now, others may view it as dramatic, however, it’s how I feel (and remember, we validate feelings here).
Although I don’t regret a single second of it, London really, and I mean really, hurt my bank account. With that said, I am on a tight budget right now. I don’t have the money to spend on a new rug that I’ll probably throw out at the end of the year. In the grand scheme of things, it is unnecessary. Granted, I did just spend $6.00 on a coffee at Starbucks, which is also unnecessary. But, that’s the thing. I don’t stress about dropping $6 on an oat latte, it’s just a part of my routine, whereas a new rug puts me in a bind.
Whilst I can’t pinpoint exactly where I heard this, someone said that it is okay to splurge on an iced coffee if that is important to you, and your day. For me, I feel 100x more productive with a venti cold brew than I do with homemade coffee or no coffee at all. In my mind, it’s a necessity. Hence, I don’t mind spending the money. For some, experiences take the cake, so they skip Starbucks and splurge on vacations. For others, it’s important to have the newest iPhone or an entire Lululemon wardrobe. All things considered, you do need to figure out what is important to you. What will add value to your life? What’s a necessity to you?
I guess as I am writing this, I am discovering that I need to determine whether a new rug or a new pillow is going to improve my experience this school year. Or would I rather put that money towards a trip to Chicago that Zoe is planning? Or towards my coffee budget? The fact of the matter is, I can’t have it all. I have to weigh my values in regard to where my money goes, and I have to accept it. I can strive for it all, but at this point in time, it’s just not feasible.
So, if you’re stressing about finances like me, my advice—not expert knowledge—is to make the first priority to discover what is most important to you. Spend on what fulfills you; cut back on what doesn't. Through writing this, I’m hoping you can find light in my insights, but also, if you can’t tell, I’m trying to drill it into my own head. A work in progress, ya know?
Written August 16, 2023
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