She Strengthens

Breaking Free from Financial Folly

As a writer living in New York City, I’ve come to realize that I have a serious problem: I spend money recklessly, without a care in the world. It’s a habit that’s been with me for a while, and it’s not because I’m financially savvy or responsible. On the contrary, I’ve been lucky to avoid drowning in debt, but my spending habits are still far from ideal.

The Roots of My Problem

I got my first credit card at 18, and I promptly maxed it out. It took me four years to pay it off, and the experience left a dent in my credit score. Since then, I’ve been stuck with a low-limit credit card, which I’m careful to pay off every month. But that’s not the issue – the problem is my spending habits.

Where My Money Goes

My money tends to disappear into three main categories: “going out” money, convenience money, and “keeping up with the Joneses” money. The first category includes all the money I spend on socializing, from coffee breaks to fancy dinners. The second category is all about indulging in luxuries that make life easier, like ordering takeout or getting frequent manicures. The third category is perhaps the most insidious, as it’s all about keeping up appearances and competing with others in this expensive city.

The Consequences

When I look at my spending objectively, I can see that most of it is unnecessary. I love cooking, but I rarely make time for it. I could downsize my apartment and save on rent. And I definitely don’t need to spend $15 on coffee every day. But when I’m not forced to confront these habits, it’s easy to fall back into old patterns.

Finding Balance

I know I need to make a change, but I don’t believe in extreme measures. I want to find a balance between enjoying life and being responsible with my finances. As a social person, it’s hard to resist the temptation of going out and spending money, but I know it’s possible to have fun without breaking the bank.

A New Chapter

At 25, I’ve decided it’s time to take control of my financial destiny. I want to be a savvy, conscious person who makes intentional decisions about how I spend my money. I want to have fun, but I also want to be healthy and secure. This journey won’t be easy, but I’m ready to take the first step.

Join the Journey

This blog will document my journey towards financial responsibility, with all its ups and downs. I’ll share tips, reviews, photos, and interviews, as well as my own struggles and failures. I hope you’ll join me on this journey, and maybe even learn something along the way.