She Strengthens

The Honest Truth About My Spending Habits

As I reflect on my financial decisions, I’m reminded that being transparent about our spending patterns can be a powerful tool for growth. It’s easy to get caught up in the stigma surrounding money talks, but I believe that sharing our experiences can help others identify areas for improvement and foster a sense of community.

A Week in Review

I’ve kept a log of my purchases, and what I’ve discovered is that my spending habits are far from perfect. From Monday to Sunday, I’ve made some questionable choices, but I’m owning up to them.

• Monday: $16 on a subpar falafel sandwich and lentil soup (which I ended up throwing away) and $29 on dinner with friends
• Tuesday: $13 on a salad that took me hours to finish and $20 on a Game of Thrones companion book
• Wednesday: $26 on a raw goji berry bar, smoothie, and kale salad (because I was feeling fancy) and $37 on a beer garden dinner (where I mistakenly ordered spatzel sans cheese)
• Thursday: $1150 on rent (yes, I’m including it), $4 on two episodes of Degrassi, and $5 on Soul Cycle shoe rental and water
• Friday: $4 on coffee, $10.71 on pizza, $30.63 on veg-loaf and root beer, and $50 on a podcast donation
• Saturday: $19 on mulled wine ingredients and nachos, $60 on a gel manicure (my first custom nail art experience), and $20 on two glasses of wine
• Sunday: $5 on a round-trip ticket on the Path, $15 on a round-trip ticket on NJ Transit, $20 on a wine tasting and food pairing, $20 on two bottles of pumpkin cider, and $16.68 on generic Lactaid pills, Aleve, and coconut water

The Total: $1,597.69

When I saw the total, my initial reaction was relief, but then I realized that almost half of it was spent on food I didn’t even enjoy. The obvious takeaway is that I need to cook at home more often, but it’s not that simple. The truth is, I’m addicted to convenience and have developed some bad habits.

The Reasons Behind My Spending

I wake up at 6 a.m. every morning to work on freelance projects, take a break to get dressed and commute to my day job, order in and eat lunch at my desk, and then work some more until I’m exhausted. I use eating out as a way to reward myself for working hard, but it’s clear that this habit is taking a toll on my finances.

The Commitment to Change

While I may not be ready to overhaul my entire lifestyle, I’m willing to make some adjustments. I’ll start by making my own breakfast, setting aside time for grocery shopping, and getting my lunch game together. I’ll also be more mindful of prices when getting my nails done and make dining out count by doing my research beforehand. It’s time to take control of my spending habits and make a change for the better.