She Strengthens

The Top 15 Money-Wasting Habits I’ve Learned to Break

As a young adult, I thought I was making smart financial decisions, but looking back, I realize I was throwing money away on unnecessary expenses. Here are the top 15 money-wasting habits I’ve learned to break:

Textbook Trap
In my freshman year, I spent a small fortune on textbooks, only to find out I barely used them. Luckily, I discovered that my university was part of an inter-library consortium, allowing me to borrow textbooks for free.

Snack Attack
Growing up in India, I was spoiled by in-flight meals. When I moved to the US, I justified buying overpriced airport snacks, thinking I’d starve otherwise. Now, I prep my own snacks and save money.

Mobile Data Mishap
I used to pay $120 a month for a phone plan with 3 GB of data, thinking I needed to stay connected 24/7. But with Wi-Fi available almost everywhere, I downgraded to a basic plan and saved big.

Professional Wardrobe Overkill
When I started my career, I thought I needed a fancy wardrobe to impress. But in reality, a few quality staples are all I need. No more unnecessary splurges on identical navy blue blazers!

Investment Pieces Gone Wrong
In college, I spent money on “investment” pieces, like a pair of Frye boots, but failed to take care of them. Now, I only invest in pieces I’m committed to maintaining.

Cookware Chaos
When I started cooking, I went on a kitchen gear shopping spree. But I soon realized I didn’t need all those fancy gadgets. A solid set of basics is all I need.

Day Planner Disaster
Every January, I’d buy a fancy day planner, thinking it would make me more organized. But I’d only use it for a week before abandoning it. Now, I stick to my laptop’s calendar app – it’s free and effective!

Gym Membership Fail
I used to buy a gym membership every January, only to stop going after a month. Now, I focus on walking 15,000 steps a day and use my FitBit to track my progress.

College Party Clothes
I accumulated a collection of sparkly crop tops, thinking I needed them for nights out. But they’ve been collecting dust in my closet, reminding me of the nights I’d rather be at home binge-watching Netflix.

Statement Heels
I used to buy statement heels, thinking they’d make me look stylish. But in reality, I can barely walk three blocks in them before my feet start hurting. Now, I stick to comfortable shoes.

Cocktail Conundrum
In college, I thought it was necessary to spend $40 a night on drinks and drunk food. But now, I’m happy with two drinks out and a reasonable bedtime.

Networking Drinks Debacle
I used to attend happy hours and networking events, thinking they’d help my career. But I realized I wasn’t making any valuable connections, and it was just an excuse to spend money on drinks.

Recipe Book Overload
When I started cooking, I bought a bunch of recipe books, thinking I needed them. But with the internet at my fingertips, I don’t need to hoard books.

New York Times Subscription Snafu
After graduating, I got a New York Times subscription, thinking I’d be a worldly career woman. But I soon realized I was wasting money on unread newspapers when I could access the online version for free.

Fancy Underwear Fiasco
Every year, I’d buy nice underwear, thinking it was a necessity. But they’d always end up stained, shrunken, or lost. Now, I stick to affordable options that get the job done.

By breaking these money-wasting habits, I’ve saved thousands of dollars and developed healthier financial habits.