She Strengthens

Rediscovering My Financial Priorities

A chance encounter with a friend who had recently taken up running sparked a profound realization within me. As I watched her enthusiastically showcase her expensive gear, I couldn’t help but wonder how much she had spent on it. Her response – “a lot, but it matters to me, so” – lingered in my mind long after our conversation ended.

A Hard Look at My Spending Habits

Inspired by my friend’s conviction, I decided to examine my own bank statements, identifying purchases that genuinely aligned with my values and priorities. I was surprised to find that many of my expenses were driven by others’ expectations rather than my own desires. One area that stood out was my excessive spending on going out, particularly on alcohol.

The Social Pressure of Drinking

I love trying new food and dining out, but I realized that my drinking habits were largely influenced by those around me. If my friends were drinking, I would join in, even if I didn’t particularly want to. This mob mentality was draining my budget without bringing me any real joy. So, I decided to take a bold step: I would stop buying and drinking alcohol for a month to reassess its importance in my life.

The 31-Day Challenge

Telling friends about my challenge kept me accountable, and I stuck to my plan, opting for water instead of drinks when we went out. While some nights were tough, others were surprisingly easy. The most significant benefit was seeing the money stay in my bank account, and enjoying the absence of hangovers.

Lessons Learned

This experiment taught me valuable lessons about my spending habits and priorities. Here are some strategies I now use to navigate social pressures and make more intentional financial decisions:

• Be honest without making a fuss: Saying “no” to drinks became easier with practice, and I realized that my friends didn’t care as much as I thought they did.
• Be selfish: I learned to prioritize my own needs and desires, rather than trying to please others.
• Take a 10-second check: Pausing before making a purchase helps me assess whether it truly aligns with my values.
• Remember, it’s just alcohol: Removing the stigma around saying “no” to drinks freed me from unnecessary spending and allowed me to focus on more meaningful activities.
• It’s okay to still be figuring things out: Continuously reviewing my spending and priorities ensures that I’m allocating my resources wisely and living intentionally.

A Newfound Sense of Freedom

Taking this challenge was uncomfortable at times, but it ultimately gave me the confidence to take control of my finances. I no longer include others in my financial decisions, and I’ve discovered that I have the power to say “no” whenever I want. By removing trivial expenses, I’ve gained the freedom to explore new interests and pursue what truly matters to me.