She Strengthens

Time is Money, But Only if You’re Smart About It

When it comes down to it, time is the most valuable resource I have. Without it, I’m nothing. But to survive, I need money. It’s a simple equation: time + money = life.

The High Life

I used to earn a substantial salary, $52,000 to be exact. It was a comfortable existence, one where I could afford luxuries and still save. I took home around $800 per week after taxes, a sum that felt like a fortune to me. I could prioritize convenience over cost and still have money left over to stash away. It was a luxurious feeling, like watching cookies bake in the oven, warm and comforting.

The Fall from Grace

But then I quit my job to become a freelancer, thinking I’d reached a financial peak. I was wrong. Being a freelancer is tough, and my income is now variable and unpredictable. I often fall short of my target earnings, and publications owe me money that seems to take forever to arrive. After rent, bills, and other expenses, my savings disappeared quickly. I closed my savings account, feeling ashamed and foolish.

The Harsh Reality

Today, I have nothing to show for my earnings but a rented apartment and a collection of experiences. I’m being hard on myself, but it’s a harsh reality check. My refusal to think carefully about my spending habits is the only reason I don’t have more money now. As a freelancer, I still spent like I was earning a steady $800 per week, even though I wasn’t.

A Profound Grossness

It’s embarrassing to admit that I don’t have a savings account. It’s a profound grossness that I can’t justify. I should be saving money, period. My only consolation is that I use an app to squirrel away small amounts of cash, but it’s not enough. I need to be mindful and make a budget.

The Simple Truth

Saving is simple when you make a habit out of sacrifice. Spend the same amount on groceries every week, take public transportation, work hard, and keep putting money away. It’s not romantic, but it’s necessary. Today, I’ll open a new savings account, and it will exist, even if it’s just a small start.

A New Beginning

I wish I could say I’ve had some grand epiphany, but the truth is, being financially insecure is just plain hard. There’s no magic solution, just a need for discipline and responsibility. I’ll start small and work my way up. It’s time to take control of my finances and make a change.