She Strengthens

Growing Up Frugal, Falling into Debt

My childhood was marked by frugality and simplicity. My parents, a project manager and a part-time medical transcriptionist, instilled in me the importance of saving and appreciating the little things. I remember receiving a weekly allowance, with strict instructions to set aside 10% for long-term savings and 10% for retirement. It may have seemed insignificant at the time, but those habits stuck with me.

A Shift in Perspective

When I started high school, I transferred to a school in a wealthier part of town. The contrast was stark. My classmates would complain about their parents’ vacation plans or show off expensive gifts. I began to think that having parents fully fund their children’s university educations was the norm. But when I mentioned this to my mom, she burst my bubble, explaining that we wouldn’t have that luxury.

Family Struggles

As I navigated high school, my family faced its own set of challenges. My dad’s struggles with alcoholism began to take a toll on our household. My parents fought frequently, and my brother and I often escaped to coffee shops or the city to avoid the tension. My mom returned to work, and our once-homemade meals gave way to takeout. I was studying for exams, trying to figure out my future, and working part-time to save for a trip to Europe.

The Aftermath

After graduating, I flew to Europe with my best friend, trying to put my family’s troubles out of mind. But when I returned, the cycle continued. My dad was in and out of rehab, and our household was plagued by uncertainty. I started a diploma program, living at home to support my mom and save money. But I also started shopping to cope with my emotions, accumulating debt and student loans.

Breaking the Cycle

It took years, but I finally confronted my debt, totaling around $23,000. I realized that I had been using shopping as a coping mechanism, a habit that took years to break. My mom later revealed that they had to spend my education fund on my dad’s rehab instead. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I eventually came to understand that we were all doing the best we could.

Lessons Learned

Today, I’m grateful for the lessons I learned as a child – to save and appreciate the simple things. I’m also proud of the strength I’ve found since. My family has come a long way, and we’re all doing well now. My brother loves meal-prepping to save cash, my mom has rediscovered her passion for cooking, and I live a minimalist, debt-free life. I’ve replaced shopping with trail runs and outdoor hikes to manage my stress. It’s been a long, tumultuous journey, but I’m finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.