She Strengthens

From Shopaholic to Financial Freedom: My Journey

As a fashion blogger, I’m often perceived as having it all together when it comes to personal finance. But what you’re about to read is a different side of me – a side that’s struggled with shopping addiction and financial irresponsibility.

The Dark Days

Before 2016, I was a shopaholic. I’d spend thousands of dollars on designer goods, racking up credit card debt and depleting my savings. I worked hard, but my hard-earned money was spent on fleeting pleasures – eating out, traveling, and shopping. My record year was a staggering $30,000 spent on online shopping alone.

The Turning Point

Everything changed in 2015 when I moved in with my then-boyfriend (now husband) and we merged our finances. My husband’s patient guidance and our joint efforts to become financially responsible transformed my life. We took Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University course, which became our version of pre-marital counseling. It was a tough year, filled with growing pains, but it marked the beginning of my journey towards financial freedom.

The Realities of Living a Financially Responsible Life

Living a financially responsible life isn’t always glamorous. There are sacrifices to be made and disciplines to be followed. Here are some harsh realities I’ve faced:

• Budgeting is a never-ending process: It’s not just about creating a budget; it’s about sticking to it, re-checking, and re-aligning every month.
• Impulsive shopping is a thing of the past: Those spontaneous Target runs or designer purchases are no longer an option. I’ve had to learn to appreciate quality over brand names.
• Luxury goods are a rare treat: My weakness for luxury goods has been replaced with a more practical approach to spending. Unless I land a six-figure job, designer goods will remain a distant dream.
• Saying no is hard, but necessary: Learning to say no to things I want, but can’t afford, has been a difficult but essential part of my journey.

The Upside

However, living a financially responsible life has its unexpected benefits:

• Appreciating things for what they are: I’ve come to value quality over brand names and understand the appeal of designer goods.
• Living life more fully: Without material possessions as an excuse, I’ve started exploring other hobbies and activities that bring me joy – like reading, cleaning, and spending time with friends.
• Financial peace is real: Having a cash reserve has given me peace of mind, especially when faced with unexpected expenses, like my cat’s cancer treatment.
• Being more generous: With a flexible budget, I can be more generous when hosting friends and family, which brings me immense joy.

Your Turn

Now it’s your turn to share your personal finance journey. What’s your biggest obstacle right now? What would you ask your future self if you could travel through time?