She Strengthens

Breaking Free from Financial Burden

For a long time, I struggled to save money. As a restaurant and hair salon worker, I had a steady stream of cash coming in, but it was easy to spend it without thinking. My minimum-wage paycheck was small, and tips made up the bulk of my income. The problem wasn’t that I didn’t earn enough; it was that having cash on hand made it too tempting to splurge.

A New Chapter

Everything changed when I landed a well-paying salaried job. Without the constant influx of cash, I found it easier to save. I started tracking my expenses, created a budget, and began reading my financial trends. The results were eye-opening. I was shocked to discover that I had spent over $1,000 on miscellaneous items in just one month!

Taking Control

I realized that I needed to make some changes. I started moving money from my debit card account into my savings as soon as possible. Once it was out of sight, it was out of mind. This simple trick helped me save more than I ever thought possible.

Motivation Matters

My desires and motivation have been the driving force behind my ability to save. I’m planning a big cross-country move soon, and I want to make it as smooth as possible. I also want to travel frequently and live the life I want, without worrying about affordability. Having a financial cushion gives me the freedom to make choices that align with my goals.

Living Below My Means

I make a conscious effort to keep my monthly bills low. I take public transportation to work, paid off my phone in full to lower my monthly bill, and sold my car to avoid unnecessary expenses. By living below my means, I’m able to save or spend the remaining 51% of my income as I wish.

Breaking Down My Expenses

Here’s how I allocate my income:

• 38%: Rent, home insurance, and parking
• 30%: Groceries
• 21%: Transportation (city transit pass, car insurance, and gas)
• 5%: Cell phone
• 3%: Electricity
• 3%: Miscellaneous payments and bank fees

Spending Bans and Savings

I’ve implemented spending bans seven times over the past two years, which have contributed significantly to my savings. I also try to keep my savings contributions low-pressure, knowing that any amount is better than nothing.

Lessons Learned

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned valuable lessons. I’ve realized the importance of including spending money and savings in my budget. I’ve also learned to be more mindful of my grocery budget and to strive for minimalism. It’s an ongoing process, but I’m committed to creating the life I want.

The Bottom Line

Saving money doesn’t mean sacrificing happiness. I’ve been on many trips, paid off debts, and enjoyed life’s pleasures while still saving for the future. By living intentionally and making conscious financial decisions, I’m creating a life that aligns with my values and goals.