She Strengthens

My Journey to Mastering Personal Finance

I still remember the day I created my first budget spreadsheet in 2013. It was a simple tool to track my income and expenses, but it marked the beginning of a journey that would change my life. Over the years, I’ve learned valuable lessons about money management, discipline, and living below my means.

The Coffee Conundrum

As a young adult, I was guilty of overspending on coffee. It was a daily habit that added up quickly, with some days seeing me spend upwards of $6-$9 CAD on multiple cups. It took me a couple of years to realize the impact it was having on my budget, but eventually, I limited myself to one coffee a day and explored cheaper alternatives. Today, I’ve cut my coffee expenses down to less than $30 a month, and I still treat myself occasionally.

The Power of Savings Goals

When I started my budget, I had two major goals: paying off my student debt and saving for a graduation trip. By setting specific targets and timelines, I learned the importance of discipline and prioritization. I quickly realized that while I was making a good income, I didn’t have much left over after factoring in my savings goals and living expenses. This wake-up call helped me develop a savings habit that has stuck with me to this day.

The Side Hustle Solution

As I navigated my budget, I encountered items I wanted but couldn’t afford. That’s when I turned to side hustling. I started mystery shopping, which allowed me to earn extra money for specific purchases. This experience taught me the value of creativity and resourcefulness in achieving my financial goals.

The Subscription Trap

I used to fall prey to subscription services I didn’t need or use. It was a hard lesson to learn, but I eventually realized that those small monthly fees added up quickly. Now, I’m more mindful of my subscriptions and make sure they align with my values and budget. I’ve also developed a system to remind myself to cancel free trials before they expire.

The Joy of Cooking

Learning to cook on a budget has been a game-changer for me. It’s not only saved me money but also become a source of relaxation and self-care. By buying items on sale and preparing meals in advance, I’ve been able to reduce my food expenses and enjoy the process of cooking.

Prioritizing What Matters

Going through my finances has taught me to stop spending money on people who don’t matter. I used to attend social events out of obligation, but now I politely decline and focus on nurturing meaningful relationships. This shift in mindset has saved me time and money, and I’m more intentional about how I spend my resources.

The Flexibility of Budgets

I used to think budgets were rigid and inflexible, but I’ve come to realize that they’re meant to be dynamic. As my plans change, so does my budget. I regularly review my finances to ensure I’m on track to meet my goals, and I make adjustments as needed.

Beyond Budgeting Hacks

I used to think that finding the perfect budgeting app or technique would solve all my financial woes. But I’ve learned that it’s not about the tools; it’s about developing good habits. Changing how I track my expenses doesn’t change my spending habits. The essence of budgeting is about discipline and lifestyle changes, not just numbers.

The Benefits of Living at Home

I used to feel pressured to move out of my family’s home as soon as possible, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to live with them for as long as I did. It allowed me to focus on my budget and savings goals without the added expenses of rent and utilities. Now, I’m proud to say that I own my apartment, and I’m managing my mortgage, emergency fund, and living expenses with ease.

In conclusion, my journey to mastering personal finance has been a transformative experience. I’ve learned to prioritize my goals, develop good habits, and make intentional decisions about how I spend my money. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to take control of their finances and build a brighter future.