The Anatomy of a Financial Meltdown
When Freedom Isn’t Free
May 2018 was a month I’d rather forget. It was the month I lost my job, and with it, my sense of direction. The severance package offered to me came with a catch: I had to sign away some of my freedom-of-speech rights. I took the money, and within 24 hours, I received $1,810.90. It was a small fortune, but I knew I had to be responsible with it.
The Bills Come First
Or so I thought. I spent $886.95 on necessary expenses, including rent, bills, and subscription services. It was a necessary evil, but I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt when I spent $100 on bills I could’ve avoided, like my dental bill and subscription services.
Food for Thought
My next splurge was on food, and boy, did I splurge! $305.45 went towards groceries, coffee, and food delivery. I was indulging in self-pity fries and McFlurry deliveries, not to mention the mini marshmallows and boxed white wine. It was a ridiculous amount, especially considering I had been staying with friends who cooked dinner for me every night.
Getting Around
As a non-driver, I rely on public transportation and ride-sharing services to get around. $112.93 went towards these expenses, including a monthly public transportation pass and the occasional lazy Uber ride.
Fashion Faux Pas
My clothing expenses were the most cringe-worthy. I spent $314.78 on new shoes, a lap swimsuit, and a striped T-shirt from Target. But things quickly spiraled out of control when I started buying activewear from a fitness influencer’s brand. I convinced myself I needed the clothes to teach pilates classes, but in reality, it was just an excuse to splurge.
Miscellaneous Mayhem
The final nail in the coffin was my miscellaneous spending. $109.34 went towards a cat litter box, baby succulents, a movie ticket, and a pedicure. Yes, you read that right – a pedicure while I was unemployed!
The Final Tally
In total, I spent $1,729.45 in under 30 days. When I started my new job 32 days later, I had just under $100 left. It was a hard lesson to learn, but I realized that my money problems were deeper than I thought. Sometimes, you have to hit rock bottom to see the error of your ways.
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