She Strengthens

My Week of Financial Faux Pas

As I reflect on the past week, I’m reminded that even the most well-intentioned among us can fall prey to financial missteps. Here are my confessions, and the lessons I’ve learned from them.

The Online Shopping Blunder

I recently fell victim to the allure of online shopping, purchasing a black tulle skirt that looked elegant and subtle online. However, when it arrived, it was a poofy, costume-like disaster. Returning it has proven to be a hassle, and I’ve learned a valuable lesson: don’t take risks with online purchases that will be hard to return. Try before you buy, whenever possible.

The Takeout Trap

While traveling with my partner, we ordered takeout from a restaurant across the street from our hotel. We didn’t check the portion sizes, and ended up with enough food for several meals. Most of it went to waste, and my heart still aches thinking about it. Moral of the story: always check the portion sizes before ordering takeout.

The Unnecessary Cocktail

Celebrating a friend’s birthday, I should have stopped at the complimentary shots. Instead, I splurged on a fancy bourbon-based cocktail, which I didn’t even finish. Lesson learned: know when to stop, and don’t feel pressured to keep ordering drinks just to fit in.

The Eyelash Curler Fiasco

I’ve fallen for the eyelash curler trap once again, despite knowing I’m not skilled enough to use it effectively. My top lashes looked crimped and clumpy, as expected. Moral of the story: acknowledge your weaknesses and don’t waste money on products that won’t work for you.

The Easter Candy Binge

I should have stuck to a small bag of Cadbury Mini Eggs, but instead, I indulged in a family-size bag, plus a bag of Sweet Tarts jelly beans. Now, I’m left with a cabinet full of tempting treats and the sugar-induced breakouts to prove it. Lesson learned: buy small, and don’t tempt yourself with excessive treats.

The Travel Magazine Mistake

I subscribed to a magazine to prevent impulse buys, but still found myself purchasing a travel magazine at the drugstore before a trip. It was a small investment, but one that left me feeling guilty. Moral of the story: avoid temptation by avoiding the drugstore altogether.

The Coffee Conundrum

Why did I spend $4 on a coffee just for the WiFi, when I could have gone back to the hotel and enjoyed the free WiFi? Sometimes, going back to “home” feels like a defeat, but it’s better than wasting money on overpriced coffee. Lesson learned: suck it up and go home.

The Phone Bill Overages

I forgot to log into the hotel WiFi, resulting in a $15 overage on my phone bill. It’s a simple mistake, but one that could have been avoided. Moral of the story: connect to the hotel WiFi as soon as you arrive – it’s a habit worth forming.

By sharing these financial faux pas, I hope to remind myself and others that even small mistakes can add up over time. By being mindful of our spending habits and acknowledging our weaknesses, we can make better financial decisions and avoid these common pitfalls.