She Strengthens

Taking Control of My Finances: A Journey of Self-Awareness

As a 25-year-old, I’m part of a generation that’s constantly connected to social media. While it’s great for inspiration and staying in touch with friends, it also means we’re bombarded with advertisements like never before. For a while, I fell into the trap of mindless spending, thinking that since I was working full-time, I could afford to splurge. But the reality of overconsumption and the environmental impact of fast fashion hit me hard. I realized I needed to make a change.

Finding Balance with Bullet Journaling

To take control of my time and finances, I turned to bullet journaling. It helped me prioritize my tasks, schedule side hustles, and make time for self-care. But I wondered if I could use it to track my spending habits too. After researching ways to save, I started by monitoring my expenses for two weeks. Every time I felt the urge to buy something, I wrote it down, including the reason why and how I was feeling. This exercise revealed that I often shopped out of boredom or stress.

The Power of Tracking

To track my spending, I dedicated four pages in my bullet journal to a two-week diary. Each day, I recorded my expenses and a brief summary of what I spent my money on. I also added a section for online shopping, my biggest weakness. By doing so, I became more mindful of my spending habits and started to break the cycle of impulsive buying.

The 30-Day Challenge

Next, I set myself a monthly habit tracker: no online shopping for 30 days. Every time I felt the urge to shop, I transferred money into my savings account instead. This exercise was a game-changer, helping me reset my habits and break the cycle of mindless browsing. I also started a wish list, where I wrote down items I wanted to buy, why I wanted them, and waited two to four weeks before making a purchase. Nine times out of 10, I lost interest in the item by the time the waiting period was over.

The Anti-Wishlist

My wish list has become a powerful tool in curbing my spending. By waiting before making a purchase, I’ve saved money and reduced my impulse buying. I’ve also stopped buying and returning items, which has dramatically reduced my spending on clothes and quick buys. As a result, I’ve started saving twice as much each month and feel more in control of my finances.

A New Year, A New Me

In 2019, I plan to continue tracking my spending, maintaining my no-online-shopping habit, and using my wish list to stay mindful of my purchases. By using a bullet journal, I’ve gained a physical way to monitor my spending and created a buffer between my emotions and impulsive buying. I’m excited to see how these habits will continue to shape my financial future.