Okay, let’s get real for a second. Who else has opened their bank app, seen the balance, and immediately closed it like it was a jumpscare? 🙋‍♀️ Yeah, me too. For the longest time, I treated my finances like a horror movie—avoiding it at all costs. But here’s the thing: avoiding your money doesn’t make it go away. It just makes it scarier. So, I decided to face my financial fears head-on, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.
I used to think budgeting was something only “adult adults” did—you know, the kind of people who have matching furniture and actually know how to fold a fitted sheet. But then I realized, wait, I’m an adult too (technically). So why was I still living paycheck to paycheck, with no clue where my money was going?
Here’s the turning point: I started tracking my spending. And by “tracking,” I mean I downloaded a budgeting app (no, I’m not naming it, but you know the one) and actually logged every single purchase. Coffee? Logged. Impulse Amazon buy? Logged. That random $10 I gave my friend for gas? Logged. And let me tell you, it was eye-opening. I had no idea how much I was spending on things I didn’t even care about.
But here’s the thing—tracking your spending isn’t about shaming yourself. It’s about awareness. Once I saw where my money was going, I could make intentional choices. Like, do I really need a $6 latte every day, or can I make coffee at home and save that money for something I actually want, like a weekend getaway?
Another thing I learned? Emergency funds aren’t just for emergencies. They’re for peace of mind. I used to think, “Oh, I’ll start saving when I have more money.” But guess what? “More money” never just shows up. You have to make it happen. So, I started small—$20 here, $50 there—and slowly built up a cushion. And let me tell you, the first time I had to use it (hello, unexpected car repair), I felt like a freaking superhero.
Investing was another hurdle. I used to think investing was only for rich people or finance bros in suits. But then I realized, wait, I’m already investing—just in things that don’t grow, like my closet full of clothes I never wear. So, I decided to dip my toes into the stock market. And by “dip my toes,” I mean I started with a tiny amount of money I could afford to lose. It’s been a learning curve, but honestly, it’s kind of fun. Like, who knew I’d get excited about compound interest?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that managing your money isn’t about being perfect. It’s about progress. Some months I’m on top of my budget, and other months… well, let’s just say I’ve had my fair share of “treat yourself” moments. And that’s okay. The important thing is that I’m taking control of my finances instead of letting them control me.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your money, start small. Track your spending. Build an emergency fund. Maybe even try investing. And most importantly, be kind to yourself. You’re not alone in this, and every step you take is a step toward financial confidence.