Growing up in a family where my parents loved to pamper me, I'd admit I was quite a spoiled kid in my younger days. In turn, that made me develop this bad habit of spending unnecessarily. By that, I meant impulsive spending.
When I was younger, I really loved cute things, ranging from soft toys to room decorations. I would literally buy anything that I deemed as cute, without thinking about the practical use of the items, and the financial consequences. I bought items even when I don't need them. I bought clothes that I didn't wear. I bought books that I didn't read. Back then, I did not understand the value of money and, hence the consequences were not having much savings. I also constantly worked part-time in order to fuel the financial consequences of my impulsive spendings. It was only until I grew older that I understood the true value of money.
During my first year in polytechnic, I had the opportunity to renovate my room. That was when I realized how much I had to declutter, how many stuff I had to throw out. Some of the things were not even used once. It hit me then that all these spring cleanings would not be necessary if it were not for the impulsive spendings made in the past. That was the moment I told myself if I continued this, it would not be beneficial for me in terms of finances and spending habits. I also made a monthly savings goal and spendings list. However, the most important factor was definitely telling myself that I should only buy stuff that I need and truly want, and not impulsive wants.
I have also been trying to go minimalistic these days. It still serves to be difficult because there is a lot of things I really cherish and cannot bear to throw away, but it really helps with my spendings as it serves as a reminder that I should only purchase what I need, and things that I know I really want.
When I was younger, I really loved cute things, ranging from soft toys to room decorations. I would literally buy anything that I deemed as cute, without thinking about the practical use of the items, and the financial consequences. I bought items even when I don't need them. I bought clothes that I didn't wear. I bought books that I didn't read. Back then, I did not understand the value of money and, hence the consequences were not having much savings. I also constantly worked part-time in order to fuel the financial consequences of my impulsive spendings. It was only until I grew older that I understood the true value of money.
During my first year in polytechnic, I had the opportunity to renovate my room. That was when I realized how much I had to declutter, how many stuff I had to throw out. Some of the things were not even used once. It hit me then that all these spring cleanings would not be necessary if it were not for the impulsive spendings made in the past. That was the moment I told myself if I continued this, it would not be beneficial for me in terms of finances and spending habits. I also made a monthly savings goal and spendings list. However, the most important factor was definitely telling myself that I should only buy stuff that I need and truly want, and not impulsive wants.
I have also been trying to go minimalistic these days. It still serves to be difficult because there is a lot of things I really cherish and cannot bear to throw away, but it really helps with my spendings as it serves as a reminder that I should only purchase what I need, and things that I know I really want.
Thanks, Jorine, for sharing this detailed reflection. I appreciate the way you document your earlier attitude and your transformation. (It is very hard to throw thing out, eh? I have the same problem.)
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