Friday Finances

Photo by Photo by Daria Glakteeva on Unsplash I still remember the Friday mornings when my paycheck would arrive, and I'd spend the entire amount within four days. I genuinely thought this was how adult life worked – that the mild ambient financial dread was just a part of being a person. It wasn't until years later, when I finally opened a spreadsheet at 11 pm on a Wednesday, that I realized I wasn't alone in my financial struggles. The numbers stared back at me, saying something I had been avoiding for two years. No trust fund, no windfall, and no period of financial stability before the age of twenty-seven. I had to learn about money the hard way – through debt, dumb decisions, and the slow process of unlearning the things I had absorbed by osmosis.

The Money Talk

My parents didn't give me the money talk, and school didn't either. I had to figure it out myself, which meant I had to unlearn the shame and stigma surrounding financial discussions. Budgeting wasn't deprivation; it was a means to an end. People who were good with money weren't born that way; they had learned, often through trial and error. I write about personal finance the way I wish someone had talked to me – without the implication that I just needed to want it badly enough, without the advice that required an income I didn't have, and without the condescension that launched a thousand eye-rolls. As I reflect on my journey, I realize that my financial fumbles were a result of my money mindset. I thought that having a lot of money would solve all my problems, but it's not that simple. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, 64% of adults reported that money was a significant source of stress in their lives. This statistic resonated with me, as I often found myself lying awake at night, worrying about how I would pay my bills.

"The habit of saving is itself an education; it fosters every virtue, teaches self-denial, cultivates the sense of order, trains to forethought, and broadens the mind." - T.T. Munger These words, penned by T.T. Munger, struck a chord with me. Saving wasn't just about putting money away; it was about cultivating a sense of order and forethought. It was about broadening my mind and fostering virtues that would benefit me in the long run.

The Shift in Perspective

It wasn't until I hit rock bottom, financially speaking, that I had a shift in perspective. I realized that I had been living in a state of constant financial stress, and it was affecting every aspect of my life. I began to see that financial freedom wasn't just about having a lot of money; it was about having control over my finances and making conscious decisions about how I spent my money. I started to prioritize my spending, making sure that I was allocating my money in a way that aligned with my values. I also started to build an emergency fund, which gave me a sense of security and reduced my stress levels. As I look back on my journey, I realize that my financial struggles were a result of my lack of knowledge and my unhealthy money mindset. I had to learn to be kind to myself and to acknowledge that it's okay to make mistakes. I had to learn to reframe my thinking and to see that financial freedom is a journey, not a destination. It's a process of learning, growing, and evolving, and it's okay to take it one step at a time. One of the most significant lessons I've learned is the importance of habits in achieving financial freedom. According to a study by the Journal of Economic Psychology, people who have a habit of saving are more likely to achieve their financial goals. This makes sense, as saving is a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly. By making saving a habit, I've been able to build wealth over time and achieve a sense of financial stability.

The Power of Habits

Habits are powerful because they allow us to make decisions without thinking. When we have a habit of saving, we don't have to think about whether or not to save; we just do it. This reduces the mental energy required to make financial decisions and makes it more likely that we'll stick to our goals. I've found that by making saving a habit, I've been able to reduce my financial stress and increase my sense of financial security. As I continue on my journey towards financial freedom, I'm reminded of the importance of patience and persistence. It's not always easy, and there are still times when I feel overwhelmed by my financial responsibilities. But I know that I'm not alone, and that there are many others out there who are struggling to make ends meet. I hope that my story can serve as a reminder that financial freedom is possible, no matter where you're starting from. It's a journey, not a destination, and it's okay to take it one step at a time. In the end, it's not about the money; it's about the freedom and peace of mind that comes with it. It's about being able to live life on your own terms, without the weight of financial stress holding you back. As I sit here, writing in my notebook, I'm reminded of the power of financial freedom and the importance of taking control of your finances. It's a journey that's not always easy, but it's one that's worth taking.