Over the past year, I have transformed my
relationship with money. It is no secret, I struggle with social anxiety
and depression and have taken a much needed break to seek treatment. In
doing so, I neglect to have a source of income. Moreover, I have to
live at home with my parents, for the necessary mental and financial
support. Furthermore, this whole life experience has provoked me to
reevaluate the value of money and change how I spend it.
I
used to buy things impulsively with no planning, which often meant
unnecessary purchases would consume my savings, making it difficult to
purchase the things I actually needed. In coping with no income and
trying to plan for the future, I realized, wholeheartedly, the level of
stress and anxiety I feel while working is not comparable to being able
to own a lot of materialistic possessions. As a result, I have
drastically simplified my lifestyle and consequent spending habits. This
has meant learning how to effectively price-match and use coupons, sell
all the items I no longer use or need, complete paid surveys for
marketing companies online, join several online reward programs,
entering sweepstakes and contests, and most importantly creating a
strategic plan for all spending.
I have truly enjoyed and valued the learning experience I have undergone, and can no longer even imagine falling back into my old reckless spending habits. I now have clear financial goals, which are by no means extravagant or luxurious, but simply to be financially independent with enough money to live and enjoy life.
This blog is dedicated to my financial journey and for those looking to make similar changes or to assist me in mine.

