I have a problem spending money — and it’s not what you think
I have a problem spending my money, even on essentials and necessities.
I grew up dirt poor and my parents didn’t have much. We filed for bankruptcy for God’s sake.
I wanted to take gymnastics and martial arts classes but my parents didn’t have money for that. People said it was only $100 per month but my parents didn’t have $100 to spare each month.
But I would say I grew up OK. I had three meals per day, a roof above my head and parents who loved. I also graduated from college, working in corporate america with a decent job and bought my own house. I’m fully independent but I have this issue where it pains me to spend my hard work earned income to improve and simplify my lifestyle.
- It’s difficult to get rid of the scarcity mindset. The fear that I will run out of money and the fear that I will become dirt poor once again.
2. Frugality has been instilled with me since young. I didn’t go on ice cream runs after school and I didn’t participate in any book fairs or fundraisers.
3. Saving is second nature. If I’m not spending money on my mortgage or 401K, it immediately goes to a high yield savings account.
The stuff I really don’t spend on are:
Food — I would much rather starve or eat cucumbers than go out to a restaurant and buy food. Most people are scared of showing up at a restaurant eating alone. I’m more scared of spending my money at a restaurant because I won’t have enough for retirement when I’m older, travels when I decide I want to go on in the nearby future…
