Now I don’t know about you, but at times it can feel like money is still a taboo subject. I know it can seem crass or a little vulgar to talk about money. But do you know what? Money is what makes the world go round. We all have it in some shape or form. And for a lot of us, we’d really like to have more it. So whether you earn it, manifest it, inherit it or acquire it another way. Let’s talk about money.
Now for me, my financial history is a little chequered. But then isn’t everyone’s? I would absolutely categorise myself as a spender. Even as a child I would spend my pocket money before I’d even earnt it. While working part-time in a supermarket during school every pay cheque was spent in Topshop and Miss Selfridge. And at University a large proportion of my loan was spent on kitting myself out for the next social or night out.
I think for me, spending is nearly always emotional. If I’m sad I’ll buy something to cheer myself up. If I’m bored, I’ll buy something to entertain myself. And if I’m happy, I’ll buy something to celebrate my happiness. It was probably only after getting myself into quite serious debt in my mid twenties that things started to change.
Yes I’m still a spender. And I’m still an emotional spender. But I’ve learnt a LOT over the years on how to manage my finances better. I’m no longer in debt and haven’t been for almost four years (go me!). I have a healthy savings account. Plus an emergency fund. And I still have the money to treat myself to things I really want. Which for me are holidays (though clearly not at the moment), designer handbags and all the Marks and Spencer hummus I can eat.
So if you want to find out exactly how I achieved all this, then check back in next week. As I’m dedicating every Friday to talking about money and our finances. Because right now, I’m sure a lot of us could do with having a better control on what we’re spending, saving and where we’re investing our hard earned cash. If you want to know where all the Finance posts will be saved, you can find them here.
Ahh this is exciting, looking forward to seeing more of your posts around money. As you said it’s seen as taboo and people just don’t discus it, but it’s so important!