Dear Abee, About Money…

I believe I spend too much money on things that I don’t need, but they make me happy in the moment. like I have too many plushies, but I always want more. What do I do?

Anon,

 Plenty of people have spending problems! Whether it’s clothes, food, plushies, etc. It might sound basic but set non spending goals for yourself! Make a calendar, and the days you don't spend money are green days. At the end of a non-spending week, maybe you can get yourself a little treat! And then slowly wean yourself off of spending as much. For example, try to go for 3 days without spending money, to 5, and so on and so forth. Even making an actual savings account, or putting the money in a piggy bank. I had a similar problem, and made a savings account and while there’s not much in there, you always feel a little successful, and so adult when you put money in a savings account! And, with a piggy bank, it’s just fun. Mine is a Pikachu, and honestly it’s just too much work getting into a piggy bank to take money out. It’s always worth it in the end to have a saved amount of money, and in the case of ANY emergency, it’s there.

 And with the small stuff you buy yourself, how long does it actually make you happy? Do you think about the things you bought like two weeks ago? A month ago? If you can’t see yourself having the item forever, and remembering it exists, it isn’t worth it!

 -Abee