Introduction
During my 20s, I found myself in a frustrating cycle. My paychecks seemed to vanish almost as soon as they hit my account, yet I wasn’t spending on anything extravagant. No luxury vacations, no high-end gadgets—just the usual coffee runs, groceries, and everyday purchases. Still, by the end of each month, I was scraping by.
That realisation was a wake-up call. I decided it was time to dig deeper into my habits and take control of my finances. What started as a simple experiment turned into a transformative journey. Here are five lessons I learned along the way—and the small steps that helped me spend more mindfully.
1. Tracking Opened My Eyes
It all started with a notebook and a challenge: track every single expense for one week. Every coffee, every snack, every $2 app download—it all went on the list. By the end of the week, I had a clear picture of where my money was going, and it was more surprising than I expected.
One standout? My “quick coffee stops” were adding up to over $200 a month. It wasn’t just the big purchases draining my account—it was the small, frequent ones I barely noticed.
What I Learned
Awareness is powerful. Once I saw where my money was actually going, I could start making changes.
My Approach
I began categorising my spending using my banking app, which automatically sorted expenses into categories like groceries, dining out, and subscriptions. Over time, this tracking became less about restriction and more about understanding my habits. The clarity helped me focus on areas where I could adjust without feeling deprived.
2. Fun Money is Essential
At first, I tried to “fix” my finances by cutting out all non-essential spending. No dining out, no games, no little indulgences. It worked—for about three weeks. Then one particularly stressful weekend, I gave in and splurged on a shopping spree for discounted video games that I barely played. The guilt hit me hard, and I realised this all-or-nothing approach wasn’t sustainable.
What I Learned
Deprivation leads to burnout. Saving and spending need to coexist for long-term success.
My Approach
I carved out a small “fun money” budget. Whether it was a takeaway meal, a new book, or a discounted game during a sale, having this guilt-free allowance made saving easier to stick to. Knowing I could still enjoy small indulgences within limits took the pressure off and kept me motivated.
3. Impulse Buys Don’t Hold Value
I used to be a sucker for sales, especially on video games and gadgets. If something was 50% off, it felt like a no-brainer—until I realised I had a backlog of games I rarely touched. The thrill of a bargain faded quickly, leaving me with things I didn’t really need.
What I Learned
Impulse purchases often satisfy short-term excitement but don’t add lasting value.
My Approach
I started using a simple 24-hour rule: if I wanted to buy something, I’d wait a day. This pause helped me separate fleeting impulses from meaningful purchases. Most of the time, I’d forget about the item completely, but for the ones I couldn’t stop thinking about, I knew they were worth it.
4. Emotional Spending is a Hidden Habit
After a tough day at work, I often found myself scrolling through online stores. It wasn’t that I needed anything—I just wanted a distraction or a pick-me-up. But those small “treats” added up, and they rarely brought the lasting comfort I was seeking.
What I Learned
Spending can be emotional, and recognising the triggers is the first step to change.
My Approach
I started paying attention to my patterns. If I felt stressed, I’d redirect my energy—whether it was taking a walk, calling a friend, or tackling a creative project. I also unsubscribed from promotional emails and removed saved payment details from shopping sites, adding an intentional pause to my decision-making.
5. Automating Savings Changed Everything
For years, my savings strategy was simple: save whatever was left at the end of the month. The problem? There was rarely anything left. The idea of “paying yourself first” completely shifted my mindset.
What I Learned
Consistency beats perfection. Automating even small amounts builds momentum over time.
My Approach
I set up an automatic transfer that moved a portion of my paycheck into a separate savings account every payday. Starting small—just $50 a fortnight—felt manageable, and over time, I increased the amount as I grew more comfortable. Watching my savings grow without effort was empowering and kept me motivated to stick with it.
Conclusion
My journey to mindful spending wasn’t about rigid rules or sudden changes—it was about small, intentional steps that added up over time. Tracking my habits, allowing space for joy, pausing before purchases, and automating savings have all been key to building a healthier relationship with money.
If you’re looking to take control of your spending, start with one small step. Whether it’s tracking your expenses for a week or setting up an automated savings plan, every action brings you closer to your goals. Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about finding what works for your life and celebrating the progress you make along the way.
