The Excitement of Making Money Fast
Making $90 in a single day felt like a small victory—a breath of fresh air after weeks of tight budgeting. For freelancers, creators, or anyone living paycheck to paycheck, such a day feels rewarding. However, that reward quickly turned into regret when I realized I had spent it all by nightfall—mostly on food and toiletries.
Where Did the Money Go?
Here’s a quick breakdown of how the money disappeared:
- $30 on groceries (mostly perishables)
- $20 on fast food and snacks
- $25 on toiletries
- $15 on miscellaneous items
At the end of the day, I was left with no savings, no emergency buffer, and nothing of lasting value. What I had was full shelves, a full belly—and full-blown regret.
What I Could Have Done Better
1. Always Create a Spending Plan First
Even a simple plan using the 50/30/20 rule—50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings—could have saved the day. Budgeting isn’t just for people with large incomes; it’s for everyone.
2. Establish a Financial Priority List
Not all purchases are urgent. If I had ranked my expenses in order of necessity, I could have skipped most of the non-essentials.
3. Save a Portion Immediately
A personal finance classic: pay yourself first. Even saving $10 would’ve left me with a feeling of control over my money.
4. Practice Mindful Spending
Asking “Do I really need this?” before each purchase helps in reducing impulse buys and promoting financial discipline.
5. Use the 24-Hour Rule
Delaying non-essential purchases by just a day often changes your mind—and saves your wallet.
How This Changed My Financial Mindset
That $90 could have been seed money for an emergency fund or a small bulk grocery run that lasted weeks. It could have gone into a digital savings wallet or been used to pay off minor debts. This experience taught me that true financial freedom begins with intentional spending.
Steps I’m Taking Now
- Using a digital envelope budgeting app
- Making a monthly essentials checklist
- Scheduling no-spend days each week
- Journaling every income and expense
- Consuming regular personal finance content for motivation
Final Thoughts: Every Dollar Should Have a Job
Whether you earn $10 or $1,000 a day, your money should serve a purpose. Let my mistake be your lesson. Create a plan. Respect your income. Build habits. Grow wealth. Because in the world of personal finance, it’s not what you make, but what you keep—and how you use it—that defines your future.