Why I Spend Money the Way I Do (And Maybe You Do Too) by Shuxuan Chang

 Why I Spend Money the Way I Do (And Maybe You Do Too) by Shuxuan Chang

      “Huh? Where’s my money? I’ve checked all the places where I might have put it, but it’s nowhere to be found! I distinctly remember having a little bit left. How is it that, by the end of the month, I don't have a single penny of my allowance left?

       Lying face-down on my bed, I recalled the moment my parents first gave me an allowance. Back then, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and cherished that money dearly—I would always spend only a tiny fraction of it, saving every last penny. I find myself puzzled: at what point did I stop regarding money as something so precious? Now, it seems I only realize its importance when I find myself completely broke.

        Whenever I see my parents shopping, they only buy what they actually need—and only occasionally what they merely want. In contrast, when I see my friends buying things, I often feel the urge to buy them too; I worry that if I don't, I might fall behind or feel left out. But after I’ve made a purchase—and especially when I find myself with nothing else to do—I sometimes start thinking that the item isn't really a big deal after all, and that I would have been just fine without it. Deep down, I realize that much of this behavior is impulsive spending. I do feel pretty regretful, but I think I still have a chance to turn things around. It’s not too late, after all.