Great question, Richard.
Reflecting back, I wish my younger self would’ve heard these answers too. This isn’t the kind of conversation we’re taught to have early on. Most of us grow up learning how to spend, but not how to think about spending. We’re handed debit cards, student loans, and access to credit before anyone helps us understand what that money really means.
It’s not a popular subject, but it’s one of the most important ones to have if you want to build a life that actually feels free. Not just financially, but emotionally too. Because it’s not just about understanding your money. It’s about understanding the why behind your money.
Why do we spend the way we do?
Why do some purchases feel good but leave us empty?
Why do we keep repeating patterns that lead to regret?
Here’s my take. And not from a place of perfection, but from experience, from lessons learned the hard way, and from a deep desire to help you avoid the traps I fell into.
This post is for the younger me.
And for anyone else who’s ready to start spending like they actually respect their future.
What If the Way You Spend Today Shapes the Life You Wake Up to Tomorrow?
When you’re young, spending feels like freedom. Swipe here. Tap there. Order now, worry later. No one teaches you how quickly “treating yourself” can become a lifestyle instead of a reward. Before you know it, your money’s gone, your account is gasping for air, and your stress level is rising.
But here’s the truth most people won’t tell you: The way you spend is a reflection of how much you respect your time, your energy, and your future self.
This is about clarity.
You don’t need to be rich to be wise with money. You just need to pause long enough to ask why you're spending and what you're really buying.
That $100 Could’ve Been Your First Investment
It’s easy to blow $100 without even blinking. A few drinks, some takeout, an impulse buy on TikTok or Amazon. Done. But what if, instead of spending it on moments that vanish, you started thinking of every dollar as a building block?
Let’s get practical:
$100 in an index fund today could grow to over $700 in 30 years.
That same $100 could also fund a course, a side hustle start-up cost, or a therapy session that helps you stop sabotaging your decisions.
The idea isn’t to never spend. It’s to spend with intention.
Ask yourself: “Will I still value this a year from now?” If the answer is no, it’s not worth it. If the answer is yes, you’ll never regret it, even if it wasn’t the cheapest option.
The Difference Between Frugal and Fearful Spending
Being smart with money doesn’t mean being cheap. That “money-saving” habit can actually become scarcity thinking in disguise. Maybe you skip out on quality food, avoid experiences, or underinvest in your growth because you’re scared there won’t be enough.
Frugality is about optimizing value.
Fearful spending is about minimizing risk so much that you end up missing opportunities.
If you're constantly saying no out of fear, ask yourself: Is this truly about saving, or am I avoiding something deeper? Fearful spenders tend to be just as broke as impulse spenders because they don’t invest in themselves, their relationships, or their futures.
Wise spending sometimes means saying yes to the higher-quality version, the long-term gain, or the life-enhancing experience.
Your Budget Isn’t Just Math, It’s a Mirror
Your money shows you what you value. If someone looked at your past three months of spending, what story would it tell?
Would it say:
“I’m investing in my well-being”
“I’m trying to impress people I don’t even like”
“I’m avoiding my emotions through food, shopping, or entertainment?”
Track your money without judgment. Let your numbers teach you. Are you spending like someone who’s building a life they love or someone who’s just trying to escape the one they’re in?
When you know your emotional triggers, you can plan better.
When you know your values, you can spend in alignment.
The “Cheap Now, Expensive Later” Trap
Buying the lowest-cost item can cost you more in the long run. Fast fashion, cheap tech, disposable furniture—they might feel like a win today, but what happens when you replace them three times in a year?
Quality matters. Longevity matters. Peace of mind matters.
Sometimes the smarter move is to wait, save, and buy once, especially when it comes to:
Clothes you’ll wear often
Tools for your side hustle or job
Health-related products
Experiences that build connection or skills
If it adds value to your life over time, it’s not spending. It’s investing.
Subscription Creep Is a Silent Killer
Netflix. Spotify. Apple One. Gym memberships. Mindfulness apps. Food delivery services. What started as “just $9.99/month” becomes a money leak.
Set a reminder once a quarter to audit all your recurring payments.
Ask:
Am I still using this?
Is this bringing me consistent value?
Could I get this same benefit in a more cost-effective way?
Canceling subscriptions isn’t about being stingy. It’s about clearing space for the things that actually matter to you.
Spending Without Purpose Feels Good Now, But Costs You Later
Retail therapy. Splurging after a hard week. Clicking "buy now" to fill a void. We’ve all been there.
But emotional spending doesn’t heal emotional pain. It just delays it. The high wears off. The bill doesn’t.
Instead, try creating a “Pause Plan”:
If I’m triggered to spend, I’ll wait 24 hours.
If it still feels important, I’ll check in with my budget.
If it’s outside my budget, I’ll ask: What emotion am I avoiding right now?
Over time, your impulse spending drops and your self-trust grows.
Subscribe to Money Tips Money Hacks for deeper dives into the psychology of money, emotional spending, and mindset shifts that lead to real transformation. New posts every Monday and Wednesday.
What Spending “Grown” Actually Looks Like
Grown isn’t about making six figures. It’s about:
Buying what aligns with your goals, not just your mood
Knowing when to say yes to joy and no to nonsense
Choosing peace over pressure
Understanding that less clutter means more clarity
Wise spending isn’t sexy on social media. It won’t always impress your friends. But it will give you options, and options are everything.
Being financially wise in your 20s and 30s gives you breathing room in your 40s. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being intentional.
Respect the Life You’re Building
You don’t need a spreadsheet obsession or a finance degree to spend wisely. You just need awareness, clarity, and a little patience.
Spend on what lasts.
Spend on what matters.
Spend like your future self is watching, because they are.
And if you're not sure where to start, just ask: What do I want my money to do for me this year? Then work backward.
Because the best flex isn’t what you bought.
It’s what you kept—your freedom, your peace, your vision.
❤️ If you find this helpful, leave a heart and share to support my work!
Keep more money and start spending in alignment with who you are, what you value, and the life you’re actually building.
The Psychology of Your Spending guide shows you how. Coming September 22nd, 2025.
Cervante Burrell, M.Ed., CFEI®, is the founder of Money Tips Money Hacks, a financial wellness educator, husband, and proud father dedicated to helping others thrive financially from the inside out.
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So true.You dont realize it till you get there