How did your upbringing influence your relationship with money?
Growing up in Dublin, my life changed drastically when my parents separated. By the age of five, my mom, brother, and I relocated to Spiddal in Connemara. Witnessing the economic strain of family separation first-hand, I saw us move from one rental property to another. My mother emphasized that happiness isn’t dictated by wealth. This lesson was deeply ingrained in me, and I’ve always held the belief that joy and contentment do not hinge on financial status. So, I don’t let cash control my mood—in fact, even when I was really broke, my life was filled with fun.
Overcoming Financial Hardships Without Letting Cash Control My Mood
After completing college, I moved to London, interning at MTV with minimal pay. Even then, I never allowed cash to dictate my mood. I managed to live relatively well despite my limited finances. The hardest period was during the lockdown when work commitments dropped significantly—from six or seven days a week to just three. My mortgage approval slipped away, leaving me concerned. However, consistent with my upbringing, my ‘broke’ times were always enriching and filled with joy because I didn’t let financial constraints dampen my spirits.
Spending Shocks: Cash Mismanagement Around Us
In my circle, both friends and family practice prudent spending and saving habits. However, social media often paints a different story, showcasing people splurging on luxury cars and frequent vacations. Whether these portrayals are genuine or part of a crafted image is debatable, but they don’t influence my perspective. I remain grounded, never letting cash control my mood, ensuring I stay focused on what truly matters.
Experiences and Choices That Define Financial Journeys
My trip to Sydney, Australia, stands out as the most expensive adventure. Dining, accommodation, and activities—everything came at a premium price. Yet, the beauty and quality of experiences made it worthwhile. On the contrary, buying a horse at 19 turned out to be my biggest extravagance and financial misstep, given the high maintenance costs. This taught me invaluable lessons about spending.
Not every purchase has been a regret; my best investment was a new car for my 30th birthday, crucial for my freelance work across the country.
When it comes to property, today’s exorbitant prices are a deterrent, making me cautious about such investments for now. And as cashless transactions become the norm, I rarely carry cash, relying more on digital banking services like Revolut, especially for travel and leisure.
I balance saving and spending well. Describing myself as a ‘spaver,’ I allocate funds monthly yet indulge in travel and social activities. I believe in creating a balance, ensuring joy doesn’t depend on cash.
In conclusion, learning from varied financial experiences has grounded me. As I navigate life, carrying the belief that cash doesn’t control my mood, I embrace every moment. Click Here For More Personal Finance tips and strategies.
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