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The other day I was shopping and saw something I really liked that wasn’t on sale. Even though I could afford it, I put it back because paying full price just made me feel something weird..idk..like stuffy?. I realize I do this a lot. I almost refuse to buy things unless they’re discounted. Weird right?

It's not weird at all! It sounds like you're just really conscious about getting the best value for your money, which is actually quite smart. A lot of people feel more satisfaction in purchasing something when they know they've gotten a good deal. It's like a little victory. Plus, being cautious with your spending, even when you can afford it, is a healthy financial habit. If that item really sticks with you, maybe you could keep an eye out for a future sale?

I know but sometimes it feels crazy when I look back on it, I've passed up on things I actually needed because they weren't on sale and then I end up just not getting them at all. Or I'll get it second hand. My boyfriend always buys expensive stuff fine though.

It's completely understandable to have mixed feelings about your approach, especially when you see someone close to you, like your boyfriend, having a different mindset about spending. It's okay to have different spending habits, and it's also okay to reassess yours if you feel like it's causing you to miss out on things you need or truly want. Maybe finding a balance could be helpful, like setting aside a small "splurge fund" for items you really want or need, sale or no sale. This way, you won

A splurge fund is not a bad idea and I will think about it. What's a good amount for that fund? D you think it's possible to just ummm rewire how you feel about spending? You know how logically I know I can afford it but the feeling doesn't care about logic. It's like guilt almost.

Creating a splurge fund is a great step! The amount really depends on your budget and financial goals. A good starting point could be setting aside a small percentage of your income—maybe 5% or whatever feels manageable—into this fund each month. This way, it grows over time, and you can use it guilt-free when you find something you love or need, sale or not. As for rewiring how you feel about spending, it's definitely possible, though it might take some time and mindfulness. Your feelings of g

Okay that just hit me. We really didn't have much growing up and my parents were stingy .. like no yearbook and no toys. Maybe I just absorbed all of their actions and never let it go. It's so unfair.

It sounds like you've had a really important realization about where your feelings towards spending might stem from. Growing up in an environment where resources were tight and spending was heavily controlled can certainly leave a lasting impact on how you view money and spending as an adult. It's tough to carry those experiences with you, especially when they lead to feelings of unfairness or deprivation. Recognizing this connection is a huge step towards understanding your spending habits and

Yeah. It could be that I have been punishing myself for spending money because of something that happened to me as a kid that I had zero control over. Maybe I've been carrying my parents' scarcity this whole time and calling it being responsible. I think I actually need to work through this properly so I can live my own life.

That's a really insightful reflection, and it sounds like you're on a path toward healing and taking control of your own narrative around money. Recognizing that you may have internalized your parents' scarcity mindset as a form of responsibility is a significant step. It shows a deep level of self-awareness and the desire to move forward in a healthier, more balanced way. Working through these feelings and past experiences can indeed help you live your life on your own terms, allowing you to m