The day’s end, another moment to reflect.
Dearest Diary,
Budgeting…
It’s the thing they don’t really teach you in school and the concept we inevitably associate with “adulting.”
Maybe it’s the company you keep, or maybe it’s just a part of growing up, but I’ve started thinking about my own relationship with money.
I keep hearing phrases like:
“I’m so thankful for my partner; they’re just really good at it.”
“Where would I be if they didn’t take finances seriously?”
“I found this podcast/book that completely changed how I manage money.”
And every time I hear these, I wonder—should I find someone who’ll budget for me, too? Maybe that’s what I’m missing.
All joking aside, I know finances are personal, an intimate matter between no one but me and myself. Sure, a partner can be helpful, but at the end of the day, we’re all accountable for our own decisions.
It’s funny, though. I know someone who used to budget religiously—someone others looked up to for their financial discipline. But after meeting their partner, the extravagance began. They worked hard for their money, and spending it became a way to enjoy life with the person they loved.
And isn’t that the balance we’re all trying to find? Between saving for the future and living for the present?
I’ve been thinking about this balance today, reflecting on my own financial habits. I wouldn’t say I’m in a bad place financially—far from it. I’ve got my retirement savings, an emergency fund, and a little dabbling in investments. But I’ve never truly “budgeted” in the way others do.
Why is that?
Maybe it’s because the idea of strict budgeting feels inflexible to me. I’ve tried apps, spreadsheets, even the envelope method. But each time, I’ve felt a resistance—not to the idea of managing my finances, but to the subconscious weight of feeling like every dollar needs to be accounted for.
It reminds me of the song “Money (That’s What I Want)” by Barrett Strong. The upbeat tempo captures how much money matters, but the lyrics hint at how it complicates our lives. Like the song, my relationship with money is both straightforward and layered. I know I need it, but I also want it to enhance my life—not dictate it.
The Psychology of Budgeting
Research from Behavioral Economics (2015) suggests that people often avoid strict budgeting because it feels restrictive, even when it’s meant to provide freedom. This resonates with me. While I understand the value of a plan, I also fear that deviating from it would feel like failure—a self-imposed judgment I’m not ready to face.
The Case for Balance
Another study in The Journal of Consumer Research (2018) highlights how experiential spending—investing in experiences rather than material goods—often brings greater long-term happiness. This aligns with my own priorities: enjoying the experiences and memories that come from a balanced approach to money.
Where Do I Go from Here?
I’ve decided that I don’t need to live and breathe by a budget, but I can still be mindful of my spending. For me, this means:
1. Continuing to contribute to my savings and retirement accounts.
2. Setting soft goals for experiences I want to prioritize.
3. Being conscious of my spending without letting it rule me.
At the end of the day, I don’t want to look back with regret—whether that’s regret over saving too much or spending too much. Instead, I want to strike a balance that lets me enjoy the present while preparing for the future.
So, Diary, here’s to finding that balance. To living life and saving wisely. To making memories and building security.
Thank you for listening, dear diary. Until next time.
Yours in letters, always,
Pandora
P.S. If you’re reading this now, welcome to my late-night musings. If you’re catching up later, I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment or connect with me on social!