DontStpTheMusic7

I am a 20 year old female and currently live with my dad while I am trying to save for a car and my own place. I currently work retail and even though I don’t make a ton of money and the hours have been drastically cut, I still find myself spending my money as fast as I make it. It always makes me feel incredibly stupid when I see how much I actually spend on things. At the time of purchase I reason with myself that “it’s only $10…it’s only $2…” but have yet to grasp the concept of how quickly little purchases like that add up. I am really disappointed in myself that I seem to lack the ability to save money and feel like a failure. I really want to accomplish this goal so I can first get the car and then get an apartment with my friend (hopefully she will wait till I am able to do so).

So here is my plan:
1. Spend money on only the NECESSITIES (gas, basics, etc.) and think before purchasing. Do I need it?
2. No more buying lunch at work (I think this one is killing me slowly but surely. I used to pack my lunch but got lazy. I realize packing lunch would definitely save me money)
3. Stay away from temptations such as the mall (although working retail, I can’t stay away from stores completely sigh)
4. Find cheaper/free things to do
5. Stop impulse purchases and trying to justify the cost of something
6. Write down what I spend (I usually use my debit card and don’t really keep track of what I spend, which is a bad, bad habit)

I’m trying, I really am. Hopefully by typing out my thoughts it will at least get me started on the right track…

I turned 20 back in June and currently live with my father after graduating 8 months ago from college. I have been trying to find a job, but living in a smaller state with the economy the way it is has made it difficult. As difficult as it seems right now, I want to make this happen at least within the next two years, if not sooner. Living with my dad isn’t the best thing for my sanity as this point in life. He gets angry so easily and has quite the temper. He also is incredibly negative, and I am afraid of those traits sticking with me. I am not any of those things right now and don’t want to be, so I need to move out ASAP. Not only do I want sanity, but I just want a place to call my own. The independence, as I am still treated like I am a child while living here with my father. Yes, this independence may come with bills and other responsibilities, but I feel I am ready to handle it as soon as I have the money.

In the hectic search to find a job, I found myself gnawing on my nails again due to stress. The thing is, I would be doing it without even realizing it. However, I finally noticed after looking at my nails and seeing how gross they looked (compared to my nails from the months previous when I wasn’t biting), and decided I had to do something about it. Since I am stress biter, I’ve had to learn how to better manage stress in order to fully stop biting once and for all. This has helped majorly and in comparison to all the other attempts to stop, this has been the easiest. I think I finally have the hang of this not biting my nails thing…haha.