Too Scared To Spend My Money?

[Kailee4567]

hey! I have a kind of odd issue. I'm too scared to spend my money. I'll explain more in detail.
I've had a job for about a year and 3 months, and I am sixteen. I have always been a money hoarder. Saving, Saving, Saving. But ever since I got a job, I've been unable to part with my money. If I do spend some, I feel REALLY bad and start to feel anxious and panicky. I work a ton, so I have a lot of money saved, especially for a kid my age. I don't really need to buy anything. I took/paid for drivers ed and my grandmother gave me her car, and my university is paid for. The only thing I need to pay for is my Europe Trip at the beginning of the Summer, and have more than enough money to pay for it. I really want to redo my room and buy cool new stuff for it, as well as a bunch of makeup and stuff to make youtube videos with, like softbox lights and a tripod. And maybe even some new clothes from F21 or something, but whenever I think about spending money I get upset. Can anyone help me?

[loopyloo]

Well, I think it's much better to be like you than be someone who spends every penny, so well done! I saved all my wages in my teens and paid for a college course and trip abroad plus I have never been in debt. You are on the right path. But, of course you also need to enjoy life. I would suggest you make a budget which is a good habit to get into for when you leave home. Allocate a certain amount or a percentage for savings and spends. I would break up your spends into different categories too (maybe socialising, clothes/cosmetics, tech etc). Then you can spend that money knowing that you are in control of the situation. If you allocate $50 for cosmetics then spend it. If you still feel guilty you could challenge yourself to take advantage of offers to see how much you can get for your $50.

[takoyaki]

I'm so much like you. I never got allowance or anything but my older brother did (completely unfair) so i had to work for everything. No amount of money I make seems to be enough. And I keep making imaginary targets out of nowhere. For example, if my balance was $5,812, then I would save every penny until it hits over $6,000.

I also have trouble with finding 'deals'. Like I see a product for like $10 and I really want it but I think I can probably get it cheaper somewhere else or on sale later. It's as if I'm trying to beat the price. So it usually never happens and I end up never buying that thing or it's discounted to sometime stupid like $9.99 6 months later and I finally buy it but feel stupid for buying it so much later for such a small price difference.

I'm now in my mid-twenties and have a good career, steady income, and can save money really easily. But my mindset still hasn't changed! it's so bad because sometimes I visit other countries and 'sleep on it' during shopping but since I'm only in that country for a short while I can't go back and buy the thing or I don't know the country well and can't find that store again to buy the things. I end up regretting it a lot because I keep trying to find that item somewhere else for slightly cheaper or I overthink about if I want it or not and not get it just to realize that I DO freaking want it but I end up being unable to go back and get it.

I also have a 'limit' of how much I spend every month. And I go crazy if I go over that limit! I try to justify it by saying that I went way under limit last month or something. I get a raise every year and a bonus at the end of the year but I don't up my monthly spending limit which is stupid... I feel like my reaction and this limit is a problem.

I agree with the poster above and create a way to set aside money for your savings and feel more comfortable with spending and I seriously need to take that advice more. I sometimes stare at my bank account and even though there's plenty in there I keep thinking 'I need to save more' which I'm beginning to think is a real problem. it's like I have a money spending disorder.

[Gossipfool]

It's good to save money but it's also good to treat yourself once in a while. You work hard and you deserve it. If you need some new clothes buy some, you can justify it by telling yourself you needed new clothes. If you want to go shopping, take like 50 to 100 dollars out of the atm and only spend that much. Don't feel bad, you need to treat yourself!

[AyeeItsKayy]

I am the same way and I just budget my money so I have some to spend:)

[gasaki56]

you can get money when you go to work