At this stage of my life, I can honestly say I have made my own fair share of mistakes with money.
Not because I didn’t work hard. Not because I didn’t care. But because, like many people, I was learning as I was living.
There were times I spent money without thinking long-term. If I had it, I used it. I told myself I deserved it—and sometimes I did—but I didn’t always consider tomorrow.
What I learned
Money is not just for now. It must also take care of your future.
There were seasons I delayed saving. I would say, “I’ll start when I earn more.” But somehow, “more” never felt like enough, and life kept happening.
What I learned
You don’t start saving when you have more, you start with what you have.
I have also held on to financial responsibilities that were not always mine to carry. Helping others is important to me, but there were moments I stretched myself too thin trying to be there for everyone.
What I learned
Generosity without boundaries can leave you empty. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
There were times I ignored the small leaks. Little, unnecessary spending that didn’t seem like much at the time. But over time, they added up.
What I learned
It’s not always the big expenses that affect you, it’s the consistent small ones.
I have made decisions based on pressure; trying to keep up, trying to maintain a certain lifestyle, trying to look like everything was okay even when it wasn’t.
What I learned
Living for appearances is expensive and it costs more than money.
There were also moments I didn’t fully understand my worth. I accepted less than I deserved, worked harder without proper structure, and didn’t always position myself financially the way I should have.
What I learned
Knowing your worth is not pride. It is necessary for growth.
And yes, there were times I worried too much about money. Times it kept me up, made me anxious, and made me question myself.
What I learned
Money should not control your mind. It is a tool, not your master.
Where I Am Now
Today, I am more intentional.
I think before I spend. I save, even if it’s small. I give but with wisdom. I choose peace over pressure.
I am not perfect. I am still learning. But I am no longer careless; I am conscious.
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to “Learn how money works early but more importantly, learn how you work with money.” Because at the end of the day, money will come and go… but the lessons you learn from it will shape your life.
