When “Financially Smart” Feels Scary

Hi Reader,

Welcome to The Money Series and if you are new here, thank you for signing up. Personal Finance can feel ambiguous and overwhelming, but I am here to help simplify the journey.

You know that feeling when you’ve been planning for something for ages, you’ve done the maths, created the spreadsheets, told yourself this is the smart thing to do, and then… the moment you finally spend the money, you feel like you’ve been robbed?

Yeah. That was me this week.

I had a big, exciting project in view. Months of careful planning, saving, and saying “no” to non-essential purchases to be able to do this one thing. When the time finally came to make the payment, I was ready. My budget and bank account were also prepped.

But it turned out that my emotions were not ready😔.

After hitting “send” on the bank App, I thought I’d feel proud or fulfilled, you know? But instead, I felt… lost. There was this awkward mix of emotions, partly accomplishment, partly “oh no, what have I done?” It didn’t matter that I had planned for it down to the last detail. My brain went into scarcity mode for a moment, and I started thinking about the numerous things I could do with that money.

It’s funny how even the most responsible, intentional financial decisions can still trigger that little pang of regret. I think it’s because money, no matter how logical we try to be, is deeply emotional. I think a part of me missed seeing that money sitting in my account, quietly making me feel safe.

The truth, which I have been reminding myself of, is that ‘Planned spending is not a “loss”; it’s an exchange’. I traded money for something of value that I decided was important. That “emptiness” in my account isn’t failure, it’s just the sign that money has done what it’s meant to do: move and serve a purpose.

But I won’t lie, those first 24 hours after the payment? Weird. Like seeing off a friend who is relocating at the airport, even though you know they’re going somewhere amazing.

So, I’d love to hear from you.

Have you ever saved for something big, spent the money exactly as planned, and then felt that strange mix of pride and panic? How did it make you feel? How did you get through it?

I want to hear your stories, especially the funny, dramatic internal monologues you had with yourself during that period. Because with adulting and money, we’re better off finding the humor in most situations.

Till next week, I am rooting for you, money-ly!

Dee

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Disclaimer: This does not constitute financial advice. Please conduct your research or consult your financial advisor for important financial advice.