How I learned to stop dreading my bank account and feel in control.
By: Mayra
Let’s be real, managing finances as a student isn’t always fun or easy. Between tuition, groceries, rent, takeouts, and the occasional impulsive buy, it can feel like money just flies away. I used to dread thinking and talking about money, but honestly, I feel like I just never learned how to manage it in a way that feels simple and that actually works for me. So, here are a few simple, money habits that have helped me change my relationship to money and stay afloat as a full-time student, part-time worker, and small biz owner.
Have a Weekly “Money Date”
Every weekend (or whatever day you feel you have more brain space), have a cute self-date to plan, reflect, and think about money. It’s key to do this in a space that brings up *good feels* 😌 – I like to go to a new coffee shop or tidy up my space, grab some yummy snacks, and work on my money activities. These can range from listening to a new podcast to doing some money journaling or budgeting. I just go with the flow, depending on what I’m feeling called to do that day!
Over time, this will help your brain link doing your finances as something positive and even fun. Sometimes I do this alone, and sometimes, when I need a little extra motivation, I’ll invite my partner; either way, the goal is to make the experience positive and encouraging.
💡Extra tip: Set a recurring calendar reminder on Google Calendar!
2. Channel Others’ Wisdom
Every now and then, on my Money-Date or while I’m cooking or commuting, I’ll throw on a podcast or YouTube video that helps me feel inspired to think of my finances. For a long time, budgeting wasn’t a priority for me, it just felt too overwhelming 😮💨. However, I’ve found that simply listening to people talk about money in a thoughtful, non-judgmental way has made it feel much easier and kind of healing.
If you’re curious, I’ve put together a YouTube playlist with some of the videos that helped me shift my mindset around money. Click here to check it out! 🤩💸
3. Budgeting: Start Super Simple
When I first started budgeting, everything felt overwhelming. So, keeping it super simple at the beginning was essential. Before you download another budgeting app or try to start your budget with 27 categories and pie charts with various investments, start by splitting things only into three buckets:
Fixed Costs (rent, food, phone)
Guilt Free Spending (fun, snacks, hobbies, bubble tea)
Future You (savings, emergency, travel goals)
Once you have more clarity on your spending habits and your desired goals, you can reflect on what about your habits you’d like to change, how you want to spend from now on, what your priorities are, and how you like to feel about money. Write it down or just reflect on it, and that will help you be more aligned with what is really important for you.
4. Get Playful: Design Your Dream Life
Inspired by Ramit Sethi’s concept of a “Rich Life,” I like to do a journaling exercise where I imagine in detail what my ideal life actually looks and feels like. It’s not just about money goals; it’s about having clarity. Why do I want what I want? What feeling am I chasing?
For example, let’s say I want to save money to go to Japan. I’ll ask myself: What’s the deeper feeling behind that goal? Maybe it’s a sense of novelty, inspiration, and freedom.
Then, I journal a little story about how I could bring those same feelings into my current life. Something like:
“Today I woke up early to go for a hike in a small town near Toronto. I planned this getaway with my friends, and we packed a picnic with fresh food we made together. The Uber’s arriving soon, and I feel calm, excited, and ready. I’ve got my new film camera with me; nature is where I feel most inspired, so I want to feel prepared.”
This kind of visualization helps me get clear on my priorities. I know I crave experiences that bring connection and novelty, so I start to organize my life and budget around that. It’s not about restricting myself from spending, it’s about knowing what lights me up and focusing on that instead of on stress or fear.
5. The 48-Hour Rule
Impulse spending is a dopamine trap, especially for ADHD brains like mine. Letting myself cool down before each non-essential purchase was a game-changer. If I see something cute, instead of spiralling down into trying to convince myself I NEED IT, I’ll tell myself, “Yes, I might buy this very cute thing, but not before waiting at least 48 hours.” Most of the time, the urge passes, and I forget I even wanted to buy something in the first place lol.
💡Bonus Move: If you’re finding it hard to control yourself one day, trick your brain into buying something else, a tea, a coffee or something that still feels rewarding without compromising your budget.
6. Create your Joy, Don’t Buy it.
Plan fun, low-cost activities that make you feel good without triggering the urge to overspend. For example, instead of going to the mall (where I know I’ll be tempted to buy stuff I don’t actually need), I’ll organize a picnic with friends or host a chill paint night at home or even a cute photoshoot. It still feels special, but I will leave with good memories – not regret. This might look very different for you. Explore new ideas and create your own version!
As a student, you have access to all kinds of perks, discounts on events, services and more! Plus, if you’re in the GTA, there are so many free activities and events happening all the time. You really don’t have to spend money to have fun just do a little digging!
I hope these tips are helpful and that you feel like dealing with money CAN be fun and light. 🍃
Save money with the SSU!
The SSU is committed to providing students with exclusive discounts, coupons and promotions from great community partners around each campus, helping you keep your bank account happy! Check out the Student Savings and Perks available to all Sheridan Students or keep exploring money-related content from our community!
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