After school, continue to live like a student. Live simply, buy only what you need or love, and focus on eliminating student debt. As long as your financial philosophy is premised on spending less than you earn and having a well-padded emergency fund, you will be fine. The rest can be easily learned. My girlfriend worked full-time while in university and in high school. From various retail jobs to cleaning fancy restaurants on weekend mornings, she worked everywhere. Although exhausted, she still had time to enjoy life and study. Always bring your lunch to work and make dinner at home during the week. If you are sick, you get a pass to order Uber Eats. Also, eating vegan meals are cheap, healthy and delicious. Check your local flyer for deals. Only buy items of clothing you love, not just like. You can drink coffee that was made the day before and not die. I still refuse to test this theory, but I have observed this directly. Bunz Trading Zone is an excellent way to simultaneously de-clutter and get perishable items you actually need i. Take public transit everywhere. Spending money on your health is always worth it. Laughter, though, is always the best medicine. Even when you spend a full day at the hospital. Same goes for pets. Frugality is a lifestyle, not a means to an end. Learn to spend on things that make you happiest and reduce if not eliminate your spending on everything else. If a loved one is having a bad day, buying them a cup of coffee or a small treat can make a world of a difference. You can afford it. You can also afford small monthly donations to a charitable organization. You can have fun without spending a dime. Nature is the best example. Go for walks, hikes, whatever. There is nothing that binds two people together like a shared goal. Talk about your finances openly and regularly. It will bring you two closer together. If not, it will show you where your communication needs improvement. In the beginning of my financial journey, I bombarded her with questions about budgeting. Since when we began dating, she was able to explain to me what worked for her. Since then, we regularly make time to review our budgets, savings, and goals. I firmly believe being on the same financial page, both in mindset and goals, is a fundamental pillar to a healthy relationship. Jennifer Taylor Chan I'm a lawyer and writer based in Toronto. When I'm not helping low-income workers navigate the legal system, I'm researching ways to improve my relationship with my work, money, and the community around me. I believe that through owning less and valuing experiences more, we can create a more progressive world.
