I walk into Urban Outfitters and am surrounded by clothes I would love to have in my wardrobe, from lace dresses to oversized cardigans to Jeffrey Campbell wedges. After shopping the sale rack for a while, I have a half-dozen items slung over my arm. Then it hits me: the $150 I’m about to spend was supposed to go toward food, books, and toiletries. I check my dwindling account balance and am left with two choices. Do I get my new outfit? Or buy groceries for the next month?
In high school, my parents were always there to buy my clothes (or veto unnecessary purchases). But once I got to college, they no longer had control over my spending habits—and they made it clear I was expected to contribute to my living expenses. I applied for a campus job at the Fine Arts Library, opened a bank account, and started to save and budget on my own. It hasn’t been easy; in the past year I have paid multiple overdraft fees and made countless calls home to ask, “Dad, can I borrow grocery money?”
Although I know I should be more responsible, as a shopaholic I’m constantly tempted to improve my wardrobe. My parents are not here to watch over me or question why I bought yet another pair of shoes. Without access to my bank account, they can’t even track where my money goes. It’s my responsibility to decide what is truly necessary (like groceries) and what can wait for later (sorry, Urban Outfitters).
A year into managing my finances, I have finally begun to learn what it takes to keep a paycheck in the bank for longer than a week. I have become a bargain shopper—and even when I find a great deal on the sale rack, I often walk away. Coupons have become my best friends; I’m constantly searching for discounts on websites like Retailmenot.com. I have learned to (reluctantly) turn down shopping trips with friends who often assure me that buying that one shirt won’t really hurt my bank balance.
And since I’m doing so well: Mom and Dad, I hope you don’t mind that this year’s Christmas list may be a little longer than usual.
— Jillian Knowles ’15