Editing money: Student edition

Funny. But, it's a no-go for me.

With school almost winding down, my plans for the summer is to cut down on my spending and work like a mad man. (so I can earn back all the money I had spent this year on school)

But with personal finance, as with so many areas of life, we have a tendency to jump from extremes. Usually, an excess of spending or strictly anti-spending on things (at least, that what I find myself doing)

Recently I reviewed the totals of my debit/credit transactions and I found that I spent a lot on little treats this year. Things like clothes, food, dining out with friends, and just buying for the sake that it's on sale. Often, I find spending money is accompanied by a credit card, and of course, stress.

This year has been a lot of hair pulling, worrying and running after buses. I can see why my spending spiked up during the course of the year. Shopping just seems to be the therapy for me. I use to deny little treats for myself, like chocolate bars. The thought that goes through my head is: "I want it, but I don't really need it."

I found that by doing this, I actually spent more on something else later on. What I learned: Don't deny yourself a little treat once in a while when you really want it, because you really deserve it. So how do you choose what to buy and what not to buy?

At the same time, I call myself frugal. It's all about making sure I get the most (pardon my cliche) bang for my buck. (Or wait, I'll change it to kaboom for my buck then) But, it’s about cutting back on things that don't add anything to my life. I also find it's good to set reasonable limits on what I spend on certain things a month. I personally spend more on dining out as I love food. But I hardly spend anything on entertainment. So where I spend in a certain area I cut back in other areas.

After all, what do you most enjoy?