“You’re given unlimited funds to plan one day full of any and all luxuries you normally can’t afford. Tell us about your extravagant day with as much detail as possible.”

I feel a little lame for this one because I know my answer will be different than most people.

I’m not thinking about things I would buy, or places I would go. I have everything that I need. And I am content with where I’m at.

If I had unlimited funds I would first pay off the credit card I have with Warren #2. I have $300 left on that. Then I would pay off the Care Credit that I used for my chiropractic appointments. I believe that is roughly $2000 at the moment. Then there’s the Bank of America card that I used to fix my car last Thanksgiving. It’s been helping me stay afloat with the situation with Jarrett as well, what I believe is another $1500.

I want to pay my mom back $10000 for things she has helped me with over the years. This money isn’t truly owed, but it is something I have added to my to-do list.

I also want to give Alex $300 for the furniture he gave me before he moved to California. Again, it is not something that is truly owed, but it is something that I feel is the right thing to do.

I have the new car loan, since the Buick died on me despite dropping $3000 over the last year to keep it going. $10000.

And then there are my student loans that I would pay off. Without those payments I would be able to afford my own apartment. I would be able to do so much more than what I can right now. Over $120000. I regret nothing about my education, but it is a realistic fact that my loan payments each month are higher than my older brother’s mortgage payment on his house.

I would switch my phone off of Sir’s plan as well. Another $100, which seems so trivial compared to the rest of everything I owe.

I am chipping away at everything, slowing whittling it down and regaining my footing in the financial realm of things.

It is nice to think about having an instant ‘fit it’ button, something that would wipe all of that away. But honestly I don’t want that.

I would rather work my way through my debt and choices, because these payments that I have to make are reminders that some choices aren’t smart and that I shouldn’t make them again. And some of them give value to the things I have like my car.

I cherish it because it is mine, because I am working to earn it, because it wasn’t given to me on a whim. There was a lot of thought that went into making that choice and a lot of weighing my options. It made me realize how big of a step I was taking.

Everything happens for a reason, and as much fun as it seems it would be, I would rather earn all of my funds rather than having some magical unlimited supply.

I have learned that money is limited and valuable, and that every purchase should be thought through and weighed against the other options it could be invested into. Without the need to do that, I don’t think things would mean anything to me.

It wouldn’t have value anymore because the money itself has lost value. It is endless, so what makes it special? What makes anything it can buy special?

I’m happy with my struggle because it has made me look at situations differently, and it makes me appreciate the times I go out with friends, or when I treat myself to new art supplies, a new kitchen gadget, a new book.

They mean something to me, because in a way they are a gift to myself.