As a college student who is constantly trying to keep up with his finances, it feels strange saying that I feel spoiled with the amount of money I am able to throw around. My situation is quite different than most other college students though. My family set up a valuable college fund for me and I receive enough government aid to pay my bills without too much hassle. Despite this, I can't help but reflect on how miserly I once was with money when I was in high school.

In high school, the only way I usually got money was through allowances that one of my parents would give me. I guarded this currency carefully. If I spent it poorly, I was looking at a massive loss. The potential to buy worthwhile items or experiences would be lost, and I would feel irresponsible. Allowances were a way for my parents to explain the value of savings without ever having to say anything. What they didn't prepare me for was what I should do when I have too much money going around.

Now that I'm in college, I find I have enough money to go out weekly, take trips all over the southeastern United States, and spend exorbitant amounts of money on food, books, or the occasional PS4 game. I remember when I would have only five dollars each week and I would spend it on one precious cup of coffee or a game that was on sale. Now, I buy at least three coffees a week and several books or video games a month. The result is a feeling of dissatisfaction in the intelligence of my spending habits.

I think about all I could afford and everything I could do if I just kept my credit card in my wallet. I think about how good it would feel if I just bought something every now and again. I could save that money and provide myself with a sense of security. I could just buy small things like a soda drink from a gas station or a book at the Goodwill and likely become able to purchase significantly more expensive items.

Maintaining an indifferent attitude toward anything that might be somewhat expensive, costs a lot in the long run. It's an attitude I have kept for several months. If I just recognized that I could use my finances for more fulfilling and satisfying ways, perhaps I would not use it so recklessly. Having too much money has resulted in my complacency and it makes me feel as though I don't need to try as hard to do anything. I don't have to pursue ways of supporting a strong bank account because there is usually always something there to keep me going.

Allowances and financial restrictions taught me to be creative with the money that I had. My current financial situation is fairly strong, so the need to think creatively with my money is no longer there. I miss having to think this way. It was so gratifying to use ten dollars to buy the simplest things, but yet still be happy that I could have those things that I bought. It would seem as though it's time to begin applying that to my current financial spendings.