Personal Money Lessons I Learned the Hard (and Sometimes Sweet) Way

Most of us were never taught how to manage money with grace and spreadsheets. Some of us learned about interest rates the way we learned not to touch a hot stove — through pain, panic, and a little smoke.

Over the years, I’ve made my fair share of money mistakes, but each one taught me something that’s stuck with me. If you’ve ever lent money, overspent, or just tried to make rent with frosting and prayer, this one’s for you.

💸 That One Time I Lent a Friend Money...

It was one of those moments — a friend needed help, and I had just enough to offer. So I lent her the money.

 Then... crickets.

She ghosted me for almost two years: no texts, no updates, no explanations. There was just awkward silence every time her name popped up in my brain.

Four years later, out of the blue, she messaged me, apologized, and paid me back — the exact amount I had given her. Not even an extra $2 for a coffee 😂

We’re still friends (because life is weird and layered), but I’ve learned: I’ll give what I can afford to lose, not lend. It protects the relationship and my peace.

💅 Salon Nails? Not Every 3 Weeks, Thanks

I used to hit the nail salon every three weeks like clockwork. It felt like a tiny luxury — until I added up the numbers and realized I was throwing money at something I could save for special events instead.

Now? I go if there’s a wedding or something fancy. Otherwise, I do it myself or go bare. It’s amazing how freeing it is not to have my money tied to a specific beauty routine.

🧁 Cupcakes Saved My Rent

Years ago, back when I lived in Mexico, I could barely afford my gorgeous apartment in a prime location. It was beautiful, but it left me scrambling every month.

The thing that saved me?

Cupcakes.

Yep. I had a little side hustle baking cupcakes, and those extra pesos kept me afloat. Rent, groceries, you name it — frosting made it possible.

Lesson learned: side gigs are lifelines. Don’t sleep on your small skills. They can pay the bills.

✈️ From Cancun Dreams to Paris Streets

When I started saving for a solo trip, I told myself I’d probably blow it all on a quick weekend in Cancun. But I stuck with the plan, and — surprise! — that little stash grew into a whole week in London and Paris.

That trip felt like the biggest reward. It taught me that planning and patience always outweigh impulsive rewards.

💳 Credit Cards: Use Like Cash, or Don't Use at All

I learned this one from my partner, who lives by the “no debt” mantra. At first, it felt strict, but now I get it: interest is a trap, and credit cards are only helpful if you never carry a balance.

So now, if I can’t afford something, I don’t buy it.

 If I do, I treat my card like cash and pay it in full — no excuses.

This shift alone has saved me a significant amount of money — and a great deal of regret.

📆 Budget Talks Twice a Year (And It Works)

We don’t have a spreadsheet party every month, but at least twice a year, we sit down to map out big purchases, trips, and any upcoming life expenses. We stick to the plan, which saves us from last-minute stress, random panic buys, and vacation debt.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about intention. And that’s what keeps things moving.

Final Thoughts

Money stories aren’t always shiny or strategic. Sometimes, they’re sticky, weird, or filled with frosting. But they shape how we grow — and how we show up for ourselves in the future.

The biggest takeaway?

 Spend with purpose. Save with patience. And never lend what you can’t afford never to see again. 💸

-Fabi