Late Starters Can’t Afford to Spend Like This
If you're catching up financially, these everyday habits might be holding you back
A few days ago, my team threw me a farewell drink on my last day at work.
The venue was a new bar that had just opened next to our office—an upscale spot targeting professionals, especially those working in big organisations.
I knew the menu would be pricey, but I still couldn’t hide my shock when I saw the wine list: $18 for a standard glass, $24 for a large.
When did wine start coming in different sizes?
My colleague went straight for the large. I ordered a standard.
When the drinks arrived, honestly, there wasn’t much difference.
Same size glasses, hers was poured just over halfway, mine just below.
I definitely wouldn’t pay $6 more for what felt like just one extra mouthful.
As I sat there observing, something clicked—how our day-to-day choices quietly shape our financial wellbeing.
Because what happened after that first glass of wine, my colleague went on to order three more—all large. She even bought me one, which was really lovely.
When it was time to head home, she had just missed her train. The next one wouldn’t come for another 30 minutes.
I offered to stay and wait so we could all head off together, but my colleague decided to take an Uber instead. The trip costs roughly $90.
On a typical workday evening, she spent nearly $200.
She earns more than I do—I know because she’s told me. Yet, it was only a short while ago that she mentioned she had no savings left after paying her mortgage. Now that I’ve seen how she spent money, it makes sense.
This whole thing reminded me: it’s not what we earn, it’s how we spend that makes the real difference.
We all make small money decisions every day. Most don’t feel like a big deal at the time. A few extra dollars here, a ride home there. But they add up fast.
Especially as we get older, how we spend matters more than ever.
My colleague is in her early 30s; she is in her prime. She still has time to spend mindlessly and recover. Not me. I know I can come off a bit stingy sometimes, but as a late starter, I simply can’t afford not to think ahead.
I know my earning capacity won’t last forever. What I earn now won’t be what I make 10 years from now. And if I get used to a lavish lifestyle today, it’ll be harder to scale back later.
That’s why I keep asking myself these questions when it comes to spending:
Is this purchase aligned with your bigger goals? Or is this just an impulse?
Sometimes we say yes without thinking. But if your goal is to save, invest, or retire earlier, those small impulse buys can quietly hold you back.
Is it worth it? Or are you just used to spending like this?
I’m still scratching my head over the $6 wine upgrade. To me, that felt like spending out of habit, instead of value.
What are you trading for this moment of comfort or convenience?
That $90 Uber and the wine upgrade could’ve been a week’s worth of groceries, a few pilates classes to improve your wellbeing, or even a share of ETF that could earn you some dividends and capital growth. When you start thinking in terms of opportunity cost, decisions become clearer.
Is your money doing what you want, or are you just following what others do?
It’s easy to go along with the crowd. But the money should reflect your priorities, not someone else’s lifestyle.
Thinking back, when I was younger, spending a few hundred on a night out didn’t feel like a big deal. It was part of the status quo that I have money to spend.
But now, spending on a drink or two felt like a waste of money. I definitely feel old, but perhaps it’s also a journey of adulting. When you get to your 40s, you really have no excuse for spending mindlessly.
At the end of the day, we all have the freedom to choose. But your choice will shape your financial future.
As I step closer to my “future,” I know it’s time to be intentional and not to spend like I did in my 30s.
Disclaimer: Information shared in this newsletter is not financial advice. Always do your own research before making any financial decisions.
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$200 for one evening? Not bad :)
Great thoughts here. Spending mindlessly does add up fast. It’s getting more and more expensive to do anything out. Coming across “stingy” is a badge of honour. ☺️