Amayzine

Everything you think when your salary just comes in

By Sophie Rietmulder | #!30Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:00:43 +0200+02:004330#30Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:00:43 +0200+02:00-2Europe/Amsterdam3030Europe/Amsterdam202330 28pm30pm-30Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:00:43 +0200+02:002Europe/Amsterdam3030Europe/Amsterdam2023302023Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:00:43 +0200002004pmFriday=9#!30Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:00:43 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam4#04-28-2023#!30Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:00:43 +0200+02:004330#/30Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:00:43 +0200+02:00-2Europe/Amsterdam3030Europe/Amsterdam202330#!30Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:00:43 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam4#

It's that time again. I have a way too big piece of month left at the end of my money. It's almost a talent how I manage to live on rations for over a week until my next salary is deposited. By the way, it's not due to unwillingness. I dutifully make a strict plan every month regarding how much money I want to spend on groceries, clothing, and gas, I just never stick to it. I also always forget to account for unexpected costs from birthdays, beauty products that scream to be replaced, and spontaneous nights out. What do you get when you add all that up? Exactly: a financial drama. And a girl who is very happy when her salary is deposited again. Recognizable? Then the following things will most likely go through your mind in the coming days:

1. Okay then, first things first: bills. Rent, electricity, gas, health insurance, internet, TV, and phone. Holy shit, I am amazed every month at how expensive it is just to live.

2. Filling up! Finally no more driving with clenched buttocks wondering if you will make it from point A to point B. Also, the days of filling up for a maximum of 8 euros every other day (at least for now) are over. Hallelujah!

3. That fridge often doesn't look particularly appealing at this point either. Off to the supermarket to stock up and especially not to pay attention to the prices. After a week of water and bread, it's time for real food.

4. How nice is the feeling of a full fridge and a clean kitchen? That feeling must be maintained. Ordering food it is. Then the fridge stays full for a while longer and, most importantly, there's no dishes to do. Win-win, if you ask me.

5. Shit, those Klarna invoices really need to be paid now. Just transfer quickly without looking then. It feels calmer once that's done.

6. As if the devil is playing with you, paying off your Klarna debts always reminds you that you still have some things on your wishlist. Better check all the shopping apps. Just to look, I promise.

7. Anddd add to cart. Yes, that just looking has of course immediately gone out the window, but if an item has been sold out for a month and is suddenly available now, then that's a sign, right? You just pay for it with Klarna, then it's the problem of your future self.

8. Here I am guilty every month: taking on every bill in the first week after receiving my salary. Ah, the drinks and dinners with friends are often just too much fun to worry about money, and if there's one thing that makes my hair stand on end, it's splitting the bill. Here, take this bill.

9. Then that inevitable realization that you had counted yourself a bit too rich and now have to go through life for another two weeks with a minimal amount in your bank account. Maybe it's time for a tighter budget. Or a side job. Or both. Oh well, whatever happens: it will be the 25th again before you know it.