When I lived in Zimbabwe with my parents, I thought I was good with money. I knew how to budget, I did not spend unnecessarily, I tithed regularly and I always felt in control of my own spending habits. But since moving to Canada and living alone as a student, my perspective on money management has completely changed. What felt simple to me back in Zimbabwe now feels like an impossible balancing act.
One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed since moving is that I no longer have access to what I like to call “invisible hands.” There were so many things that were just there, provided by my parents. Groceries were restocked before they ran out, toiletries like toilet paper and soap never seemed to finish and things like dish soap, surface cleaners and even air fresheners would just appear when needed. My parents and their “invisible hands” took care of all these seemingly small expenses, so much so I never had to consider them.
Living alone has made me realize how many hidden costs I was unaware of. These are not things you buy once and forget about, they are recurring necessities. Every month I have to make sure I’m restocking the basics, and those costs add up quickly. I cannot just spend money on things I want anymore. I need to make sure I have what I need for daily function. These things cannot be neglected, and so I have no choice but to spend my money on them.
The same applies to groceries. Before, I did not think twice about having food available, and so any extra money I had could go to eating out with friends. But now I’m fully responsible for making sure I have actual meals at home. The shift from not noticing these responsibilities to carrying them out has been one of the biggest adjustments I’ve had to make since moving to Canada and living alone.
Additionally, I’ve also had a really hard time accepting how quickly small expenses add up. Something as simple as buying a matcha latte here and there doesn’t feel like much in the moment, but over time it becomes a significant amount of money. It’s made me more aware that money management is not just about big purchases but also the small, consistent ones. I’ve also struggled with balancing what I need versus what I want. As a student with a busy and stressful schedule, it’s easy to justify spending as a way to cope or reward myself. Sometimes it feels deserved, especially after a tough week. But knowing when it’s okay to treat myself and when I need to hold back is something I’m still working on.
I’m still figuring it out, as you can probably tell, but I’ve started trying a few strategies that feel realistic for me. Instead of jumping straight into strict budgeting, I’ve been tracking my spending in my notes app. I will write down the date and anything I spend outside of my necessities. It’s really helped me be more aware of where my money is actually going. I know that there’s a big difference between knowing what I should do and actually doing it, so for now I’m focusing on awareness. From there, I’m slowly building better habits. For example, instead of constantly buying small treats or drinks, which I noticed I spend a lot of money on, I have started learning how to make things at home, so it’s more sustainable in the long run. I am also trying to start saving a small portion of what I earn every month, 10 per cent to be specific. Even though it’s not much, I think putting aside even the smallest amount consistently is helping me build discipline with my savings.
Living alone has pushed me to be more responsible and more aware of my choices, especially when it comes to money. It is both freeing and challenging at the same time. I’ve had to become more self-controlled than I expected, but in the process, I’m also becoming someone I can rely on. I’m far from perfect, but I’m learning and that itself feels like progress.
