Ah, the 20s! That vibrant decade where our paychecks often feel like lottery wins and financial planning sounds like a topic for future-me to worry about. We’ve all been there, navigating the choppy waters of adulthood, making some questionable decisions with our cash along the way. And since our best financial advisor might just be our past self, here are 10 hilariously relatable ways we’ve all mismanaged our money in our 20s.

Dabbling Into Designer Disasters

Who among us hasn’t splurged on a designer item that promised to change our lives? Whether it was a purse that cost half our rent or sneakers that needed their insurance policy, we justified these purchases as “investments.” Fast forward a few months, and they’re gathering dust, serving as pricey reminders of our fleeting taste.

All About The Gourmet Experiment

Then, there was the phase where we fancied ourselves as gourmet chefs or food critics. Eating out at fancy restaurants or buying overpriced organic groceries, we convinced ourselves that we were nurturing our sophisticated palate. The reality? A drained bank account and a newfound appreciation for instant noodles.

Attending The Festival Frenzy

Music festivals were the pilgrimages we saved for, believing that life wouldn’t be complete without seeing our favorite bands play live. Dropping hundreds on tickets, merch, and overpriced food, we lived for the experience. Worth it? Absolutely. Financially responsible? Not in the slightest.

Subscribing To The Membership Mirage

Remember signing up for gym memberships, streaming services, or that wine club because it was a “steal”? Fast forward, and half of these memberships are as untouched as the free weights in our gym. Yet, canceling them feels like admitting defeat, so the monthly charges continue as a tribute to our optimism.

Getting All That Impulse Ink

Nothing says “I’m an adult,” like getting a tattoo on a whim. Whether a symbol of freedom or a piece of art we swore had deep meaning, the real pain came when we saw the bill. Tattoos are forever, and so is the memory of explaining that charge to our budget-conscious selves.

Falling Into The Tech Trap

Upgrading our tech because “it’s slow” or “I deserve it” became a rite of passage. Never mind that our old gadgets worked fine; the allure of a shiny new device was irresistible. The consequence? A drawer full of old tech and a familiar sense of buyer’s remorse.

Catching The Travel Bug

Caught by the travel bug, we booked trips that our bank accounts weren’t ready for, convinced that experiences were worth more than money. From last-minute flights to “authentic” souvenirs, we spent freely, collecting memories and, unfortunately, a significant amount of debt.

Trying To Become A DIY Master

There was a time when we believed YouTube could teach us anything, including DIY projects that were supposed to save money. From redecorating our apartment to attempting to fix our car, the results often required calling in a professional. Money saved? Negative. Experience gained? Priceless.

Remember That Fitness Phase?

At some point, we were convinced fitness was our calling, along with that top-of-the-line bicycle, the latest workout gear, and signing up for every fitness class known to humanity. Several hundred dollars later, the most exercise we got was moving all that gear from one corner of the room to another.

Reaching For The Perfect Pad

Finally, who can forget the quest to turn our living spaces into Pinterest-worthy quarters? Splurging on fancy furniture and home decor, we aimed for magazine-ready residences but ended up with maxed-out credit cards and a vague sense of adulting.