Why I Fell in Love with Spense: A College Student's Journey to Financial Freedom

I remember the crisp fall morning of my first semester like it was yesterday — the sun shining through the dorm room windows, notebooks stacked on my desk, and a fresh stack of ramen packets in my mini fridge that would (likely) be my lunch for the next week. I had big dreams: ace my classes, make new friends, maybe even go on a spring break trip.

But I also had $800 in student aid funds, a part-time job that paid sporadically, and absolutely zero plan for managing my money.

The Wake-Up Call

It all clicked one weekend after three impulse pizza orders in one day — literally within hours of each other. I sat staring at my bank balance, watching the digits shrivel down faster than my willpower in a late-night snack craving. That's when I downloaded Spense, a mindful spending app that helps you pause before you buy and decide what really matters.

At first, I wasn't sure if an app would make a difference. But Spense wasn't just another finance tracker — it made me think before I spent. Instead of mindlessly tapping "buy," I found myself entering the item's price, choosing a cooling-off period (24 hours, 3 days, or 7 days), and asking myself, Do I really need this?

Learning to Pause

One of the first things Spense taught me was something I still carry with me today: every purchase is a choice. That bag of chips? That late-night coffee? That extra set of concert tickets? Each one meant something different depending on my goals.

From Impulse to Intention

By the end of my first semester, I had built what I like to call my "budgeting muscle." I began setting spending targets: groceries, books, fun nights out with friends. And every time I paused to reflect in Spense instead of making an impulse purchase, I felt a little bit more in control of my finances — and my future.

There were weekends when friends went out for pricey brunches and I chose a cozy study session instead. There were impulse buys that survived the waiting period — and those that didn't. Each decision made me more aware of what I valued and what I could do without.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Now, as I juggle my final year of college with internships and social events, Spense has become more than just an app — it's like a financial compass in my pocket. It's helped me see patterns in my spending, understand when I'm about to make a choice I'll regret, and even reminded me what I'm working toward: savings for an after-grad trip, rent for next year, and a growing emergency fund.

Of course, I still have my low-balance days — who doesn't? But now, when I glance at my budget in Spense and think before I spend, there's a quiet peace that comes with conscious choice.

More Than an App

To me, Spense isn't just a budgeting tool — it's a reminder that mindful spending isn't about restriction. It's about choice, purpose, and control. What I once saw as boring financial discipline has become a powerful habit that keeps me grounded, intentional, and excited for what's ahead.