My 'Big Girl Money' Plans, Wants, Wishes and Dreams

I'm just a girl. I'm the girl who loves to spend her money on pilates classes, overpriced iced lattes, shity tequila sodas at my local college bar, TJ Max trips, the latest Set Active workout set, a Sweetgreen salad, and whatever lip product I fall into the rabbit hole of purchasing from my favorite influencer. But like I said, I'm only just a girl.

As a college student who is a rising senior, I'm feeling all the worries and pressures set on us when it comes to post-grad anything. Now, this is for sure a personal problem, but I can help to worry if I'll even be able to lock down a job I'll somewhat enjoy, what city I'll end up in, who my roomates would be, will I even be able to afford an aprtment yada yada you know. That's also the overthinker and worrier in me, but hey, that's why therapy's a thing!!! However, when it comes to all the worries and stressors post-grad life brings, I can't help but get excited when I see all the girlies on TikTok when it comes to their "big girl jobs". What corporate America fashion trends are they falling into when it comes to their "big girl job" outfits? What ballet flats are they wearing to and from the office when working their corporate 9 to 5? From morning routines to meal prep recipes, from the local cafe they get their coffee from to their favorite way to decompress after a day in the office, I can't help but be excited for the routine I'll have set up for myself and my life when working my "big girl job".

Along with “big girl jobs” comes big girl responsibilities — eventually, and hopefully, big girl bucks. What’s big girl money? Well, to me, big girl money is the feeling, the luxury, and the ability to afford your lifestyle. While everyone has their own different needs and wants, “big girl money” allows you, the girl, to spend money on things that bring you personal joy.

Adding to your already romanticized routine of overpriced lattes, a Pilates membership, and occasional trips to the fancy supermarket, big girl money is the ability we’ve worked for when it comes to supporting our lifestyle. Because yes — the $30 olive oil does make my avocado toast taste better.

With all that being said, I’m trying to remember that I only get one senior year and four years of college. I need to enjoy it, because now is really all that we have to hold on to. Money comes and goes, but memories and the time spent with the people I love most don’t.

While I might stress about money, what my next job is, and what my future plans are going to be, senior year is the time in my life that I want to enjoy — and should enjoy. It shouldn’t be spent stressing or worrying about things that, at this point, I can’t really control. All I can control is the work and effort I’m putting in currently to help me in the future.

I’m a dreamer, and I love to romanticize my life because it elevates the point. What’s the point of life without being able to enjoy the daily elements or parts within your day-to-day routine? Right now, believe me — I love to spend my money on things that bring me joy and make the day-to-day of my college class routines more of an exciting experience I crave to wake up to every morning.

However, I do have a slight budget and I am smart… at least I like to say that (my dad may say otherwise). But if and when I get my “big girl job” and am making “big girl money,” here are some non-negotiables I’ll be spending it on.

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Fancy Groceries

A weird niche or love I’ve always had? Fancy supermarkets. The ones where anything you bought was either baked, sliced, or chopped right there in front of you. Like come on — being able to browse through grocery store aisles with a glass of pinot grigio sounds like the ultimate dream.

Anytime my mom, sister, and I would travel up north to shop at our nearest mall, we always stopped at the nearest Mariano’s for lunch. Yep, that was me — champagne taste on a beer budget. I think that’s where my love for food, the experience it brings, and the excitement it creates for people truly started.

Now, my love for Trader Joe’s? It won’t — and never will — stop. I mean, I can’t give up my personal favorite chocolate-covered peanut butter pretzels, cookie butter spread, or literally anything truffle the company comes out with.

However, sometimes I just want to buy the fancy sourdough loaf from the local bakery, or — like I said — the $30 olive oil sold at the specialty Italian market. And don’t get me wrong, I love Aldi and I love Trader Joe’s, but I think there’s something to be said about spending an arm and a leg on a carton of eggs. Like seriously… what is up with egg prices these days?

Still, being able to spend a little extra on your favorite ground coffee, a fresh pasta, or a really good olive oil? That’s the kind of luxury I dream of.

I know that once I have more flexibility to spend my “big girl money,” being able to treat myself to certain groceries that feel healthy, fresh, and exciting will add a whole new level of joy to my life.

Workout Memberships

Being able to actually find a workout you like — and genuinely look forward to — is a total game-changer. The fitness and wellness industry as a whole is constantly evolving. There’s always some new workout class everyone’s dying to try or advice from way too many social media influencers that just might not work for everyone.

This can make “the want” to try new things feel intimidating. Not to mention how expensive trying new workout classes can be!!! I mean, truly — how can you know if you like something or not without even getting the chance to try it first?

Thankfully, over time, I’ve been able to create a workout routine structured around my life — one I’ve really come to love — and, thankfully, it doesn’t break the bank. Though, at times, I do wish I had the financial freedom to try different workout classes just to keep things fresh and interesting.

Working out should be fun. It’s an experience. Moving your body is meant to be enjoyable — not stressful. It’s always fun to rope your best friend into trying the newest class everyone on TikTok is raving about… then of course, follow it up with a matcha from your favorite coffee shop down the street.

When I do get my big girl money, something I know I’ll spend it on is trying new workout classes and fitness studios that let me explore different ways of moving.

That’s the beauty of fitness (and big girl money): the ability to try things that might push you outside your comfort zone, but could also lead to discovering something new — and maybe even finding something you love.

Nails, But On A Schedule

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always bitten or picked at my nails. I was always that kid who was filled with anxiety and worry — to the point where I would make myself sick. Hence why my nails have always looked horrible.

I remember as a kid, I loved getting to play and put on fake nails because they hid mine. That eventually led into my teen years of religiously spending $50 or more on acrylic nails. While I loved the way they looked, the prices were ridiculous — and my real nails were left even more weak and brittle than before.

I mean, why spend an arm and a leg on fake nails that leave your real ones even more damaged?

This summer, I’ve made it my ultimate goal to grow out my natural nails and keep them looking nice — but on my own. So far, so good… but time will tell.

When it comes to nails, I really think they make such a difference in your appearance. You might not think about it, but people are always looking at your hands — we use them every single day.

When I have my big girl money, something I know I’ll want to spend it on is getting my nails done regularly — with my amazing nail lady — and on a schedule. By that point, I know my natural nails will be long, thick, and healthy, and spending money to keep them strong and polished will be so much more worth it.

Shopping

Now, do I need to say more when it comes to this wish? I mean, I’m only just a girl.

This summer, while living in Chicago and working my quote-on-quote “corporate internship,” I’ve found a whole new love for dressing up for in-office work days. Being able to get up, make my morning coffee, do my hair, my makeup, and put on a cute outfit not only helps set me up for a successful day — but it also boosts my confidence when I like what I’m wearing.

However, I can’t just spend money here and there all the time — because we’re on a budget. While I love my T.J. Maxx and Marshalls finds, I also think it’s important to invest in certain pieces that are great quality and will last a long time. Still, I know I need to be careful and smart when I do that.

Fashion to me is more than just clothes. It’s an expression. It shows a piece of who you are — and it’s fun to participate in alongside so many others.

Shopping is something I personally like to participate in because it makes me feel confident. It also makes me feel almost like I’m part of a community with other girls. We all love that feeling when someone compliments something we’re wearing — that moment when another girl says, “Omg, I love your top!”

When I have my big girl money, I’ll want to explore more. I’ll have the financial ability to try new things, experiment, and see what works well for me — and what doesn’t.