Month-end blues:A couple of months ago, my former driver came to work grinning. He had bought a new phone that cost nearly three times his monthly salary. When I asked why he spent so much, he said, “Sop logot ase, moi bhi luishe.” It wasn’t recklessness, it’s simply the world we live in today, where spending feels easier than saving.
And then we wonder why we suffer from month-end blues.
We believe that ‘month-end blues’ is a problem of Gen Z and didn’t exist in such prevalence in earlier generations. But why?
The answer lies in the inherent characteristics of Gen Z. They are ambitious, free-thinking and consumption-driven. They believe in YOLO (You Only Live Once). They believe in dreaming big and living big. So is that a problem? Certainly not. Each generation has its characteristics.
So what to do with this unique and new problem we’re facing?
One answer: Budgeting.
Our parents grew up in a time of scarcity, where budgeting and saving were second nature. They were taught to live within their means, to plan for tomorrow before enjoying today.
We, and especially Gen Z, are products of a culture of abundance. Hence, we need to build the habit of budgeting and saving, skills that are neither natural to nor taught to most of us. We live in a world of instant deliveries, influencer lifestyles, and the idea that “You Only Live Once.” Experiences feel more valuable than savings, and financial freedom often feels like a vibe rather than a plan.
But the truth is, when emergencies come, it’s not YOLO moments that save us. It’s the quiet money sitting in our savings account. And today, if you don’t save, the world will find a way to take your money, through rising prices, impulsive spending, or the next shiny thing. Budgeting and saving are life skills we all need, to live well and live smart. This is why platforms like Moneybar help,a space where like-minded people share real financial journeys and learn simple habits like budgeting, saving and investing from one another without feeling overwhelmed. If you’d like to start, simply download the app from Play Store or App Store, sign up, and request to join!
Month-end blues don’t have to be normal. Just a little budgeting can give both peace of mind and security without the panic that comes with running out of money.
Paweii Kayina
Founder & CEO, Moneybar