You know how everyone talks about “adulting” like it’s some sort of mystical level-up in life? The kind that comes with taxes, laundry you forget in the washer for two days, and learning what a credit score actually means? Well, I just unlocked a new badge in the adulting game: I made my first big girl purchase!
I’m still kind of floating from it—half proud, half shocked, and definitely feeling like I deserve a slice of cake or a trophy or something sparkly. Because this wasn’t just a treat-yourself moment. This was one of those grown-up decisions that came with spreadsheets, phone calls, budgeting apps, and a lot of back-and-forth between “can I really afford this?” and “you’ve earned it, girl.”
Let me set the scene.
It started months ago with a little daydream. A Pinterest board here, a wishlist there, a casual “maybe someday” comment during brunch. But that dream kept nudging me. And then suddenly, someday became today. After saving, researching, asking for advice, and facing the occasional moment of doubt, I did it. I hit “confirm.” I signed the dotted line. I made the leap.
So… what was it?
A car? A couch? A designer handbag? A vacation package? A brand-new laptop? Maybe it was even a down payment on a home.
Honestly, it could be any of those things. Because what matters more than the what is the why. This purchase wasn’t just about acquiring something—it was about growing into myself. About saying, “Hey, I’m ready for this next chapter.”
For me, this purchase wasn’t just about ownership. It was about responsibility. About earning something and saying, yes, this is mine—not because it was handed to me, but because I worked for it.
There’s something so deeply satisfying about looking at something you bought—not impulsively, not recklessly—but with real thought and effort, and knowing you did that. You saved. You prioritized. You resisted the temptation to go off-budget or take shortcuts. And now, here it is. Tangible. Yours.
Let’s talk about the process for a second, because oh wow, it wasn’t just a “click and buy” moment.
First, there was the research phase. Countless hours spent comparing options, reading reviews, and watching YouTube videos of people unboxing and talking about pros and cons like they were reviewing diamonds. I asked friends. I asked strangers on forums. I asked myself, Do I really need this? Will it still matter to me in a year?
Then came the saving phase. It meant cutting back on Uber Eats (ouch), skipping a few impulse buys (double ouch), and tracking every penny like I was auditioning for a finance podcast. There were moments when I thought, “This is taking forever,” but I kept going. Because every bit set aside brought me closer.
Then came the decision phase—where excitement met anxiety. You know that moment when you’re about to do something big and your brain suddenly floods with “what ifs”? What if I regret this? What if something goes wrong? What if it’s not as great as I hoped?
But then you remember: you’ve thought this through. You’ve planned. You’ve waited. You’re not acting out of impulse—you’re acting out of intention.
And that’s when I clicked the final button. Or signed the final paper. Or walked out of the store holding it in my hands, smiling so hard I probably looked unhinged. That was the moment. The I did it moment. And let me tell you, it felt amazing.
Because this wasn’t just about buying a thing—it was about claiming a moment of independence. Of self-trust. Of saying, “I know what I need, I know what I want, and I’m capable of providing it for myself.”
I think that’s what being a “big girl” is really about. Not about age or a job title or how many bills you pay. It’s about that moment when you take the reins of your own life and steer in a direction that matters to you.
It might sound dramatic to some. It’s just a car, or a couch, or a laptop, right? But if you’ve ever worked hard for something—really worked—you know it’s more than that. It’s a symbol. A turning point. A reminder that you can set a goal and reach it, even when it takes time and effort and patience.
Also? It felt good to not need permission. No one co-signed this decision for me. I didn’t wait for someone else to say “you should do it.” I trusted my own voice. And let me tell you, there’s a kind of power in that that no price tag can measure.
Of course, I’ve also learned a few things along the way:
- Budgeting is your best friend. Seriously, knowing where your money goes gives you freedom, not restriction. It helps you prioritize and gives you peace of mind.
- Patience pays off. Every delayed gratification moment adds up. That feeling of finally buying something with money you saved slowly? Chef’s kiss.
- Advice is helpful, but trust your gut. Everyone has an opinion, but only you know what’s right for your life and lifestyle.
And yes, I totally did a little happy dance when it was all said and done. I might’ve posted about it with sparkly emojis and all caps. I might still be riding the high from it. Because hey—why not?
So here I am, looking at this purchase that once lived in my imagination and now sits firmly in my reality. It’s a reminder that I’m growing. That I’m evolving. That I can make big moves—and own them.
It might be the first of many, but it’ll always be special. The first big girl purchase. The moment I proved to myself that I could dream big and back it up with action.
And if you’re reading this and thinking about your own big moment—whether it’s buying something, chasing a goal, or making a leap into something new—let this be your sign. You’re capable. You’re strong. And when the time is right, you’ll make it happen, too.
Because trust me: the pride you feel when you do it on your own? That’s worth every bit of effort.
