<prompt> Human: I have an issue with letting go of money. I may skip going out to eat with friends to save 15, say no to an iced coffee when I REALLY want one, or stay home instead of going to a fun event that isnt free. I am not poor. I have more than enough money to buy these things. It makes me sad that I miss out on these things because of my own decision.I am a 21 year old female in college. I have a full ride scholarship, and dont need to pay off loans. I have a decent job, and supportive people in my life. I always been financially stable, yet I have money issues when trying to spend it. I think the issue has been becoming increasingly worse, since I have just became aware that saving money isnt always positive like I have been told my whole life. Growing up my mother was rather thrifty, and it definitely rubbed off on me. I see nothing wrong with saving money that doesnt need to be spent when a reasonable alternative can be done instead. But lately Ive felt almost obsessive over keeping every dollar I make. For example, I stressed over paying for a dinner with a friend and my boyfriend for a week. It was only 50 for all of us, but I felt upset, nervous, and sort of sick the whole week, and a few days after This is the moment I realized I really have an issue, an issue that is really making me sad about everyday activities that involve money. so basically anything.I dont want to be known as a cheapskate, the one who never does anything fun, the one who will do anything to save a buck. Why have money to spend and not spend it on fun things? I always make the excuse with myself that Im saving for a car, a vacation, anything. But when it comes time to buy those things IM STILL TRYING TO SAVE ALL I CAN ON IT. I do buy tickets for events occasionally, but it makes me stressed out. Buying new clothes makes me nervous. Basically buying anything can send me into a weird state of uneasiness. I like to check my bank account, and feel a slight high when the numbers are higher than I thought it would be. Does anyone else struggle with this? How can I regain control over my feelings of spending money? Edit: Thank you everyone for your replies and suggestions! I will start budgeting my spendings, so I have an idea of how much I can comfortably spend while not feeling like Im just blowing it all willy-nilly. Ill make a chart of things Id like to allow myself to buy, such as a couple coffees a week or a concert every 6 months... Not sure yet. Im sure with time Ill figure out what brings me most happiness, and have a separate account set aside for these things. Itll take patience, but Ill see how it goes. If I feel like Im struggling after a while still Ill make an appointment with the school counselor, wont hurt anything!Assistant: Since youre in college you likely have free access to counseling. I seriously would consider trying it and seeing what you think. It really might help you develop a healthier perspective towards saving and spending money and reduce your anxiety about it. Human: I am planning on it when I return to school on a couple weeks. Ive gone before and theyre really nice, perhaps they will be able to explain why Im feeling this way, and just talking about it will help. I find it embarrassing  <response>: I want to second this. Telling a person who is addicted to saving to go spend money is the same thing as telling an anorexic person to eat a burger. Its really hard to change without some help from others. Dont be embarrassed. More people than youd ever imagine go to counseling for one reason or another. 