Amy, 18, student (pictured above)
How would you describe your relationship with money?
I love it but it doesn’t love me.
What’s your worst financial habit?
I go downtown a lot. As soon as I get to Aritzia, my money’s gone.
Is debt something to be overcome or managed?
It’s not like I’m addicted to shopping so it’s not a big deal.
What’s the last thing you bought that you couldn’t afford?
This Roots bag. Right away I wanted to return it but I love the satchel.
Kathleen, 23, student hairstylist
How would you describe your relationship with money?
Very, very poor. I have a hard time managing any funds. I spend more than I have.
What’s your worst financial habit?
Buying clothes. I have a problem—I need help!
Is debt something to be overcome or managed?
Overcome, I would say. It’s something I have to stay on top of. It takes a long time.
What’s the last thing you bought that you couldn’t afford?
A replacement cell phone. My cell phone broke.
Grant, 20, police academy student
How would you describe your relationship with money?
I tend to spend any cash I have on me. It’s gone in 24 hours.
What’s your worst financial habit?
Spending cash, eating out.
Is debt something to be overcome or managed?
Overcome. I have a student loan I need to pay off ASAP.
What’s the last thing you bought that you couldn’t afford?
PlayStation. It was the worst impulse buy I ever made.
Nick, 32, web developer
How would you describe your relationship with money?
I’d say our relationship is disdainful.
What’s your worst financial habit?
Spending! I don’t pay attention to money because I don’t like it, so I just spend it. I don’t acknowledge it.
Is debt something to be overcome or managed?
Overcome.
What’s the last thing you bought that you couldn’t afford?
My apartment is $1,500 per month. For a hole. I regret that every month.
Pamela, 29, sales associate
How would you describe your relationship with money?
Misunderstood. I don’t know how it works. I need to understand it to accumulate it.
What’s your worst financial habit?
Emotional shopping.
Is debt something to be overcome or managed?
In order to overcome it, you need to know how to manage it.
What’s the last thing you bought that you couldn’t afford?
Probably this Michael Kors bag. I saw it as an investment for a job interview. That’s how I justified it.
Ricky, 28, graduate student
How would you describe your relationship with money?
Good, I suppose.
What’s your worst financial habit?
I’ve got pretty good habits with credit card use, but I’m not good with change. Quarters and loonies tend to disappear.
Is debt something to be overcome or managed?
Managed. Debt can be a good thing; it’s about using debt appropriately. Good debt is a student loan or a mortgage.
What’s the last thing you bought that you couldn’t afford?
Tuition! I don’t buy things I can’t afford. Although when I finished my undergrad, I went on vacation to Southeast Asia for a year and racked up $8,000 in debt.
Romeo, 21, DJ
How would you describe your relationship with money?
Last year it was bad, but then I learned that money management is an important thing. My money management is a lot better than it used to be.
What’s your worst financial habit?
Fast food! I’m always swiping my Visa at McDonald’s, Fran’s, Burger King.
Is debt something to be overcome or managed?
I was in debt last year and then realized I was spending so much money. It should be managed and then overcome.
What’s the last thing you bought that you couldn’t afford?
McDonald’s cheeseburgers. Even right now I want a burger.
Zoe, 22, freelance videographer
How would you describe your relationship with money?
I would say it’s fun and sad at the same time. We’re going shopping right now!
What’s your worst financial habit?
Cigarettes.
Is debt something to be overcome or managed?
Both. I’m in debt right now so I’m going to overcome it then manage it.
What’s the last thing you bought that you couldn’t afford?
I went to a thrift store in Boston and spent $15, but I couldn’t afford it that week.
