"وقتی پول داریم شروع به اشتباه کردن می‌کنیم"

Having money can sometimes lead us to make poor decisions. It’s a simple idea, but there's a lot packed into it. When we suddenly have more resources, it’s easy to become overconfident or careless. That new cushion can make us feel like we have a lot of room to take risks, and that’s when the mistakes start creeping in.

Think about the history of lottery winners. So many stories show how someone wins big and thinks their problems are over. But then they start spending without a plan, buying luxury cars, extravagant vacations, and helping every friend and relative asking for a handout. Before long, they can find themselves in financial trouble again, sometimes even worse off than before they won. Their initial windfall made them careless.

To bring it closer to home, imagine you’ve just gotten a big bonus at work. You might feel like celebrating, so you decide it’s time to upgrade your lifestyle. Maybe it starts with a new car that’s a bit out of your budget, dining at expensive restaurants, or booking that first-class ticket for your next vacation because, why not? You’ve earned it, right? But soon, you’re used to these new habits, and your bank account starts complaining. The security you felt with that bonus disappears quickly.

Here’s some advice to avoid this pitfall: treat unexpected money like an opportunity, not an excuse. Before spending, take a moment to plan. Think about your long-term goals. Could this money help pay off debt, boost your savings, or be invested for future growth? Maybe set aside a small portion for fun so you don’t feel deprived, but keep the larger picture in mind.

Picture this: Jess, a friend of mine, got a hefty tax refund one year. Initially, she was tempted to blow it on a shopping spree. But instead, she consulted with a financial advisor. Jess ended up putting half into a retirement account and the rest toward paying off her student loans. She treated herself to a nice dinner—just one—because she knew she needed to balance enjoying the present with securing her future. A few years later, she’s much closer to being debt-free and has a solid start on her retirement savings. Jess had her fun, but she didn’t let the extra cash lead her astray.

So, next time you find yourself with more money than usual, remember Jess’s story. Enjoy a treat, but don’t let it spiral into a series of poor decisions. It’s tempting to think the extra cash will keep flowing, but it’s smarter to prepare for when it doesn’t. Money doesn’t change who you are—it amplifies who you already are. Make sure it’s amplifying someone who’s got their eye on the future, not just the present.