Money is a topic where everyone has something to say. You can find someone who will state adamantly that you should spend every dime (or even more) to make sure that you enjoy life. But it is as easy to find someone stating the opposite: that you should never spend anything in order to save for the future. The average person lies somewhere in between these two extremes. And while I am no expert at money, I feel like if I can help even one person with their finances, it is worth sharing my opinion.

Personally, I am working as hard as I can to pay off a new car that I recently bought, and I feel that I have a relatively good grasp on money. I am not a money guru, or a person who saves every extra bit by any means, but I also am content with the things I currently have. There is nothing more that I can really think of that I can possibly need at this point. I know that this may be different from many people, but this certainly helps my financial position.

From speaking with my fellow coworkers, I feel like I should share my thoughts as someone who is probably above-average with money:

• Find what makes you happy

Happiness is one of those things that everyone is searching for, but many people don’t ask themselves questions about what will actually make them happy. If you’re happy in your current situation, will more money make you happier? If you’re miserable, will buying Starbucks everyday help? I can’t answer these questions for you, but you need to ask yourself how you feel about your life right now, and what your dream life would consist of.

• Priorities

Once you’ve asked yourself what makes you happy, this should lead every buying, selling, and life decision. Life – including finances – is full of trade-offs. Would I love to drink Dunkin’ Donuts coffee every morning, eat filet mignon for lunch, escargot for supper, and end my day with a huge bowl of gelato? Yes!!! But is this as important to me as building wealth and setting myself up for a successful future? Absolutely not!

• Make plans!

This leads to making plans. Once you decide your priorities, make a plan to follow these. WRITE IT DOWN! There’re plenty of studies about the efficacy of written goals, but I will speak from experience as written goals and weekly plans were the only way that I made it through college. So determine what plans you need to reach your goals for becoming happy.

• Think both short and long-term

The issue with spending all your money now, or only spending, is you are forgetting about actual life. YOU DESERVE TO TREAT YOURSELF! At no point should you feel completely deprived because you save every penny. Your life and finances are a marathon, and by buying things or experiences that make you happy, you are making a life worth living. BUT, is spending all you earn really making you happy and ensuring a great future? These are the things that you should be thinking of anytime that you are looking at work, fun, and spending.

• To each their own

This was the mantra for a friend in college (though used in quite a different context), but I love this statement. I can tell you how I spend or save my money, but this is only useful if you deem it so. YOU are the drive behind your financial future. Do what makes you happy, but keep in mind both the present and future. Take control of your finances and do what you think is best to reach your goals.