The Cost of Pretending

This mistake kept me poor for years. I pretended everything was fine while

avoiding my bank account like the plague. I would check my balance,

feel the anxiety, and lock the screen instantly. I smiled at brunch,

but inside, I was praying my card wouldn't be declined. Every single purchase

came with a crushing weight of guilt and hidden fear. I was broke

because I refused to face the truth of my finances. The moment I

looked at the numbers, my life finally started to change.