Meaning of haberme

Question

Hola, I’m confused about haberme in: Después de haberme gastado una pasta in the “I failed” dictation. What would the meaning be with Después de haber gastado? What does haberme emphasize, I (me), or spending a lot? Muchas gracias, Shirley.

Answer

Hola Shirley,

In my opinion the use of 'haberme' here is to make clear to the reader that it is the speaker himself that has 'spent a fortune on...' It has 'cost him' a lot of money. So, yes, I believe you're right, it is to emphasise the 'me'.

You could still use 'Después de haber gastado...' but it wouldn't be clear as to who spent a fortune.

Answer

Hola Shirley
As Clara said this emphasises the "person" who did all that spending. The use of the reflexive this way is called "se aspectual". Here's a lesson on this if you'd like a detailed explanation. 
Saludos