Do you ever feel a little upset with yourself after spending the money you grind for on yourself?
Well, you're not alone. It's an unfortunate fact, but often times we'd rather put that new lipstick back or think twice about joining our girlfriends on vacation because we simply don't think we deserve it.
Fact: Money is a tool.
It is used to fulfill monetary obligations for services, pay off debts, and living expenses, but it is also a means to an end to enjoy the life we want to live.
We work hard for our money. Real hard. Bills, student loans, and other obligations lock our mental state in fear of constant financial instability. We feel pressure to adopt a scarcity mindset. It doesn't help that the economy is what it is and it's increasingly more difficult for folks to grab jobs – with or without a college degree.
Talking and dreaming about travel can be attainable with the right plan set in motion. It is important to implement financial balance into our lives.
While I'm not advising anyone to go out and blow money fast with every opportunity, I am advocating finding a way to make your money work for you. Beating yourself up after investing in a new wardrobe or booking a flight to someplace new is counterproductive. Remember, you are in charge of your purse strings.
You can include small splurges in your monthly budgeting – that isn't irresponsible, it is actually genius. Set a cap on what you'd like to spend and stick to it. When I vacation with my girlfriends, we have a set cap on what we'd like to spend. Even though we sometimes go a bit over (sometimes it's hard to put a cap on having fun), preparing for those expenses helps with keeping guilt from surfacing and interrupting your treat yo' self moments.
Leave that guilt at the door with these three steps:
Include Fun in Your Budget
Whether you're new or a veteran to budgeting, for those of us who love lists, creating a “fun" fund will make loosening up the purse strings while shopping or booking trips less of a traumatic feat.
Get the Most Bang For All Your Bucks
With a bit of extra work, hunting down deals can become exciting so that you get the most for the money that you spend. Discount codes are hidden in plain sight across the Interwebs, not to mention on sites like Groupon. Deals are a goldmine for vacations, dinners, adventures, and spa services.
Set Caps on Your Fun
While traveling the world, set a cap on how much you can comfortably spend without breaking bank. Consider your expenses and take note of all the excursions you might want to see. With a number in mind, you can comfortably and responsibly spend money without the fear of overdoing it.
There is more to life than paying bills and budgeting. You have an entire full life to live and holding your money close to your chest for a rainy day that might never come is not living fully, it's living in fear.
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