SubscribeSometimes, You Should Indulge
Don’t get me wrong – I am a strong advocate of a simple, frugal lifestyle. That said, I believe that sometimes, you should indulge.
Indulge your children
I am not saying you should spoil your children by buying them every new game that comes out or a whole new wardrobe every year when they head back to school. But once in a while, take them out for brunch, or to a show, or to play some mini golf. Some unplanned, impromptu outings. They will cherish the little memories you make. And while you work hard to make sure their future is provided for, don’t forget to take a break and plan a vacation. A memorable childhood is as important as a sound financial future.
Indulge your parents
All of us have baggage. Many of us blame our parents for it. But it is important to remember that our parents did what they thought was the best for us. We may not always agree and they may not always be right, but they tried. So, don’t be stingy while paying back. Get a good phone plan and call them once a week. Visit often, even if flying the whole family can get a bit expensive. They will love spending the time with you and their grandchildren.
Indulge your friends
Having good friends makes the daily grind seem just a little more enjoyable. So, don’t hesitate to spend on your friends once in a while. I am not saying you should buy them expensive gifts. But offer to drive them to the airport even if the airport is 40 miles away and the gas costs $3 a gallon! Pick a cake for them on their birthday or a bunch of flowers if they are feeling low. Little gestures make a huge difference.
Indulge on charity
The primary responsibility you have is to provide for yourself and your family. But once these obligations are met, think beyond and look for ways to give to those less fortunate. It doesn’t need to be huge – even small contributions can make a large difference. Check if your company accepts paycheck deductions, and set up deductions of just $10 every paycheck. You won’t even notice the money being gone, but somewhere, someone will be thankful.
Indulge yourself!
Finally, don’t forget to indulge yourself every now and then. Yes, you should save for your retirement. But you should enjoy your youth too. Yes, you should save for the future. But you should live in the present too. Get out there, and have some fun. Pay for babysitting, so you can spend an evening out alone with your spouse. Gift yourself a spa visit, for no reason whatsoever. Buy a dress or a pair of shoes.
Remember, life is short. You need to make the best of what you have. On a day to day basis, when you are busy with work, and life whizzes by, opt for frugal choices and try to save as much money as you can. That way, every now and then, you can indulge yourself and those around you, without breaking your budget or upsetting your savings plan. You won’t remember if you ate a brownbag sandwich for lunch or you ate at the local deli. So by choosing to brownbag your lunch, you will have a little more money saved to indulge your kids at a brunch during the weekend. They will likely remember such outings with fondness as they grow up. It’s all about the choices you make. So choose a frugal, simple lifestyle on a daily basis, so you can indulge every now and then without any guilt or hesitation.
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