Are you good at saving money but not good at spending it? 4 tips to learn how to spend money wisely
Hi everyone! I'm John, your money and health expert.
"I need to save up some money for the future!"
I think there are many people who think like this and work hard to save money. It's a wonderful thing. But even when you do save money, have you ever felt like, "Is it okay to spend this money...?" or "I feel uneasy if I don't save more..." and found it hard to spend money happily?
In fact, this is a problem that people who are good at saving are likely to fall into. It's money that you've worked hard to earn, so you want to use it to enrich your life without feeling guilty.
So this time,4 tips to shift your mindset from "saving" to "spending wisely"Even if you don't like spending money, reading this article will surely make you feel better!
Tip 1: Set a budget for "fun" in advance
Many people keep a household budget, but the purpose is often to "reduce wasteful spending." But let's turn the idea around. In other words,Decide in advance each month the amount you will spend on your own entertainment
For example,
- "This month, I'll spend 1 yen on hobbies and eating out freely!"
- "I'll put 2 yen a month into a separate account for travel."
Think of it as giving yourself "permission." As long as it's within this budget, you can spend it on anything. There's no need to feel guilty. It's like planning a reward for yourself. Just having this "fun budget" will make it surprisingly easy to spend money.
Tip 2: Spend your money on experiences rather than things
When we spend money, we tend to buy "things." The latest gadgets, fashionable clothes, nice furniture... Of course, these things enrich our lives. But it's actually "things" that tend to give us a long-lasting sense of happiness.Investing in experiencesIt is said that.
This is because the satisfaction of an object is at its peak when you obtain it, and then it fades over time, and you start wanting something better. On the other hand, experiences are
- It will remain in my heart forever as a memory
- Sharing with others increases joy
- You'll feel happy even when you look back on it later.
For example, a trip with family, a meal with friends, learning a new skill, a concert by your favorite artist, etc. These experiences are the best assets that enrich the story of your life. Please think of them as "investments in happiness" and spend money on experiences.
Tip 3: Automate the fun
Many people set up "automatic savings" for savings and investments. This is a system where a fixed amount is automatically deducted on a fixed date each month.Let's try applying it for fun too.
For example,
- Sign up for a subscription to receive your favorite books every month
- Make a habit of making a reservation at a slightly more expensive restaurant once a month.
- Go for a massage or spa regularly
In this way, by "automating" or "making" fun into a habit, you can eliminate the process of wondering "Should I use it or stop?" Once you have decided, all you have to do is enjoy it. It's a smart way to naturally bring moisture into your life without relying on willpower.
Tip 4: Start with small luxuries
It takes courage for anyone to suddenly spend a large amount of money. This is especially true if you have been concentrating on saving money up until now. In such a case,Let's start with a small step.
If you usually make do with the coffee from a convenience store, try taking your time to savour some delicious coffee at a cafe. If you usually cook for yourself, try having lunch at a restaurant you've been interested in today. Buy that book you've been wanting to read without hesitation.
Try to consciously incorporate these "little luxuries" into your life. Even if it's just a few hundred or a few thousand yen, you'll be surprised at how much satisfaction you can get. By accumulating these little successes, you'll naturally develop the feeling that "spending money = fun," and your resistance to spending money will gradually fade away. It's like "muscle training" to help you spend money.
Comments from the author (John)
I myself am the type of person who tends to save money, so the theme of this article really resonated with me. It is important to prepare for the future, of course, but it is equally important to enjoy the "now". Money is merely a "tool" to enrich your life. It made me realize once again that I want to use this tool well and cherish both the future and the present.
This article is based on the following original articles and is summarized from the author's perspective:
How to Spend More Money