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Make Saving A Fun, Be A Motivated Saver

September 12, 2011 32 Comments

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We spend money in an attempt to gain happiness. Big vacations, dream homes, and happy kids make us happy. Then why do personal finance experts advise us to save money in order to feel happy? We can just spend money and buy happiness to remain happy always, can’t we?

I know you will start counting the benefits of investing and making money grow. You will tell me that the same money can bring more happiness tomorrow (compared to today) if I let it grow and earn interest.

Last evening my wife wanted to go watch a movie at the theater, and I, being frugal, tried convincing her how costly a theater ticket is as compared to overnight DVD rental. She asked me, “Why are you working so hard?”

I said, “To earn more, and to have more money so we can have a better life.”

Her: “When?”

Me: “A few years from now.”

Her: “Exactly how many?”

Me: “I don’t know, but pretty soon. Let me save enough to have a home and blah blah blah…” (my usual wish list)

Her: “Then, what exactly will we do with those things?”

Me: “We will have a happy life and lots of fun.”

Her: “What we will have now?”

Me: “Ummm…let’s watch a DVD.”

Well, eventually I lost the battle (I always do!) and ended up going to the theater. I spent $15 more than my planned $1 DVD rental from Redbox. But in the end I was happy – we had a very good time and laughed a lot. My wife happily agreed that next few movies should be through DVD rental only. In fact, we planned to watch one movie at the theater for every 10 movies we see through library rental or kiosk rental. We don’t use Netflix, so we are saving on that front anyway. Like we end up saving huge amounts using Finish Line Coupons, whenever we tend to buy some great Sports Merchandise

I love saving money! But I love having fun too.

As I stated before, turning hobbies into a job might take the charm out of the hobby activity. Likewise, saving money day in and day out without having some occasional fun can take the charm out of saving money as well. It is one thing to spend on impulse or spend out of negligence; it is another thing to indulge in occasional rewards at times, during your money-saving journey.

When you are not really broke and not in debt, it is really difficult to stay on a frugal course unless you reward yourself and your family members. Otherwise there might be disputes and unhappiness within the family.

Are you having enough fun saving money? You might want to check against the list I prepared.

Don’t count every cent Don’t always be after every penny. At times it becomes too much of a hassle. As a good manager of your household finances, you are taking on a lot of pressure. Don’t let that be your shackle! Believe me, you will feel like you have one at times. It’s ‘ok’ to let loose sometimes. Accept additional money spent on items every now and then; don’t blame others or yourself.

Budget for fun. As I did with the movie viewing pact, make a provision for spending on fun items. No matter how hard you convince your kids that the newest video game is just a waste of money, they will not understand. Make allowances for a few video games in your budget, to give another example.

Budget for your sin. I budget for my sunglasses every month (I have collection of sunglasses and watches) and a watch every quarter. I see this as a self reward for doing well at work and at home. My wife has a few unique pricey habits as well – hope she won’t ever read this article (she usually does read though). Without rewards there is not enough meaning to keep going.

Involve family members. Play games with your kids to show them how to use money wisely. Money Matters is a game by Larry Burkett that does just that. Another way is to help them earn money while saving you money at the same time by encouraging them to find coupons. To do this, give them a percentage of how much money you save when you use the coupons they cut at the grocery store. They organize your coupons (helping you save) and earn extra allowance too!

Reward the detective. Uncover the sleuth in your family. If you look at money saved as hidden treasure, you will find the process exciting! There’s always a new way to save money, you just need to encourage your family to find it. Give a percentage of the savings to the individual who finds it.

Take regular staycations. This was explained in a previous post. A staycation is enjoying vacation time in activities near your home. This is fun, frugal, and especially exciting for the kids. Frequent outings result in calmer homes with less demand for material things. (just my theory)

Are you saving with fun or with deprivation? What other fun activities are you and your family involved in, readers?

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About the Blogger Hi I am SB, a personal finance enthusiast with a career in software development. I am an immigrant to the USA since 2005, after being born and brought up in India. This 40 something technocrat lives and breathes personal finance whenever he gets time from the day job, job as a husband and a dad

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Comments

  1. Bertha says

    September 12, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    So very true SB, saving money for me is not meeting kids demands almost always. probably I now need to rethink

    Reply
    • SB says

      September 12, 2011 at 2:53 PM

      Glad to be of some use! Glad you are still checking us out 🙂 thanks a lot for your comment

      Reply
  2. Shelly Honk says

    September 12, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    I think of looking through fliers and clipping coupons as a game. I actually enjoy it, but I didn’t always. It used to seem like a complete waste of time, but I gave myself an attitude adjustment. We’re saving money, and I’m enjoying myself at the same time!

    Reply
    • SB says

      September 12, 2011 at 2:54 PM

      lipping through coupons, for me is always painful. If you are making it a fmaily fun, then its a good practice. Do check your return on time investments though

      Reply
  3. Jeff @ Sustainable life blog says

    September 12, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    I save with fun in mind, but practice debt reduction. Most of my savings goes into debt reduction (though that’s not the case recently) Much of my savings has been towards the future as well as a trip I’m taking soon. I do occasionally have some fun like a dinner out, but I keep trying to save as much as possible. My life is going to change a lot soon!

    Reply
    • SB says

      September 12, 2011 at 3:03 PM

      Yup, I am aware that you are going to get married soon. Seeing your debt reducing is a lot of fun in itself. But do prepare to pamper your would be with some fun activities and little gifts..I am sure you’ll do it any way.

      Reply
  4. Paul @ The Frugal Toad says

    September 12, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    I agree with the point that you need to budget in the fun stuff. Just like you need to schedule time with your loved ones. Sounds funny but you need to make sure you plan and follow thru.

    Reply
    • SB says

      September 12, 2011 at 4:01 PM

      I cna’t agree more Paul! Thanks for your comment. Saving saving and saving gets boring especially when you are not in debt and saving well for retirement. After all we earn money to enjoy its worth, right?

      Reply
  5. Dave says

    September 12, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    My wife and I each get to hide away a little “fun money” that we can use for whatever we want without consulting with each other. It makes it a little easier to save the rest of our money.

    Reply
    • SB says

      September 12, 2011 at 10:14 PM

      wow, wonderful! way to have fun. So what you basically do with that ‘secret’ money? This is actually a very good technique for persons with a little male ego, like me. I hope you got the point.

      Reply
      • Dave says

        September 13, 2011 at 7:12 AM

        I must confess that I have such a “saver” mentality that I have a hard time spending it! Usually it just piles up for a long time and then I pull it out for something major, like a trip. It kind of defeats the purpose of being able to do whatever I want with it just for me, but it is fun anyway.

        Reply
  6. krantcents says

    September 12, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    Savings is a way of life for me. I make it a priority and live on what is left. I don’t deny myself that much. It helps I do not have debt except for a small mortgage. It provides choices.

    Reply
    • SB says

      September 12, 2011 at 9:56 PM

      KC I am interested to know about your journey so far. I guess you started blogging a bit late in your life. How the experience have been. I am sure blogging your thoughts made you more financially stronger as well. Look forward to read some post on this matter on your blog.

      Reply
  7. Kyle @ The Penny Hoarder says

    September 13, 2011 at 9:10 PM

    I think this is so true! So many of us spend all of our time saving for tomorrow, that we forget to live for today. It’s hard to find a good balance and I think us thrifty, personal finance bloggers are the worst. 🙂

    Reply
    • SB says

      September 13, 2011 at 10:45 PM

      some personal finance bloggers, believe me, know how to live life.

      Reply
  8. World of Finance says

    September 17, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    Nice article. This reminds me that everything is good with balance. 🙂 We should reward ourselves for hard work, but not overindulge and break the bank. Entertainment should be in the budget 🙂 Nice movie theater-DVD ratio 😛

    Reply
    • SB says

      September 18, 2011 at 5:57 PM

      yeah, the ratio actually is a result of some hard bargaining 🙂

      Reply
    • SB says

      September 18, 2011 at 5:59 PM

      We do everything since childhood for reward. We cry to get few things, toys ice cream etc. When we are adult we definitely much more controlled, but still that kid within us needs fun and entertainment and sometimes material pleasure..

      Reply
  9. Budget & the Beach says

    June 17, 2012 at 10:30 AM

    I’m still working on trying to find that balance!

    Reply
  10. daisy says

    September 10, 2015 at 5:15 AM

    appreciation with a lot of stuff thanks.

    Reply
  11. MyappsforPC says

    September 21, 2016 at 2:20 AM

    appreciation with a lot of stuff thanks.

    Reply
  12. Charlie says

    October 13, 2016 at 7:28 AM

    Saving money helps us to use it in the times where are require more money to buy something or while we are in problem. When i was child i didnot know how to save money. but now a days it is just opposite to that scene.

    Reply
  13. Zoosk login says

    November 25, 2016 at 2:05 AM

    It’s an awesome post.
    I am very much happy after looking your post because it is highly informative.

    Reply
  14. charlesdan says

    November 28, 2016 at 12:12 PM

    this is great idea to save the money for future work .it is a good habit for every person.

    Reply
  15. bottle flip says

    March 30, 2017 at 4:58 AM

    I loved the game

    Reply
  16. Caisy says

    April 14, 2017 at 5:23 AM

    I Pinned your web page at My Bookmark History, It is Truly awesome article thank you so much.

    Reply
  17. master says

    July 13, 2017 at 10:15 PM

    thanks for sharing

    Reply
  18. 24JobsExam says

    July 21, 2017 at 4:44 AM

    Thanks for sharing this information with us, i always like to read these articles, cool..!

    Reply
  19. Acer Tech Support says

    October 16, 2017 at 2:10 AM

    The blog is really awesome always post informative posts and its continuously improving my knowledge.
    It is extremely helpful info!! Very good work. Everything is ver

    Reply
    • SB says

      October 20, 2017 at 10:22 PM

      You made my day. Thanks for being so generous with your comment

      Reply
  20. yahoo help says

    May 22, 2018 at 8:12 AM

    i like your article to save money you share great with us. nowadays people don’t know the meaning of how to save money.

    Reply
  21. Trending in Deals says

    January 6, 2023 at 4:37 AM

    Saving money doesn’t have to be a chore. Make it fun by setting challenging financial goals and rewarding yourself when you reach them. Set up automatic transfers from your paycheck to your savings account, and make a point to track your progress. You’ll be motivated to keep going and eventually you’ll reach your goals.

    Reply

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