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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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Bertha says
September 12, 2011 at 2:10 PMSo very true SB, saving money for me is not meeting kids demands almost always. probably I now need to rethink
SB says
September 12, 2011 at 2:53 PMGlad to be of some use! Glad you are still checking us out 🙂 thanks a lot for your comment
Shelly Honk says
September 12, 2011 at 2:37 PMI 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!
SB says
September 12, 2011 at 2:54 PMlipping 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
Jeff @ Sustainable life blog says
September 12, 2011 at 2:44 PMI 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!
SB says
September 12, 2011 at 3:03 PMYup, 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.
Paul @ The Frugal Toad says
September 12, 2011 at 3:56 PMI 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.
SB says
September 12, 2011 at 4:01 PMI 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?
Dave says
September 12, 2011 at 8:57 PMMy 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.
SB says
September 12, 2011 at 10:14 PMwow, 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.
Dave says
September 13, 2011 at 7:12 AMI 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.
krantcents says
September 12, 2011 at 9:17 PMSavings 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.
SB says
September 12, 2011 at 9:56 PMKC 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.
Kyle @ The Penny Hoarder says
September 13, 2011 at 9:10 PMI 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. 🙂
SB says
September 13, 2011 at 10:45 PMsome personal finance bloggers, believe me, know how to live life.
World of Finance says
September 17, 2011 at 5:34 PMNice 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 😛
SB says
September 18, 2011 at 5:57 PMyeah, the ratio actually is a result of some hard bargaining 🙂
SB says
September 18, 2011 at 5:59 PMWe 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..
Budget & the Beach says
June 17, 2012 at 10:30 AMI’m still working on trying to find that balance!
daisy says
September 10, 2015 at 5:15 AMappreciation with a lot of stuff thanks.
MyappsforPC says
September 21, 2016 at 2:20 AMappreciation with a lot of stuff thanks.
Charlie says
October 13, 2016 at 7:28 AMSaving 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.
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