Are You....

[Dawn419]

Doc and I are cheap dates now but back when we lived in town (in TN) we spent a lot of money visiting friends' bar & grills, spent money on our fish tanks and adding to our orchid collection. Then we moved to a rental property out in the country and didn't spend/waste near as much. Spent most of our free time with our neighbor/adopted brother just hanging out at his place around his fire pit, grilling out together and listening to music.

Since moving out here to AR, we now have our own fire pit and spend most of doc's time off sitting out by it and enjoy the stars in our own yard since we're no longer surrounded by "security" lights. We love getting out and walking in our woods with the dog and cat. We may splurge on eating out once or twice a month, but doc loves cooking on the grill or over the open fire and I LOVE his cooking! Most of the money we spend now is on "investments" for this place: like fruit trees, perennial or self-seeding medicinal and culinary herbs, building supplies for projects around here, etc...

Since doc finally has this fantastic job, it's been a lot easier on us financially. There were times during our first year here that I didn't know if we'd make it or not but we still had a lot of great times because they involved working on our land and didn't cost much if anything at all.

 

[OrganicKale]

I admit I do like to go out once in a while, and to travel when I can. I enjoy some of life's little luxuries like having my hair professionally colored and highlighted, and getting my eyebrows waxed. My philosophy is that you only live once, and you can't take your money with you when you go. I also enjoy free stuff like hiking, riding my bike, and going to the lake as well. But I never let cost be the determining factor in what I do or buy. If I want to buy something or go somewhere, I do. I don't want to live a grim, deprived existence. Life is way too short.

 

[TanksHill]

I think there needs to be a happy medium. If you have a budget where savings and necessities are taken care of first. Then you use the leftovers for wants.

I don't think its healthy to stew and worry. But if you have financial responsibilities running off to eat out and go shopping shouldn't be an option.

Unless a person is financially set the two will always blend.

Just my opinion.

G

 

[OrganicKale]

Well, when I wasn't making enough to do the things I wanted to do, I took a second job. And then I kept looking until I found a better job. I worked really, really hard to get to the point where I wouldn't have to fret over every penny because that was a priority for me. I grew up poor and did not want my child to go through that. So I took steps to ensure that didn't happen. So if I want to spend a little for luxuries, I don't feel any guilt. I earned it.

 

[MyKidLuvsGreenEgz]

I need to live a more significant and happy life.

 

[Wifezilla]

When you don't have money, or course it is a big concern. Its really easy to not worry about the economy when your bank account is full. Does being poor mean being unhappy? Heck no! Hubby and I don't make a lot and have to take care of a disabled son so our earning ability is seriously impacted. Half of our customers went out of business in 2008, but we adapted and are still doing ok. We have more fun and a better relationship than most couples I know. I do have one friend that is in similar circumstances. Her husband is disabled. They have a great time together and have a very solid relationship. They don't spend a lot of money either, are very careful about their finances, but they still have a great time. In fact, we are all going hiking Sunday and will be photographing a beautiful area. The other night, some girlfriends and I all got together to do crafts and shoot the breeze. Simple pleasures with great friends don't require a lot of cash.

 

[OrganicKale]

I agree that you can have great fun without spending any money at all. Sometimes the simple pleasures are the best. On the other hand, I refuse to live my life in a state of grim denial of pleasure the way I see some people do. I swear some think it is sinful to spend money on something that is not strictly a necessity. Life is so very short. We all work so very hard. We deserve to splurge on occasion. It is important to seek the resources to do so. At least, it is for me. So, I work hard, and reward myself on occasion. If I did not, life would be dry and joyless. Sometimes you have to buy yourself a present or allow yourself to explore the world and enjoy what it has to offer. And sometimes, you can find peace just sitting in the yard gazing at the stars. It is all about balance, for me.

 

[Kala]

DH and I have also really decreased our spending significantly, and honestly we have never been happier. Not to say that people who spend lots of $$ aren't happy, but personally we are much happier hanging out at home and spending time together here or with family. We do still go out from time to time and do some shopping or go to a movie or the book store. But honestly if we're out for too long we just wish we were home. And sometimes we look at eachother and say, how did we spend this much $$ EVERY WEEKEND??!! But I'm certaintly not going to deny myself a splurge every now and then and go to a good bookstore. It's all about balance.

But that's just us personally.

 

[OrganicKale]

I agree with Kala. I would never want to spend all my time traveling and shopping. Ugh. It would get exhausting and feel empty. Nothing is more satisfying to me than curling up on the couch with my dogs and watching an old movie. BUT, sometimes it is fun to buy a shiny new toy or visit a place you have never seen; sometimes I want to let someone else do the cooking. Sometimes, I want to do something to make myself feel pretty. It really is about balance.

 

[Kala]

I agree that you can have great fun without spending any money at all. Sometimes the simple pleasures are the best. On the other hand, I refuse to live my life in a state of grim denial of pleasure the way I see some people do. I swear some think it is sinful to spend money on something that is not strictly a necessity. Life is so very short. We all work so very hard. We deserve to splurge on occasion. It is important to seek the resources to do so. At least, it is for me. So, I work hard, and reward myself on occasion. If I did not, life would be dry and joyless. Sometimes you have to buy yourself a present or allow yourself to explore the world and enjoy what it has to offer. And sometimes, you can find peace just sitting in the yard gazing at the stars. It is all about balance, for me.

And I guess the buzzword of the day is.....BALANCE!!