Before I begin I have to mention that this is my last week with Frugal Rules. I’ve really enjoyed my time here, but needed to free up some time for a new freelance gig I recently landed, which is something I’ve been looking for for a long time. Thank you all for reading my posts, commenting, and sharing. I truly appreciate it! And thank you John for this great opportunity.
This past month I’ve been off my game, big time! In addition to things I needed to buy, like new tires and an oil change for my car, there were mishaps that came up (like a cracked windshield when I traveled to Utah), but also bad spending choices (like buying some clothes and shoes at an outlet mall).
Now really in the grand scheme of things, what I bought was not that much. I really did need a new pair of sandals because my last pair were so worn down I was having foot pain, but I only bought a couple skirts and tops and two other pairs of shoes. And I swear I’m not even a shoe person. No big deal. Nothing fancy. No high end designer stuff.
But to me, in my current financial situation, it IS a big deal to live frugally…that is if I ever want to stay on track with my personal and professional goals. Sacrifice: Ain’t she a bee-otch?
if I didn’t care about frugality…
After the crack in my windshield (post shopping), I was kicking myself and moping around that I had made a bad decision, and had kind of a poopy pants disposition all week. And on more than one occasion I went off into fantasyland about what it would be like if I no longer cared about being frugal.
Lots of people play the game: what would I do if I had a million dollars? It’s a fun game of course, but most of us will never receive a windfall of that amount. Most of us, if we are smart or lucky, will have the million for retirement, and thats just to live kind of the same life we are living now.
So this game is a bit different. This one is thinking about all the semi-realistic wants I have right now, that if I did not care about frugality I would buy. This means spending money within the exact same financial state I’m in right now, (i.e., it means not saving money and more than likely going into debt).
…This is What I Would Buy
The Apartment – I’d give my apartment a serious makeover. I’d hire a cleaning person for the day and get a professional carpet cleaner. Scratch that second thing. I’d rip up the carpet and add hardwood floors. I’d buy some new furniture, and definitely new bedding since I’ve had the exact same sheets and quilt for over 10 years.
Clothes – I would love to revamp most of my wardrobe. I have plenty of workout clothes, but I seriously lack cute casual clothes. You know, the kind you wear on a date…which has been non-existent in my life as of…well, I don’t even want to say. I long to look a lot more stylish than I currently look.
Personal – I’d get a weekly massage, and a pedicure at least once a month. I like pretty feet.
Work – I’d for sure hire an assistant. He/She would pick up the slack on all those little tasks that I have to do that eat up much of my time, letting me focus on the big picture items. I can imagine how much time I’d save by not having to schlep to the laundromat each week or the grocery store. I’d also be able to hire people to write articles so that I could grow my website.
Travel – I’d take one big international trip each year and several domestic trips, and attend conferences which focus on personal and professional development.
Gadgets – I’d buy more video gadgets which would add to the production value of the videos I’m making.
So why would I bum myself out by making a list of things which may be out of reach? Because there is nothing wrong with wants (gasp!)! I just put it all out there what I’d like in my life, so now I can begin to prioritize them, and perhaps stay focused with financial goals, so that I can make some of them happen. For instance, right now I’d like to target my work wants first and foremost. It’s all about priorities, and making your budget work so that some of these things can actually happen.
What are some of the things that want in your life right not, but may be tough to come by with your current budget? How do you live frugally day in and day out? What would be at the top of your ‘want’ list if you could have anything you wanted?
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