Advice from Real Simple
I’m not a fan, in principle, of Real Simple magazine, which seeks to sell you consumer goods and services in the name of voluntary simplicity … hello? But setting that aside, I do browse its online columns and articles sometimes, and its recent article on 16 Worry Cures for stress struck home on one of my recently developed hangups.
Stressor #5 is money worries, and the article says, “It Has Gone Too Far When: The smallest expenditure sends you spinning into a budgetary tizzy, or you can’t enjoy a few simple indulgences.”
My year-long experiment in really frugal living, which is relaxing a bit as soon as I move into my new apartment on May 10, has been beneficial in many ways. I reached my goal of saving $10,000, I learned a lot more about personal finances management, and I adopted some new habits, like bringing reusable bags to the grocery store. But the drawback is that I am, indeed, having trouble spending money.
For example, for the last two years I’ve been thinking about getting better bookshelves and a good reading chair that will provide me with the back support that my sofa doesn’t. These will be fairly pricey expenditures, since my taste in furniture leans to solid oak and leather. Now that I’m moving to a new place, I’m revisiting my thoughts about these purchases and meeting a lot of mental resistance.
But what’s the big deal, really? Buying them isn’t a whim — I’ve wanted them for two years. Nor is buying them out of my price range — I’ve set aside enough money for this move to get one now, and I could save up for the other by the end of the year. But my frugal/simple mindset keeps protesting that it’ll be too self-indulgent. Two pieces of furniture.
Ridiculous. The article is right — I’m becoming obsessive, and I need to lighten up and enjoy life. If I want it, will use it, can afford it, and have thought it out thoroughly, there’s no reason for me to keep denying myself. Funny how hard it’s been for me to get to that conclusion, though!
drupagliassotti @ May 5, 2008