Finding Sneaky Ways to Spend Money
Finding ways to spend money on yourself now and then is critical to your continuing ability to save and spend wisely. The problem is that treating yourself is usually expensive and can blow your budget. This section gives you some ideas on how you can celebrate your budgeted life in easy and inexpensive ways.
Make a List of Free Activities
Sit down and make a list of free activities that you enjoy. These activities might include watching a certain television program, visiting a nearby park, playing in the backyard with your dog, sitting on your porch reading a library book, attending a free concert, taking a bath, and so on.
When you have your list ready, treat yourself to one of these activities every time you meet a financial milestone, even if it's just writing out a check to your credit card company for more than the minimum amount due.
Because you'll look forward to these free activities, you'll also be motivated to stick to even the most tiresome budget.
Give Yourself Five Dollars to Splurge
Giving yourself such a small amount of money to splurge when you meet your financial goals may not seem very motivating, but you might be amazed at what you can do with $5.
You can see a matinee movie; eat lunch at a fast-food restaurant; rent a DVD and buy two chocolate bars; purchase a new pair of socks; buy a paperback book; or get a new coffee or tea mug. The point isn't what you do, as much as that you do it.
If your budget allows for a smaller or larger amount than $5 as periodic splurging money, make a list of what you can get with $1 or $10. You can be just as creative with any amount of money.
With your $5 in hand, you can focus on spending it on the perfect thing for you. And that will tide you over until the next time you can splurge with $5 again.
Reinvigorate Something You Already Own
When you're bogged down with paying off your debts and feel like you need to have something new in your life, consider sprucing up something you already own and giving it to yourself — even wrapping it up as a present!
One simple way to do this is to go through your closet and find an article of clothing that you like but haven't worn in a while. Giving it to yourself again will help it seem like a fresh purchase. If it makes your wardrobe seem newer and fresher, you may feel as though you've been treated to something new.
Pretend to Spend
When you're faced with the reality of sticking to a strict budget, you may want to cancel all of the catalogs that come to your house. Just call the 800 numbers and ask that your name be removed from their mailing lists. This may reduce your temptation to spend.
If you have catalogs around or have access to the Internet or are willing to take a window-shopping trip to the mall, you can satisfy some of your urge to spend by making a detailed list of what you would spend money on if you could.
Just imagine that you won the lottery, and start considering what you would buy: A new car? A new wardrobe? A new house? Whatever it would be, decide exactly what you would buy — but then don't buy it.
Warning: If you're not very disciplined, don't try this activity. It might be really fun deciding what to buy, looking at cars, and filling out order forms, but under no circumstances can you actually purchase these items! If you think you might be tempted, choose one of the other listed ideas.
Imagine Yourself Reaching Your Goals
One sure way to treat yourself for free is to find a comfortable spot to sit, and then imagine yourself reaching your financial goals. Visualize yourself sitting in your new house, watching your child's college graduation, being treated to a retirement party at whatever age you decide on, and so on. Do this every time your strict budget gets you down.
