Life, this big drama, everyone plays a variety of roles in it. Some people are looking for luxury, some people love simplicity, and I, a "money saver" who used to be a spendthrift but now advocates rational consumption, would like to share with you some stories and tips on how to find a balance between saving money and enjoying life.
Let's start with my conversion. Once upon a time, I was a person who couldn't resist "chopping my hands" when I saw something I liked, and there was always a bunch of treasures waiting to be checked out in my shopping cart.
But as time went on, the pressures of life and planning for the future made me realize that such unrestrained consumption is not advisable. So, I started trying to live a more frugal life.
In the beginning, the effect of saving money is really immediate. Watching the balance in the bank card increase little by little, I felt a sense of accomplishment in my heart. But gradually, I found that excessive frugality made life boring and uninteresting.
Shop around for a few cents of the difference, and choose to walk a few kilometers in order to save some transportation costs...... These behaviors, which I thought would save money, actually consumed a lot of my time and energy invisibly.
So, how do you find a balance between frugality and enjoyment of life? Here are some of my tips and suggestions!
01、
Always be willing to spend money on learning and let yourself continue to add value
The first and most important point is to always be willing to spend money on studying. No matter how old we are or how our identity changes, learning is a constant for us.
Learn new knowledge and new skills to continuously improve yourself, so that you can stand out in this ever-changing era!
02、
Cherish your time and don't let saving money become an excuse to waste it
People who are overly frugal tend to fall into the trap of spending a lot of time in order to save money. For example, shop around to save a few bucks, or walk or cycle a few kilometers to save some transportation...... These actions may seem like saving money, but they actually waste our precious time and energy.
Instead of dwelling on these trivial things and wasting time, it is better to focus on more valuable things. For example, improve your professional skills, spend time with family and friends, and devote yourself to public welfare causes. All of these can give us more fulfillment and happiness!
03、
Look at consumption with an investment perspective and make every penny worth it
Before every purchase, I ask myself the question, "Is this purchase an investment in my future?" and if the answer is yes, then I will not hesitate to pay.
For example, buying a good chair, although the price may be a little higher than a regular chair, it can give my lumbar and cervical spine better support and protection, and it is definitely a good investment in the long run.
The same applies to other aspects of consumption. For example, learning a new skill, taking a meaningful trip, etc., can make me more rewarding and grow in my life and work in the future. So, don't skimp on your investment!
04、
Set up a "Little Luck" fund to make life full of surprises
Every month, I set aside 10% of my income as a "small luck" fund. The money is dedicated to small items that make me feel good or to indulge in a big meal once in a while.
For example, one time, when I was depressed, I used the funds to buy a bouquet of flowers and a book that I had loved for a long time, and I ended up having a very happy and fulfilling weekend that week.
With this fund, I no longer feel guilty or anxious about the occasional extravagant spending. On the contrary, I feel that life has become more interesting and exciting because of it.
In short, only by saving money can life be more enjoyable! We need to find a balance and fit between frugality and enjoyment of life. Let's practice rational consumption by setting up a "small luck" fund, looking at consumption from an investment perspective, cherishing time, and being willing to spend money on study! Let's live a romantic life with firewood, rice, oil, and salt, poetry, and distant places! Haha!