“Treat yourself!” We’ve been repeating that tiny mantra to ourselves as often as we can. It has become an excuse for us all to undermine the budget goals we create for ourselves and keep us from hitting our financial goals.
Are there areas in life where we deserve the comfort of some wiggle room? Absolutely. But when we falter on our budget and savings goals we aren’t really treating ourselves- we’re doing just the opposite.
How much do you spend on small (or large) treats that you didn’t budget for? Really think hard here.
Some of these purchases may be:
- A fancy latte
- Aromatherapy candles
- New clothing/shoes
- Food delivery multiple times a month
- Expensive drinks on a night out
- Luxury gym memberships
- Expensive beauty regimens
- Trips to the luxury grocery store
- Unnecessary vitamins and superfood supplements
The reality is that we can make excuses to treat ourselves in almost any area of our lives.
We understand. Retail therapy is cathartic! Being pampered can take away some of the stresses of everyday life. Sometimes, spending a bit of cash feels like scratching an itch. For your own good, you need to rewire the consumerist impulse toward a better solution.
Instead of unnecessary treats, we recommend assigning the dollars you would spend to l larger savings goal that would impact you more in the long run. How many shopping sprees or coffee runs could get you to your next vacation, new car, or life-changing investment?
The next time you feel the urge to spend on yourself when you shouldn’t, ask yourself this: “Am I practicing self-care or self-sabotage?”