Saving Too Much and Not Enjoying Life? (Read This Now) | Wildchildretire

Watching your friends having a good time from the sideline, and maybe you’re wondering if you’re saving too much and not enjoying life?

We got you covered.

Here we’ll go over 4 simple ways so you can both save money and live happily.

Personally, these steps below have helped my wife and I stop being such tightwads and enjoy each day, all while still having a reachable goal of financial independence by 40!

We’re talking about what budget apps to use, how to practice gratefulness, and more.

Check out the helpful article below. 😊

4 Ways To Help You Save Money But Still Enjoy Yourself Now

1. Budget

It’s a dreaded word for many people. It seems like such a restrictive and joyless way to live. But what if I told you that budgeting could help you set aside more money while still enjoying life?

Let me give you some examples of how budgeting can help you not only improve your financial situation but save money now while still enjoying every minute:

1. You can save on groceries by planning your meals in advance and making a grocery list.
2. You can save on entertainment by choosing free or low-cost activities.
3. You can save on travel by planning your trips in advance and taking advantage of discounts.
4. You could even save on your mortgage or rent by creating a budget and sticking to it.

And there’s one more way to make budgeting even easier: by using the free budgeting app Personal Capital. Personal Capital is a free money management app that creates tailored plans for you and allows you to gain free access to professionals for advice.

So there you have it! Creating a family budget and sticking to one doesn’t have to be restrictive or joyless. In fact, it can actually help you set aside more money for the future while still enjoying life. So why not give it a try?

(And if you have a problem with obsessing over money, you definitely need to get your personal finances organized.)

2. Choose A Financial Independence Number

It can be tough to save money. You want an enjoyable lifestyle now, but you also want to be prepared for the future. So how do you find the balance?

One way is to figure out your financial independence number. This is the amount you need to have saved up to live comfortably without having to work.

For example, let’s say you want to retire at age 55. And you estimate that you’ll need $1,000 a month to cover your costs. That means your financial independence number might be $1,000,000.

Now, this may seem like a lot of money. But remember, you don’t have to turn saving into a full-time job or put all of your cash away overnight. And you can still enjoy your life in the meantime. So just start working towards that number, and you’ll be on your way to a bright future.

3. Enjoy Today More With Gratefulness

If you want to save and still have a lifestyle you love, you need to practice gratefulness. It may seem like a small thing, but regularly taking time to appreciate the good in your world can have a significant impact. Of course, your happiness will increase, but you may also find it easier to stick to your financial goals.

So how can you start practicing gratefulness? One way is to keep a gratitude journal. Every day, take a moment to write down things you’re grateful for. It can be anything from a breathtaking sunrise to a delicious meal. The important thing is to invest in yourself, focus on the positive, and really savor the good moments.

Another way to practice gratefulness is to express it to others. For example, when someone does something nice for you, take the time to thank them sincerely. Or, if you’re enjoying a special experience, let the people around you know how much you appreciate it. Sharing your gratitude will make you feel good, but it may also make someone else’s day.

When you start practicing gratefulness, you may be surprised at how much it can improve your life. Of course, you will feel happier, more fulfilled, and less stressed, but you may also find it easier to save and stick to your short and long-term financial goals. So why not give it a try? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

(And if you want to have fun on the cheap, here’s a guide on things to do that don’t cost money. 😊)

4. See The World (Live Life To The Fullest)

Looking at the world through a new lens can be incredibly eye-opening, and it can also help you save money now while still loving life. There are plenty of ways to do this, and here are just a few examples:

1. Check out your own backyard first. There are probably plenty of places nearby that you’ve never even explored. Why not start there? It will be cheaper than traveling farther away, but you’ll also get to learn more about the area you live in.
2. Try Couchsurfing. This is a great way to travel cheaply, as you can stay with locals who are more than happy to show you around their city or town. You will save on accommodation costs, but you’ll also get an insider’s view of your destination.
3. Look for flights with layovers. This can be a great way to see multiple destinations for the price of one. And, if you plan it right, you can even make the most of your layover by spending a few hours exploring the city before your next flight.
4. Take advantage of well-priced vacation packages. Sometimes, you can find great deals on all-inclusive vacations. This can be a great way to save cash, as everything is included in the price.
5. Go camping with the family. Camping is a great way to see different parts of your country or state without spending a lot of cash. Not only that, but it’s also a great way to get in touch with nature.
6. Travel during off-peak times. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can often find great deals by traveling during off-peak times. For example, you may be able to find cheaper flights and accommodation if you travel during the shoulder season.
7. Volunteer abroad. This is a great way to see the world and do some good simultaneously. There are plenty of organizations that offer volunteer opportunities abroad, so you’re sure to find one that’s a good fit for you.

Save, travel, explore, create memories…

Have a blast!

FAQ

Is it possible to save too much money?

No, it’s not possible to save too much. The key is to make sure that you’re still enjoying every day and not just hoarding money in the bank for it. Try to strike a balance between putting away money for a rainy day and using cash on experiences that will enrich your life.

How do you know if you’re saving too much?

There is no definitive answer to this question. However, if you consistently save more than 10% of your income, it may be challenging to maintain your current lifestyle while also saving for future goals. Additionally, if your current lifestyle does not allow wiggle room in your budget for fun or unexpected expenses, you may be putting too much pressure on yourself. Instead, try to balance saving for the long term and spending that allows you to enjoy your life today while still putting away money for tomorrow.

How much is too much saved?

There’s no such thing as “too much saved”! It’s always a good idea to have a savings cushion in case of unforeseen expenses or financial emergencies. Try to maintain a healthy balance between your savings and the amount you spend to avoid putting too much strain on your budget.

Should I put money in savings or retirement?

Experts recommend that you start by saving at least 10% of your income for retirement. If you’re struggling to do this, you may want to consider putting some money into a savings account.

Is it worth spending money on yourself?

We often think that it’s selfish to spend money on ourselves. However, if we don’t take care of ourselves, we won’t be able to care for others. Therefore, it’s essential to spend money on things that make us happy and help us relax. This can include anything from a new outfit to a personal day at the spa.

Summary

You have the power to change your life for the better by making small tweaks to the way you save and spend money. We hope that these tips will help get you started on the path to budgeting wisely, practicing gratefulness, and traveling more. Remember, it’s never too late to make a change for the better! So what are you waiting for? Go optimize your savings and enjoy life now!