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Less Spending = More Living: Agree?

post #1 of 15
1/17/07 at 5:45am
Thread Starter 
Do you agree that the less you spend, the more you live?

By that I mean if you spend less money on material things, you improve your quality of life. There's more time to spend with friends/family, less importance placed on keeping up with the Joneses, more financial security (therefore less stress), and you can use your money more wisely to enhance your life.

Thoughts?
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post #2 of 15
1/17/07 at 7:39am
I think that it depends on what you spend your money on. For example, if you are spending a ton of money on sports and going places. You have to be more creative if you don't spend money on these things. You have to find free things to do and use your imagination along with your families to find fun things to do.

So in other words, I think that it depends on the family. Because if a family already has video games, and doesn't have to buy any more, than they could spend their days in front of the monitor.

In general, I would like to think the less you spend, the more you live, but maybe that is because I am so excited about finding frugal things to do.
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post #3 of 15
1/17/07 at 11:08am
My Dh would give you a big fat no! I have to constantly tell him that we can't keep up with the Joneses- cause the Joneses are broke! I personally feel like I am living life more- i am in control of my life not the next door neighbors new car (which I must say is nice). It is nice because i noticed this week when I took my youngest to preschool- I did not have to fill up the tank in the Blazer (still on 3/4 full from last Wed.) , I did not go crazy shopping this week (today was the 1st day I left the house).

All in all- I have to say Yes to that!
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post #4 of 15
1/17/07 at 12:11pm
I don't really think so. I really don't try to keep up with anyone, but I like having some nice things!! I like th nice air hockey table we just got, and the pool table. My whole family enjoys them. My kids love their video game, and I like them too.

I don't think not having material possessions makes you live life more, I think you just have to figure out what is important to you and not care what others think.
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post #5 of 15
1/17/07 at 12:19pm
I agree with Happymom. I think it is not about spending or not spending as learning to find the balance in your life. There is a whole lot more involved than money and spending.

For example, I know I am addicted to saving money so I have to watch myself that I don't "hoard" money sometimes. It is ok to spend on your family and yourself. It took me awhile to realize that. Once I realized it was ok to spend, within limits, of course, I think that enabled me to live more. Hope that makes sense.
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post #6 of 15
1/17/07 at 12:23pm
I would have to say yes. I've dramatically cut back on shopping. I was shopping because I "had nothing to do". But I'm finding I have time with the kids and I don't have to work and take away from the kids. I was really feeling guilty about that. I've been finding that I don't need alot of STUFF, but I do try to buy what I need and get the best for the buck. I also find if I spend alittle more on the better I'm spending less time, replacing it and just wasting time. I find I'm feeling better getting ahead, and having money in the bank. I'm happy to know that I have started my kids College fund, more then I can say about most pepole. I find I'm enjoying cooking and being with the kids more since I'm home with them instead of buying, and honestly I could not afford all the shopping I was doing.

Honestly too, the more when I was shopping, the more time I spent puttin away, storing, organizing and all that. Now I'm done at 8 Pm and take an hour for myself, exercising, facials, nails just for me and I feel great about it.

IN all reality, how much do we really need, we only have 2 feet, 10 fingers. I found we bought a bigger house and we're busting at the seems in 3300 square feet, but our old house was only 1100, and we were fine. And it was alot less to clean, heat, cool and decorate.

So YES I'm feeling 150% better spending less and enjoying life more!!!!n my soapbox:
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post #7 of 15
1/17/07 at 12:48pm
i too agree with happymom....i like to have nice things, sometimes expensive but i do it for me....not for what other people think about me....make myself and my family happy.
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post #8 of 15
1/17/07 at 2:27pm
Again, this post had me thinking all day ...

I would really like to...
go on vacation (we haven't been on one since our free honeymoon more than 10 years ago)
go to an amusement park
take the kids to see a real play
go to a concert
go on a cruise
travel across the country
visit Europe
take the family skiing
rent a cottage for a week
go to a ballet
eat in a fancy restaurant

But it all takes spending money that we choose to do something else with like...
saving for the kid's education
saving for retirement
paying off the mortgage
life insurance

To live a really full life, I think I'd like to spend a little more, not on stuff but on experiences.
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post #9 of 15
7/10/12 at 7:12am
Thread Starter 

I just stumbled upon this old thread.  I personally think spending is OK and enhances quality of life if you're spending it correctly.

 

- Spending on gifts, donations and other selfless things can be a really rewarding experience

- Spending on kids' education, extracurricular activities and things to help them become more well-rounded

- Travel and new experiences

- Hobbies that help you grow (for example, my camera was worth every $$ to me)

 

Even a few material "treats" now and then can help you enjoy life a little bit more, as long as you're not going into debt to fund them and it's not to fill a void in your life.

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post #10 of 15
7/10/12 at 7:52am

I agree Kim, it's the spending to the point of having those within your means and enhancing your life instead of feeling like you have to dig a deep financial hole to get some retail therapy.
 

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