Less Spending = More Living: Agree? - Page 2

I would answer yes and no.  I believe that we do have to spend money in order to experience some things in life.  I'm learning this now as my nest is emptying and Dh and I are trying to reconnect under a very limited budget.  It would be wonderful to spend money on entertainment events that we could enjoy together.  Not having the money, we end up watching movies at home instead.  I think if we were able to spend more on those types of things, we would enjoy life a lot more.

I think it is extremely freeing to find that you can spend less. To live simply and below your means out of choice not necessity is wonderful to me, and I'm relaxed and can enjoy spending time with my family regardless of what it is we are doing.

 

Not everyone shares that view. For some people spending money or having material things is directly tied to their happiness. If you take the spending aspect away from them they are going to be miserable. The experience of entering an amusement park with their family indicates 'living' and 'happiness' more than a backyard picnic with silly games.

 

I think it is all in how individuals perceive certain things and not a blanket statement.

This is the key, I think. Less OVER-spending = More Living.

I find, when I am spending out of control, for example eating out a lot more, that my life is out of control. In fact, right now, with all the events going on in my life, I do feel a little bit out of control and it shows, we have eaten out a lot. Hoping, today, to get that back under control.

I think it really lies in where your interest lay. One of my favorite activities is hiking and other then the all reusable gear it is a pretty cheep activity. I do think that being without does lead you to try new things just because what you really want to do is out of budget.  I wanted to have my daughter experience camp so to save money I volunteered to help at camp this week. I am loving the experience and saved 50% on camp. 

 

At the same time I am really missing some things. I love going and seeing plays and musicals and saw a lot when I was younger and if was just me. There was a show in town last year I really wanted to see but $80 for the cheep seats, plus gas and parking well we didn't go.

 

Look at when you have to do without. This winter we had a power outage that last for days in some areas. We ended up opening our home up to some very cold friends for a game night as we still had power. It is like that you make the most of what you have. Less spending just means you spend less on your experiences not that you experience less