Category: Finance

Saving vs. “Living Life”

“Don’t save what is left after spending; spend what is left after saving.”

Warren Buffet

With social media at our fingertips 24/7, it’s easy to get caught up in the lives others are living (or pretending to live). With that, there’s been a shift in the mindset of young adults from saving their money to spending it as soon as they can, or “living life”.


“Well what’s the point of working if I can’t spend the money I make?”


If you’re asking this question, you have the wrong idea of the purpose of saving. For me, there are two main reasons to save:

  1. To have a rainy day fund – you’re on your way to work and your tire pops; the washer in your house starts leaking; you’re playing your favorite sport and break a tooth or leg – things happen when we least expect it. The best way to combat these situations is to be prepared as best you can by saving your money ahead of time. Otherwise you’ll be left scrambling, stressed, and broke.
  2. To spend on things I truly want – you’ve been so busy “living life” – buying new clothes every week and eating out at fancy restaurants (that are out of your budget) everyday, that when it comes time for that big purchase of something you truly do want, you don’t have the money to get it. Think twice about the smaller purchases you’re frequently making because that money could be saved towards a larger and more desirable purchase in the future like a trip to a new place, an opportunity to see your favorite singer, etc.

The truth is, you don’t have to choose between saving your money and “living life”.


Instead, choose between being responsible and irresponsible with your finances. It is possible to be responsible with your finances, save your hard earned money, and also live life by spending it occasionally on the things you really want. It’s time to quick holding yourself back by thinking for the now instead of the future. It’s true, tomorrow isn’t promised; but just in case it comes, it’s better to plan for living it as well.

I’m always working to be a better version of myself and hope my tips can help you on your journey. I’d love to hear back from you – comment below!


Healthy Spending: Treat Yourself Without Going Broke!

“A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.”

Dave Ramsey

I think it’s safe to say we all ask ourselves this question before we buy something we want, but don’t necessarily need. Especially when social media makes it seem like everyone is treating themselves, all the time. And there isn’t anything wrong with it – as long as you’re making sure your business is handled before splurging. As a young individual, I recognize that before any celebrity or social media influencer is able to buy the luxuries they post, they made sure (or should have made sure) they paid their bills and themselves (your savings is a bill and your payment to yourself, take it seriously!). With this in mind, I’ve developed some habits when it comes to spending so I can feel good about my purchases knowing I won’t be stressed about my phone bill or rent later – they might help you too:

  • Budget myself on payday – I like to plan my spending once the money is in my account so I know the total amount of cash I have to work with until my next check. We live in a modern time, where purchases might be difficult to budget to the cent. That’s why I always overestimate my expenses to give myself a safety net. By budgeting myself in this manner, there’s normally some left over cash in my account before my direct deposit hits. What to do with that leftover cash is a judgement call based on your priorities. If you know you’ll have a doctor’s appointment or need to get a tire fixed, use that cash towards that necessity. Otherwise send it your savings and forget about it.

  • Separate my “survival cash” from my healthy spending cash – every paycheck I put aside a set amount I know I’ll need until my next check for groceries, transportation, etc. This is my “survival cash” and I do not spend it on clothes or whatever else I may want because I’d be hurting myself in the long term. Every one’s survival cash amount differs. I came to my mine by estimating the amount I spend between each paycheck to pay for food, transportation, and any necessities like soap, shampoo, etc. After I subtract my over-estimated expenses (including my savings amount) and survival cash, I make the choice to use any left-over cash towards healthy spending or adding it to my savings.

  • Pay cash, don’t swipe – overspending when you shop is typical. To avoid it, I take out the amount in cash I’ve decided to spend on wants instead of needs after budgeting myself to make sure I don’t overspend.

The point is this – healthy, guilt-free spending happens when you take control of your finances and make sure you’re taking care of your responsibilities (including your savings!) before making impulse buying decisions. Try it and share your experience; you’ll thank yourself in the future for doing so!

I’m always working to be a better version of myself & hope my tips can help you on your journey. I’d love to hear back from you on your thoughts/ journey – comment below!