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We live in a world where the cost of living doesn’t match the median income, which inadvertently causes many to gravitate towards an unhealthy approach of working themselves to the bone to sustain a living. Although a strong work ethic is essential, it becomes problematic when earning money supersedes more meaningful things like your well-being, family, interests, and desires. This mindset causes physical and emotional overwhelm, leading to frustration, anger, sadness, depression, and resentment.
Do More Of What You Love
How much time, money, and effort do you invest in doing things you love? Whether it’s going out with friends, shopping for the latest fashions, spending time on a hobby, or pursuing a passion, doing these things improves your happiness and provides a sense of fulfillment.
Although these things may seem superficial, selfish, or of lesser importance than covering the bills and sustaining a living, it’s quite the opposite. When you do what you love, it’s a form of self-care, which is essential to you, your family, friends, employers, and others involved in your life.
Saving Money To Boost Your Happiness
Sometimes, you need money to do more of what you love. Rather than overworking yourself, find practical ways to cut back on spending so you can invest in what you enjoy. Continue reading for some helpful hacks.
Open Accounts To Match Your Savings Goals
These days, no one has a large sum of cash in an account to spend on things they enjoy. As a result, they often turn to solutions like credit cards, lines of credit, and loans to get what they want. Although these methods can be helpful in some instances, it also increases your debt.
Think about the things you enjoy most and write them down. Then set up an interest-bearing savings account to help you accomplish your goals. For example, you can start a travel fund to vacation more frequently. You’ll eventually have enough money to travel without stressing about finances, whether you deposit $5 a week or $500 a month into the account.
Plan Ahead
Most adults have obligations and responsibilities that make it impossible to do things on a whim. Therefore, doing what you love when money is tight will require planning. Let’s say you enjoy giving gifts to your loved ones during the holidays. Instead of waiting until November to start trying to set aside money and shop for gifts, begin shopping at the beginning of the year.
For example, a gift basket from Spoonful of Comfort would be ideal for a mom who enjoys treats, cooking, or food. You can price the gift now and start setting aside money to place an order before the holidays.
Make Small Sacrifices
When most people think of budgeting or cutting back on spending, they automatically focus on the restrictive aspect. Although these money-saving practices may require you to make small sacrifices, the objective is to allow you to have the means to invest more in the things you want.
For example, the average American spends more than $2,000 yearly on takeout. While you may enjoy eating from your favorite restaurant and appreciate the convenience of not having to cook, it eats away at your budget.
Ordering takeout occasionally is OK; what if you cut your orders in half? You’ll have approximately $1,000 a year to invest in travel, fashion, hobbies, events, buying gifts, and other activities you love.
Ultimately, making small sacrifices in the present can help you enjoy something more meaningful in the future.
Making money is essential to sustaining a good quality of life. However, following the “all work and no play” concept will leave you feeling worn out, unfulfilled, and unhappy. When you work so hard that you never take time to stop, smell the roses, and appreciate the things you love most, you’ll live to regret it. Instead of prioritizing the dollar bill, find ways to make the most of what you have so you can do more of what you love.