Spending Money - Happy Hour Style
As one of my clients recently pointed out to me, during our happy hours on the podcast, the ladies and I usually talk about saving money and how to live frugally; and we rarely talk about spending money. This episode is for that client and any other listeners who are sick of hearing us talk about how we save.In this episode, we talk about when we think it makes sense to spend money and the areas where we are not afraid to spend money. As usual, it's another fun happy hour that I hope you enjoy!
What are we drinking?
Melanie from Dear Debt — a special cocktail of Sweet Vermouth, Gin, & Campari
Tonya from Budget and the Beach — Pinot Noir
Mrs. Frugalwoods from Frugalwoods.com — Chardonnay NOT from a box
Shannon — Gin & Tonic
Podcast Notes
Mr. & Mrs. Frugalwoods found the homestead they have been talking about for years now!
Melanie suggested this topic after her stressful and eventful last few months of moving, preparing for her trip to Italy, and being self-employed person making more than she did at her non-profit job.
Moving to LA significantly increased her expenses, but Melanie was never really happy in Portland so she is willing to pay more to feel happy and connected at home.
She spends money on Postmates, a free food delivery service, to save her time and increase her productivity.
Tonya says she will always spend more on good food and good healthcare.
She is also willing to pay more for where she lives in LA to feel safe and live by herself.
Shannon says paying more for healthy food now will you save you money on medical costs later.
Mrs. Frugalwoods thinks it makes sense to spend more money when you want to buy a homestead, and that it also makes sense to spend money to learn life skills to prepare you for all the things life throws at you.
Mrs. Frugalwoods says outsourcing everything these days is disempowering.
Shannon’s family cut back their expenses on pretty much everything else but she says spending money on her housekeeper, Marlene, will be the last expense she’ll ever cut.
Shannon’s advice is to make sure you are rationalizing the right things for the right reasons when you are spending more money.
She says it makes sense to spend more money for something if it supports your values, adds to your life, improves your life, or protects your life.
Melanie values her mental health and her environment.
Tonya values her health and her body.
The Frugalwoods value spending time together and being outdoors.
Shannon values not cleaning…….and downtime with her family!
They ALL value going to the dentist!
TAKEAWAYS:
Never accept a free massage from someone you met on Craigslist!
Spending money isn’t always a bad thing; just make sure when you’re spending money that it’s on things, situations, or experiences that are valuable to you and in life with your life goals!