Why am I Working for it if I Can't Spend it?

I go to work every day, show up on time, work hard, and pay the bills. So shouldn’t I be able to treat myself for all that? I don’t like all these financial people telling me I need to save more and buy less. How can I justify going to work if I don’t get to enjoy my money now?

These are the questions pondered by most working people today. After all, we show up at our jobs day in and day out, so why can’t we treat ourselves for all our hard work? Maybe you’ve heard “I’m never going to be rich, so why bother saving?” or “Can’t take it with you when you go, so might as well enjoy it now!”

Frugal people are often asked: “What’s the point of you going to work if you’re never going to spend your money?” Here is the answer: They go to work now and save so that they do not have to go to work in the future. In other words, these people work and save now in order to safeguard their future. They plan for the road ahead so that if hardship arises, they will be able to continue with the lifestyles they have established.

Frugality often gets a bad rap in our society. This lifestyle is usually associated with “living like a poor person” or “having no fun.” But that is not the case! Being frugal means going to work now, saving and investing, and purchasing less. This lifestyle does not make you “cheap” or “boring”. In fact, it has quite the opposite effect. Frugal people are often more creative in finding solutions to their problems (rather than just buying something to fix it). They also enjoy less stress since they are not constantly worrying what would happen if they lost their job or couldn’t pay next month’s bills. What a great burden to be relieved from, considering that financial stress is one of the leading of causes of stress for Americans (American Psychological Association).

Being frugal doesn’t mean you have to stop spending money on experiences or items you enjoy. It simply means prioritizing your wants and needs. Your life can still be fulfilling if you make a goal to spend less and save more. Enjoy yourself, but watch where your money is going. Did you really need that $30 nail treatment, that $65 shirt, or that $5 mocha latte? Probably not.

Financial independence starts with paying close attention to what you make and what you spend. Practice self-discipline by saying no to the things you don’t actually need. It may feel weird for a while, as you observe the Jones’ buying the latest sports car model and donning designer clothing, but trust me, you will be further ahead in the long run for it.

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