Let Your Money Work To Make You Happy

I shouldn’t buy this, I should save.

I always wanted this, and I have the money, but I still shouldn’t.

I feel so guilty buying this.

How many of you reading this have thought those exact same thoughts – or something similar when buying something or considering doing so? I know I have. Being a millennial with a limited income and a minor shopping addiction has left me with those very thoughts every now and then.

Like most of us, though, I like to treat myself. And, treating myself to something nice honestly is a nice feeling, because the items that I treat myself with are items that I’ve been lusting for years such as my Nook or my Apple Watch.

However, when I do, I can’t help but shake the guilt.

I bought this up with my therapist up recently when I was discussing some of my financial plans. Her response was: it’s not a waste of money if you are investing in something that makes you happy.

Good food for thought.

I began thinking about my relationship with money, and the relationships that my friends have with money. Let’s be honest – everyone has their priority on what they want to spend their money on. For me, my weakness is Barnes and Noble – particularly when I am loading things on my Nook e-reader. For a friend of mine, it’s making sure that they have money to go out.

But, before we get there, let’s talk about the important stuff. Before we can buy the stuff that we love, we have to use our money for the important things – utilities, rent, payments, and groceries. Sure, it is not the most fun thing to have to write out a check for the gas company. However, it’s awfully nice to have heat during a cold night.

Once those are left over, and then you can use your money for whatever, right?

Well, once you make sure that you have gas in your car that is.

Therefore, once we ensure that everything is paid, I think it’s okay to splurge on a little something that makes you happy. After all, we work hard for the money that is in our account? And, sometimes, we need retail therapy to get through our lives.

So, I think that the most important takeaway from this is this – let your money work for you to make you happy.

End of story.