Hi everyone! Today I have a fun post from Briana at finspirations.com. She writes an awesome blog about all things personal finance and life. And encourages others to live their dreams while on a journey of financial empowerment. Go check out her blog, and enjoy her post today all about how you can splurge and still save more money. It really is all about the balance. 🙂

Splurging on the things that make your life great can actually help you save more money.

While you may be thinking that that sounds a little counterintuitive to reaching your money goals.

The thing is that the inspiration to do just that (crush your money goals) is accomplished through constant motivation to continue.

Over time, the satisfaction and motivation of saving, contributing to a retirement account, and being one step closer to becoming debt free ultimately fades.

Making your first credit card payment or contribution towards saving is hard, but continuing to do so and staying consistent is even harder.

After the first contributions you gain momentum and motivation to make more contributions and work towards your goals but some point along the way you plateau.

Your motivation slowly begins to fade.

The desire to continue may not resonate with you as much as it did previously.

While you still want those things (financial control, a big savings account, and a healthy retirement account) you could be tempted to spend your money in a totally different way.

The truth is that working towards a goal can lose satisfaction.

After a few consecutive months you may feel deprived.

That feeling is why so many people quit.

It’s also not easy watching every else’s instagram feed while you are trying to stay committed.

After all, 92% of people saying that this is going to be there year to pay off debt, save more money, and actually contribute towards retirement… well, they quit before January even ends.

Here’s why:

• They don’t strive for incremental progress.
• They cut out everything instead of making realistic changes and cost reductions.
• They don’t plan for things even though they are likely to just end up doing them.

Here’s the thing.

There isn’t any reason to to lie to yourself about the costs that you are just going to end up spending on whether they are part of your budget or not.

As harsh as that may sound, it’s time to be honest with yourself.

Instead of saying that you aren’t going to go shopping, won’t eat out, and will skip the morning latte all together – account for some of those costs if they matter to you.

Make an honest effort to identify what really matters to you so you can spulrge on it guilt-free.

Don’t just continue to spend the way you have been spending all along. Make changes to your spending habits.

Review your costs and reduce, negotiate lower prices, or eliminate expenses all together (not only realistically but where they make sense).

If you love your morning latte then budget for it accordingly.

When you create a conscious spending plan – you elminate the costs that don’t matter so you can spend on the ones that do without compromising your financial objectives.

Here’s how.

The best way to account for the things you want while working on your goals is by either separating an account that is for discretionary spending or by withdrawing cash from your account for a set period of time.

Satisfying the urge to splurge adds value to you and your goals.

Save more money tips:

• Automate your contributions to your savings and retirement account so you don’t have to worry about overspending or having a financial set back.
• Create your monthly spending plan or budget that takes into account your splurges.
• Prioritize what matters to you.
• Find free or inexpensive ways to do things you want. This will avoid overspending on entertainment. But keep you socially satisfied and in turn motivated to make progress on your money goals.
• When you spend consciously – use a free site like Ebates to earn cash back and make the most of your money.

Free or cheap things you can do to save more money:

Outside:

• Go for a walk or hike.
• Try kayaking or paddle boat.
• Roller blading
• Go for a bike ride.
• Pick a fruit – apples, pumpkins, strawberries, and the list can go on and on depending on where you live.
• When’s the last time you gazed at the stars? Seriously make dinner at home, pack it, and then head to an outdoor spot where you can gaze at the stars and enjoy each other’s company.
• Try a winery tour, sometimes you can even pack your own picinic.
• Plan a beach day.
• Fly kites.
• Take a ferry ride. We live in Massachusetts so taking a ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard for the day is fairly inexpensive. To add to the budget friendly date, we pack a picnic in our cooler to avoid having to overspend on food.

Dining & Experiences:

• Opt for a happy hour if you are going out that way you can keep your wallet happy too.
• Dine out for less, by using restaurant deals on Groupon.
• Create some of the dining experiences you enjoy at home. Perhaps it’s a hot chocolate, taco, or even ice cream bar.
• Host or partake in a potluck. You can even add karaoke or games for extra entertainment without the extra costs.
• If you are going to a movie, see if your cell phone carrier provides deals on movie tickets. One of the ways I go to movies inexpensively is going on Tuesday where my cell phone carrier offers buy one ticket get one for free.
• Search Groupon for a deal on an activity that you want to do – so you can save money while doing it.  You can find deals for spa dates, massages, ice skating, water parks, and many more.
• Create your own spa experience at home. Whether it’s for a girl’s night or for a couple.
• Take a cooking class with Blue Apron. Spice up date night in the comfort of your own home with a delivered meal kit.
• Create your own sip and paint night experience at home. You can find free step by step paintings, buy painting canvas, paint, and the wine or your choice of drink for far less. Or you can find a deal to do it locally on Groupon.