Money Talk: What’s one money-habit that you admire in others?
JUST ONE?
I think frugality. Some people are just GOOD at saving. They are good at denying themselves, not spending money, and just saying “No”.
My partner is 1000% in this category.
He is very good at saying “No” and seeing if it is worthwhile or not (although with household equipment I feel like it is his vice the way style is mine)…
He even FEELS GOOD not buying something, because he feels relief in not wanting it any more because he has saved money.
I don’t really get that. I don’t FEEL good not buying something. I feel better buying it, and then feel guilt and return it. :-\
I also have good friends who are SO GOOD at not just wandering into a shop “just to look”, and/or actually just looking and wandering back out empty-handed even though they saw things they liked or wanted.
I am very much not like that. It is hard for me to not buy something I like.
“I like it, I can afford it, done.” is my mantra..
So.. being good with saving and frugally denying yourself, is a skill I admire in others.
What’s one money-habit that you admire in others?
—
You can read the rest of the Money Talk questions here.
10 Comments
-
-
Sherry of Save. Spend. Splurge.
I flew first class once.. it was amazing. I will probably never get to that again. *sigh* Dreams!
-
-
Anne
For me, money is quite uninteresting (which is why I skip you net worth posts). Of course, you need enough of it to have the basic needs covered and if you do not have it, you use a lot of time of thinking about it – been there, too. But as soon as I have had the basics, I have not really been interested in money. I do not think about how to make more of it or how to spend less. I did not choose career based on what would give best income, nor do I change employment based on how much more I can earn (I have changed to jobs where I earn less).
I adapt my spending to my income, so if I earn less, I buy cheaper things and solely when I need them. I am an aesthetic person, so having to buy an ugly plate, for example, instead of the beautiful but expensive one has made me sad, but I first think of the function. I need the plate for eating, I just try not to see the ugliness while eating 🙂 And when I have the money to choose between ugly but cheap and pretty but more expensive, I choose the pretty – and sometimes I even buy the pretty plate even though I do not absolutely need it (because I already have the ugly one). I do it because it gives me pleasure every time I eat (the ugly one will then be donated, I hate having too many things around).
I understand that this attitude is possible, because I live in a society where, in principle, everyone is taken care of by the society in case of illness, unemployment and when getting old. If it all depended on an individual, I’d probably think more about gathering money. It is not that I have no savings or property, I have, but the wealth has accumulated without me doing much about it. I’ve been lucky.-
Sherry of Save. Spend. Splurge.
This is quite a healthy attitude to take. I think for the ugly plate bit, I would rather have a plain plate than an ugly one where I have to ignore its ugliness.. I suppose I like surrounding myself with beauty.
-
Anne
I wish I could have a less black and white mindset… It is weird how a plain plate that I don’t hate in the shop becomes ugly as soon as it is in my cupboard 😉
When I heard about the Konmari method, I so recognised myself in it! If I don’t love a thing and admire its beauty, I don’t want to have it in my home. I believe it has to do with my almost 20 moves during 10 years and living in tiny apartments.-
Sherry of Save. Spend. Splurge.
Interesting. 🙂
I have the same feeling when I shop. I suspect it is the marketing and the way they style the store, you feel a certain way there, but that feeling is gone when you are at home because you are missing all the other stuff.
-
Anne
I have learned that if I have the money, I should only buy the things that I absolutely love in the shop. Not hating something there is not good enough for me and my home.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Gail
I admire people who don’t lust after things. I am frugal, but I want stuff and don’t accept so easily that I can’t have it! I would like to be the person who says, “It’s nice, but I can’t afford it now, so I’ll go for a walk instead.” It somewhat bothers me that what I have, wear, and live in and with do not represent my taste. On the other hand, I am proud and glad that I live within my means, save, have no debt and am prepared for emergencies. I would feel worse if I spent too much.
-
Sherry of Save. Spend. Splurge.
I would rather have your attitude than the other way around. Being frugal and careful about your decisions is far more important.
-
Post a comment
You may also like
Shop Quality Series: Millionaires shop Secondhand: Thoughts on Fast Fashion and Shopping – Part One
This is part of the Shop Quality Series. Fast fashion is not just about price, it is about everythin
In the world of Save. Spend. Splurge.: A look into how cults make money
…. and this is how cults make money. I am fascinated. My friend is obsessed with these Sam Ede
Being an equal in a (mostly) patriarchal world
Something I’ve noticed time and time again at home, or when I travel abroad is when I am with
SarahN
I envy those that don’t find money a constant shadow. Who spend on what they want when they want, guilt free. Everything is in accounted for in my head, and pros and cons, and cheaper options considered!
Except, the rare splurge on flight upgrades. My grappling with that is less – if it’s more than 7hrs and I have the savings (and I always do), I upgrade! I even dreamt I was in first class with a dining room last night!!