How to Indulge Sensibly

A universal truth about life is that it is all about balance. It is about finding the place physically, spiritually and emotionally that makes you happy and maintaining that equilibrium. Truth be told, we fail sometimes. We get lost in the moment, we lean too hard in one direction or the other and cause ourselves more stress than we mean too. We get better as we get older, of course; our adult selves are less likely to over order takeout than our teenage selves. We know how to indulge sensibly but sometimes, we don’t. Sometimes we still end up with leftovers, with waste and a strong sense of buyer’s remorse.

Of course, wanton indulgence, even if financially viable, is never a great idea. It is better that we first focus on the things that matter, and then treat ourselves calmly and sensibly after. But it is possible to indulge without overdoing it. And, doing so can aid in your general wellbeing; if not used as a crutch or dependent for it.

A little indulgence isn’t something to feel guilty about, it can be nice particularly during trying times but you don’t want to be reckless. Living moment to moment, it is better to be a little thrifty. Not obsessively so, but enough to ensure you live within your means. If a little extra money comes into your life though; a gift, inheritance, a promotion or a bonus for example. Is there a way to go about treating yourself sensibly?

I believe so.

Avoid Impulse Buying

Small impulse buys don’t tend to be too bad but they eventually add up. It is much better to be calm and considered. Do your research. If you’re buying a new laptop, games console or car for example, be sure what you are getting. Know the features, the specifications and limitations, know that it is what you want. Whilst you can’t get everything right all of the time, knowing that the latest XBox doesn’t have the games you want to play or that the new Range Rover matches your tastes exquisitely makes the purchase all that sweeter. You want something that will last and feel right at home in your day-to-day life. Something, beneficial and long lasting.

A Constructive Aim

Investing for a constructive purpose can be a great idea. For instance, tearing up your driveway, renovating your home front in pursuit of a side garage construction or landscaping the front area of your garden may seem like indulgent means of making your house look nicer, but it could lead to a better quality of life or raise your house value; especially when making use of positive local valuation trends. That, in itself, could be considered a constructive aim.

A Return On Investment

Why not focus on something that gives you a return on investment? Of course, investing in stocks might be the cleanest example of this, but you may wish to enjoy a collector’s item while knowing its future value, or perhaps invest in a classic car restoration process that will bring you great crafting joy, and then maybe earn you a pretty payday at the end of things. Not all investments require the means to pay for themselves, but if well thought out; it could be a fun little adventure and the journey itself could be a memorable experience. Just remember to do your research and not take any gamble you are not willing to lose. A memory is worth more than the financial return and the most sensible investment of all.

* This is a collaborative post