I Spend Money to Feel Good and I Have No Regrets
I’m living like a Popstar
I got furious when I lost $400.
It was 4 a.m. on a Saturday. October 2020. The client had a different time zone.
I was working on a project for a client I got on LinkedIn. It was my first client. But I already had experience.
I lost all this money that I could have spent on day trips to more than 4 European countries because my computer broke.
I was almost finished with the client’s project. All that was left was to do some revision and send it to the client who was anxious and trusted me. Because I said it would be ready in less than 48 hours.
The client almost ruined my online reputation for this. I sent several emails from my $90 phone apologizing. But to no avail.
That is where I thought, if you buy cheap, you buy twice. My computer was cheaper than my niece’s gold thread.
I changed my life from that moment on. And I live like a popstar.
For the tools that I use in my day-to-day life, I spend a fortune
I just bought a MacBook. I am working 5 times better than ever.
In the past even my own clothes used to buy in the plaza. But not anymore.
For other everyday things like drills, screwdrivers, and hammers, I always bought the cheapest ones or looked specifically for deals. From what I see, they are all no-name brands. So far I haven’t really regretted it.
Yes, I have to buy another computer again that is not Apple. And synchronize the online desktop on both computers. I can’t go through the same situation twice or more.
So my experience here: cheap is enough if you are not a passionate hobbyist.
You don’t need expensive equipment for the smaller jobs at home that occur every few months or when moving house.
I spend a lot of money on food. And I am fine now
In my rural home, I am not forced to go to fancy, trendy organic stores all the time if I want fresh vegetables, fruit, or organic meat. We have that in several smaller businesses.
But I still buy most of my produce at the supermarket. In terms of taste, 90% of the cheap products are no different from brand-name products for me.
The whole thing only works if you have the time and enthusiasm for cooking.
Health, family, and work. Don’t reverse the order
I would rather take care of my teeth than spend money on sneakers.
You can’t replace health with something else.
That’s why I also pay money for a gym membership every month. It’s the only way I know I’m motivated to go there and do something for my body.
Saving on health is like a dog running after a car that even if it catches up to the car it won’t know how to drive. In my experience, it is not useful.
It is better to invest more money here, even if it seems unnecessary at first glance.
Health first. Really spend to be healthy.
Travel is the second best therapy in the world. Don’t save here
The first best therapy is writing online.
My past has also shown me that too much pressure to save can ruin a vacation.
Anyone who has stayed with his girlfriend in a dilapidated bunker because it was $100 cheaper than the beautiful 3-star hotel next door learns that a good time is more important than a cheap bill, especially during vacations that only happen once or twice a year.
For a smooth flight and a nice hotel, it is not worth optimizing down to the last penny.
Your face is your business card
For years, I have only bought cheap, no-name clothes. And I also like to buy special offers from foreign suppliers.
Away from hipster fortresses, brands are no longer a big problem anyway. I make exceptions for regular clothes, walking shoes, and accessories.
Here I am happy to spend more money on recommended brand name products.
Pay someone to help you with the government
I’m talking about taxes.
Everyone needs to pay their fair share. Many don’t know how to pay taxes on dividends, profits, and equity.
Pay, even if you think you can do it yourself.
Either way, it is better and your time is guaranteed to be better invested somewhere than learning all the tricks and laws of taxation.
Being too frugal makes you miss many opportunities. And it makes you poor. Say no to extreme frugality.
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