healthy living money management

It’s my money and I’ll spend it how I want to

Starbucks

Good morning Loves.  I am not sure why but recently it seems like everyone has something to say about the way I spend my money.  I know what you’re thinking…but TK it’s really no one’s business how you spend your own money.  And I agree.  But nevertheless people feel the need to put in their two cents about the way I spend my money.

Does that ever happen to you?  If it does I would love to know how you react when other people make comments about how you spend your money.  Maybe you choose not to spend the money or maybe you politely tell people to mind their own business.

Here are 4 ways I spend my money that drives people crazy:

1. Eating out.  I eat out a lot, probably three to four times a week, because I am a horrible cook.  I do feel guilty about spending so much money on eating out, but it’s better than eating the horrible food I cook or skipping meals all together.  Whenever my co-worker sees me buying lunch he always asks me how much my food costs.  I don’t know if he’s inquiring because he’s really cheap and lives vicariously through me or he just feels it’s healthier to cook at home.

2. Paying rent.   As a financial planner everyone wants to know if I own or rent my home.  Whenever I am talking with clients about their mortgage they always ask me “Well how did you do it?”  The truth is I’m 33 and I rent an apartment.  I don’t want the financial commitment of buying a home and I enjoy the carefree lifestyle that comes with renting an apartment instead of researching a Mortgage Calculator.  It’s convenient and it’s easy to budget when you only have to pay one bill every month.  Clients always seem disappointed when I tell them I still rent an apartment.

3. Multiple vacations.  I probably get the most flack from my family about travelling as often as I do.  But the truth is I don’t really care what they say because it’s my money.  Yes I know I should probably take their advice and save my money instead of spending.  But I like taking multiple vacations throughout the year because I like travelling and I like getting out of my normal routine life every now and then.  Don’t get me wrong, I don’t take five star vacations throughout the year because I can’t afford that.  I do indulge in a few road trips and at least one vacation by plane per year.

4. Starbucks.  Yes I know that I would be skinner if I didn’t enjoy Caramel Frappuccinos and Blueberry Scones, but I do.  My health conscious younger sister always scoffs when we are shopping and I ask if we can pop into Starbucks to grab a quick beverage.  I know there are a lot of calories in Starbucks Frappuccinos but it’s worth it.  That smooth, sweet, ice cold drink makes my bad days better.  For you other Starbucks lovers out there you know that other coffee shops just won’t do.  When I’m craving coffee, it has to be Starbucks – but it’s worth it.

Photo from Flickr

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6 Comments

  • People always judge us for the money that we spend on our cars. I understand that they depreciate, but some people like to think that we only have them because we like to “show off.” That is just not true! Many people out there actually ENJOY the cars that they have.

    • I agree Michelle. My Dad drives a Cadillac and it’s not because he wants to show off, it’s because he wants to be comfortable. Cadillacs are good quality cars and it was worth the money because he’s had the same car for over 10 years. It’s not worth it to buy a cheap car that you have to change every 5 years or so.

  • I think PF community sometimes get carried away and forget that everyone’s different and everyone’s financial situation is different. You can’t put a specific dollar limit for everyone in the country. I think some people do genuinely care about you and make suggestions, but I do understand your frustration.

    • Yes I agree, sometimes people are coming from a good place but other times they are just being judgemental. Yes I could be healthier, skinnier and richer if I didn’t spend money how I do…but I choose not to and that’s my decision.

  • I’m on your side TK, you’re right, it’s your money and no one should judge you on how you spend it! Sometimes when I feel that I’m very stressed out, I went outside and have a cup of latte in one of our coffee shop in our place because we don’t have Starbucks in here. 🙂

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