Spending Money vs Regret: Pick your battle

In a life filled with decisions based on one aspect, we ought to find ourselves is money the real enemy or is it the choices that we make?

There’s more to life than money. One must hope. But as we delve into the deep roots that lay upon us, pine into the hardworking soul of our day and dazzle into the bed hoping for a good night’s rest, one thing comes to mind. The life you wish you lived. For it seems strange, to think about it, but what is sleep without dreams and what are dreams without goals and what are goals without aspirations and what are aspirations without you. 

When you have money, the choices you make are endless. There is no confusion in the world and if you can’t decide, you will just go for both. The lobster and the crab. The house and the yacht. Your partner and the mistress. Why? Because money, like it or not … is power! The power to do anything you want. 

Now what if I told you, you have an abundance of money, would you regret anything? Probably not! The way the world works, the way we see things, if we don’t have money then we cannot do x, y, and z, thus, we have regret. 

Think about it!

In the next 2 seconds think about what you would choose.

Spending Money or Regret!

Pick your battle!

Regret is like battle scars. The things you wish you did but you didn’t. I wish I spent money on a new piano, I could have pursued my piano career. I wish I had negotiated a higher salary. I should have invested my money instead of saving it – I would have been rich. I wish I spent money on tutoring so I could have graduated. I wish I trusted myself and started my business. I wish…I wish…I wish….There ain’t no wishing stars nearby. 

The internal struggle that falls inside our souls is a delicate dance of making the right choices. But how do we know if it’s the right choice? Only time can answer that.

When you spend money on the things that are investments to you – that provide a high value of return – you should spend it. For example, a self-development course or a high quality tote bag that will last you years to come. 

When you spend money on the things that do not provide a high value of return such as shoes or decor pillows only to be used once –  you shouldn’t splurge. 

If we don’t purchase the self-development course, then we cannot improve our communication skills which will cause us to not get the promotion. On the other hand, if we don’t purchase shoes, well, then we will just wear shoes we already have. See the difference!

Now which scenario would you feel regret?

Option 1: Self-development course

or

Option 2: Shoes 

Now on the count of three…let’s say our choice. Ready! 1 -2 -3- Shoe – oh – Yep Self-development course. Option 1! Regret looms like a dark shadow laughing down on us. 

But here’s the message: Making the choices that suit your needs in the current time. Balance is key! 

Spending money can bring joy and satisfaction whereas regret can feel gloomy. So don’t be stingy! You can save all you want, you really can. But there comes to a point in life, where saving money isn’t going to help you. It’s spending money to gain something in return that can get you one step closer to where you need to be. Such as one step up the corporate ladder, higher grades and even a well-rounded version of yourself. Don’t skimp on yourself because you don’t want to spend money. Spending money is not an enemy. Spending money is what makes the world go round and the economy happy. 

You can’t be stingy or skimpy on spending. But you can be smart about your money so you don’t have to be stingy or skimpy. When you budget wisely for the things that truly matter to you – don’t feel guilty. On the other hand, if you pass up your potential and opportunities because you didn’t take the leap and hand over the cash – regret can sneak in. 

So the lesson to be learned is…indulge wisely. Life is too short for regrets and financial security is an abundance of enjoyment. Enjoy the dance and spend on things that truly matter to you. 

Remember, Rakstars, life is a runway and you’re the star.