No More Regretful Spending 

Every Sunday I send out something to think about, a question to ponder and something to try to make your life a little more pleasant. The idea is to inspire and encourage positive change. Readers share their progress so we can all benefit from the learnings.  

THINK

“You must gain control over your money or the lack of it will forever control you.” 

– Dave Ramsey (boring old rich person)

When you die, you’ll have earned a certain amount of money in your lifetime. It could be £1,000,000, £10,000,000, £100,000,000 or more. 

Imagine that upon your death, you were given a list of every item you traded for your Lifetime Earnings. Every single penny. And next to it was the level of fulfilment you got from trading those hard-earned pennies. 

Picture the range of options from the sublime to the sickening… 

Would you be happy with the list you’ve compiled?

I know I wouldn’t. 

I’ve not spent enough on Anime art for a start but there’s still time… 

Ultimately, we exchange our hard-earned cash in an attempt to improve our lives but that’s not always achieved. Why is that?

Many people don’t see money from this perspective. They have it and then they spent it. 

Like fuel. They burn through it, refill the tank and burn through some more.

Impulse purchases are influenced by feelings (to chase good or avoid bad). Decisions led by feelings, aren’t always in your best interest over the long term. 

Instead, could you use your money to build rather than to fuel?

Imagine only buying things that built towards a happier and healthier you. 

You might not experience joy in the moment of purchasing, but the future you would thank you for it. 

Regretful Spending = Buying Short-Lived Good Feelings

Resourceful Spending = Buying Long-Term Good Feelings

I don’t even want to think of the amount of money I spent on alcohol in my 20s 🤦‍♂️. Pure fuel. I had a great time in the moment, but how much value did I get over the long term? 

I stopped drinking alcohol on 29 October 22. Not that I’m counting. I occasionally feel a desire to drink but I’m yet to succumb to the temptation. 

I have to admit, I have zero regret but I can’t say the opposite is true. 

When I abstain from impulse buying, I NEVER regret it. 

When I exchange money to build over the long term, like buying; assets, experiences, travel, health-related stuff, learning or hobbies, I’m always grateful. 

Reflect and share this thought with someone. 

ASK

The next time you feel an impulse to purchase something, ask yourself:

“Am I buying this thing to feel good now or to improve my life in the long term?”

Or

“How much value will I get from this next week, next month or next year?”  

You might change your mind and thank yourself tomorrow.

Write down what comes to mind. 

TRY

1. Try abstaining from one ‘regretful spend’ this week and see how you feel the following day.

2. Try embracing one ‘resourceful spend’ this week and see how you feel the following day.  

Do you notice a difference?

Remember: Little by little, a little becomes a lot.  

SHARE

If you tried welcoming well-being and rejecting the regretful, share your wins with the world.

Leave a comment below!