So, how do we count our beans and still be happy now?
If we have our money going out to cover all household expenses, plus tithing, contingency, car fund, escape fund etc, when do we get to spend some 'fun money' on ourselves? Do we have to be miserable until we're waiting for it to all come together? I think it depends on what you know about yourself in terms of what really makes you happy.
I've thought about this a great deal over the past few weeks, and I've come to the conclusion that personally speaking, my happiness comes from just a few things: security, freedom, ability to go out with my friends, exercise and sport. And then there's love, which (and I know I'm very lucky here) costs me nothing (except of course for his birthday present, coming up in a few days!).
Which leads me to ask myself: do I need a constant supply of new clothes, shoes etc? Is is necessary to buy lots of books when I can borrow from the library or exchange them with friends?
The answer is no. At this point in my life, knowing that by putting money into my escape account etc, I only need to be able to pay to go out with my friends when I want, go mountainboarding, play the occasional game of badminton and go to the gym. Which takes a lot of pressure off the finances.
To make myself happy I feel secure knowing that my (eventual) freedom is accounted for. And that ticks off all the things that make me happy.
What makes you truly happy? Do you buy things to make you feel better about a job you hate? Do they make you feel that much better or would your money be better spent taking you towards something that really makes you happy?
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