On June 7th, we celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary. Now, we usually are very low key when it comes to things like this - being frugal minded like I am. So, it is normally dinner in, giving one another a loving card and watching our wedding video. Well, this year, we recalled how WONDERFUL the past seven years have been, but did so in a way we’ve never before.
We hired a sitter and went out to Maker's Mark in the Power & Light District. Now, if you have ever dined here (or looked them up on-line), you realize how very expensive a dinner can be. Well, we enjoyed our lavish meal and conversation. When the check came -- we didn't bat an eye. We handed over our stack of $20.00 bills with a smile on our faces.
You may be asking yourself “Penny Pinchin’ Mom paid FULL PRICE for dinner???!!!” The answer is simple. Yes. However, the reason that we could do so is because we are so frugal when it comes to other areas. We save in any way that we can.
Sometimes, I hear that people feel guilty when they pay full price for something that means so much to them - like that nice dinner our or concert they've waited for years to come to the Sprint Center. I've always looked at this way - if I can save enough over a few weeks to pay for my meal, concert tickets or that new pair of lavish shoes – why not? If you budget $300.00 for your groceries and spend only $50.00, it is OK to reward yourself once in a while and go and BLOW that money on something fun. Even I have to remind myself of this once in a while.
Simply put - life is too short. I do believe that you should save money wherever you can, but that it is also important to celebrate life’s special moments. Of course, you don’t need to spend money to make them memorable, sometimes it is fun. When you have a chance to splurge, it is almost your reward for your hard work.
So, keep working hard to save money. That way, when special moments arrive, we can enjoy them and….dare I say it….NOT use a coupon nor worry about the price!