Has anyone ever regretted saving too much money and not enjoying life?

**GrowingTheGreen** · 02-08-2016, 05:33 AM

I actually get great satisfaction from saving. From time to time, I do feel a little "spendy", but I always remind myself that I am not avoiding gratification--I am only delaying it. By making small sacrifices now, I am setting myself up to be in a very good position later in life.

I've also noticed by doing things less often, it makes them "better". For example, I hadn't been to a dinner/movie with my wife in at least two years. The other night, we went out and it was an absolute blast. Much more memorable than if we were to do this every weekend.

**amastewa93** · 02-08-2016, 05:38 AM

I always feel really great when I put money aside for savings or investments. Of course, you have to remember why you are saving. Once you've identified your personal reason, it makes it worth it.

**mikehassi** · 02-08-2016, 05:53 AM

My saving

Its always good for everyone, when they save some money in bank or deposit money in Bank account for every month. I think it is good for future and family.

**97guns** · 02-08-2016, 05:54 AM

I'm in the "screw the savings" mode right now, I blow my monthly income every month

**Fishindude77** · 02-08-2016, 06:04 AM

I'm sure most of us are familiar with at least one tightwad old miser that saved every nickle and never appeared to have any fun. If they regretted it or not ... only they could answer that question.

**ahlerka** · 02-08-2016, 06:05 AM

It depends on our personality types and the way we got used to do things in life.. But I am not financially trained to say "no" to my everyday coffee, fresh produce and organic food or worry about supermarkets coupons or any offers (2 for 1). I found these sales schemes are more damaging to my wallet. So I wonder if I do something wrong and should re-trained my self and be more financially conscious on my everyday spending routine. Will my life enjoyment or quality of life change?

**msomnipotent** · 02-08-2016, 06:50 AM

I like the finer things in life. I can't help it. But I don't feel bad about spending at all because I put savings first. I make goals, and anything left after that is spent freely. I think it is a great balance.

I read some posts on other financial sites about people that just can't enjoy anything because they feel they are "stealing" from their savings. Some even post their entire net worth for others to advise how they can save even more, so I am positive they are way ahead of the game. I truly feel bad for them. Money is just a tool to be used to enjoy life, IMO.

**tripods68** · 02-08-2016, 07:02 AM

Originally posted by ahlerka View Post

Continues saving is tiring, you have to constantly think about money and you can become so focused on saving pennies and completely lose the enjoyment of spending money (even the enjoyment of buying nice things for yourself and others). It does feel good sometimes. Has anyone ever said to themselves "screw the saving attitude, I am here to live and enjoy" How do you manage enjoyment and constant pressure to save more and more?

This what normal people do every day. Live paycheck-to-paycheck, live beyond their means--charge more in CC. In the end you end up broke each and every time! I've experienced this way too many times in my 20s.

Your question is very broad. So I'll try to be specific.

We try to find the balance "wants versus needs". We all have Top priority for spending; mortgage, utilities, food, gas. Our 2nd priority; college education, retirements/savings. We have no other debt except our mortgage. So our budget is very lean.

Our 3rd priority is discretionary spending; each month is different based on seasonality weather conditions. We love hiking/traveling so we spend more outdoors during spring/summer, sports activity, events, eating out. Our kids birthdays & holidays season drive up our discretionary spending. Next month we are planning my son 12th b-day. Our San Diego trip this April is already pre-paid. Our Wedding anniversary in June--not yet plan. August is our family vacation in Lake Tahoe for a week. All our planned vacations have been CASH---Thanks to Mr. Refund

**ua_guy** · 02-08-2016, 07:02 AM

My dad has been wanting to buy a Porsche for almost 20 years. He's almost 70.

I keep telling him to do it--why not? He and my mom are set for retirement.

Some days I can't tell if he's more in love with actually owning a Porsche someday, or if he's just in love with the idea that he could buy one any time if he wanted to. Will he regret now owning one sooner down the line? Only he can answer that I guess.

**Jluke** · 02-08-2016, 07:25 AM

Twice I've hit the 100k in cash savings and each time I started to spend some of it (around 30k) then start saving again towards 100k....

Right now I'm doing the stretching my paycheck approach - where I'm close to maxing 401k, max ROTH, 2x mortgage payments, extra on car loan, extra on HVAC loan, and try to do minimal spending. I have 2 years to live like this, then debt free all around.

Make your money work for you and enjoy it in moderation.

**97guns** · 02-08-2016, 07:31 AM

Originally posted by ua_guy View Post

My dad has been wanting to buy a Porsche for almost 20 years. He's almost 70.

I keep telling him to do it--why not? He and my mom are set for retirement.

Some days I can't tell if he's more in love with actually owning a Porsche someday, or if he's just in love with the idea that he could buy one any time if he wanted to. Will he regret now owning one sooner down the line? Only he can answer that I guess.

Yep, my dad always wanted some kind of 2 seater sports car all the way up to his dying days but never bought one, he could have afforded a dozen Porsches but was never able to spend, when his health started failing he wanted to travel with my 2 brothers and I but it was too late.

I've learned from this and am fully enjoying life, not gonna wait until its too late and am spending cash like its a credit card, with no regard for it

**Singuy** · 02-08-2016, 02:48 PM

I believe the question is more about the constant strain of "sacrificing" than savings.

A household income of 50k/year for 4 peeps must sacrifice way more than a family making 200k.

The household making 50k/year probably needs to apply all sorts of life hacks just to save, while the household making 200k/year barely feels the sacrifice and still ends up saving more than the household making 50k/year (if both family wants the same things that is).

So maybe a better questions is

Are you sick and tired of making sacrifices due to low yearly income?

**ahlerka** · 02-08-2016, 04:26 PM

Good Response. This maybe an answer to my question that I ask myself everyday and feel like I don't enjoy the life if I start sacrificing!

**snafu** · 02-08-2016, 06:15 PM

I'm sad to see people going overboard in either direction, too much focus on savings as the goal or too little self control and spending far more than their income can support. If you don't understand that money is merely a tool to help you enjoy today's activities and support all your and your loved ones tomorrow's. Denying yourself joy is as pointless as trying to fill the holes in your heart by buying stuff you don't need and can't really afford to pay for. Expensive, brand name merchandise does not make up for the love you believe was withheld and having huge sums in a savings account will not give you any love or kisses.

Has anyone ever regretted saving too much money and not enjoying life?