I've started using a strategy that I think will help both of us, and hopefully many of you as well. The goal is to remove the guilt we often feel spending money, even on things we really enjoy, while also ensuring that we don't use the money we've budgeted for ourselves on other things. So here it is, take that money, and set it aside. It's that simple. I use a series of Tangerine savings accounts to separate the money I dedicate for myself from the money I use for my obligations. I have accounts setup for travel, entertainment, and major goals, into which I deposit a specific amount of money monthly. In this way, that money is set aside, meaning it won't be spent frivolously, and I don't feel bad when I spend dedicated money on myself.
Although most of the discussion on Personal Finance is dedicated to helping people save money, it's almost as important to ensure that we spend what's leftover at the end of the month. Personal Finance, as in life, is all about balance. The type of people who might read and follow this are more likely to take that leftover money and save or invest it. There's nothing with that, on occasion, and with significant thought. If you have extra money month after month, perhaps you need to take another look at your budget.
If you decide to try out this strategy, use my Orange Key, 34755860S1, when you sign up and we'll both be rewarded with better bonuses from tangerine.
