On episode 201 Amira Alvarez shared some important points about self worth and how we can all get to our next level when we invest in ourselves.  This episode sparked some interesting conversation around abundance and self worth.  Has there ever been a time where you’ve felt guilty for spending money on yourself? Maybe there have been several times and you’re replaying every recent moment in your life where you’ve denied yourself something you wanted. Perhaps you’re a person who doesn’t think you deserve to splurge on yourself or you rather spend money buying things for others. 

We want you to know it’s okay to spend money on yourself without feeling guilty about it. Whether it’s a pair of shoes you saw in the department store window or paying for a class to better your income—you are worthy of that investment.

How is buying something for yourself an investment? Self-love and self-care are continuous non-linear actions. Doing what makes you happy and what you desire will provide you with internal satisfaction. The image we have of ourselves plays a factor in our abilities to love ourselves. There isn’t a right or wrong way to care for yourself. We aren’t saying use your last $100 on a pair of shoes or overspend on a trip. We are saying when you can afford to treat yourself, do it! Budget, save and only spend the money that you have reserved for this.

In episode 201, guest speaker Amira Alvarez says that “You think the money can run out {…} you think you’ll “F” it up so badly that you can’t come back.” One reason people fear spending money is that they fear they’ll never get the money back or fear that it could go to something better. Alvarez expresses that we aren’t comfortable spending money because we aren’t confident in our abilities to make money. There is absolutely no reason to feel guilty for purchasing something with the money that you’ve worked for. It is yours (money) to do what you want and please. No one can check you on what you spend your money on.

This week we did a poll on Instagram asking our followers if they’ve ever felt guilty for spending money on themselves or not; 40% said no, while 60% of people said they feel guilty.

We’ve pulled together some tips to help with the misplaced guilt of spending money on yourself. Hopefully, it can provide emotional relief and reliable solutions to such a conflicting concept. 

TIPS

Budgeting Your Income 

Find a comfortable spending range for yourself based on your income. Knowing where your money will go each month can help you financially and emotionally. We have listed resources from the previous podcasts that we’ve aired below that can help you with budgeting. 

Get Financial Advice

Getting a financial advisor or reading about the best way to save and budget your money is beneficial. Seeking help where you struggle the most in your finances can provide financial literacy and clarity. A financial advisor is a professional that assesses your income, your bills, and how much leisure money you can spend every month. 

Give Yourself More Credit

The guilt of buying things for yourself is often misplaced and can cause unwanted emotions. Give yourself more credit! Learn to celebrate your wins and treat yourself just because you know you deserve it. Some people get a therapist to help with self-worth, but you could use daily affirmations as a way to conquer the idea that you are not worthy of everything you desire. 

Take Time Making A Decision

Take time to think before you buy. Doing this will limit buyer’s remorse and allow you time to plan for what you want. Treating yourself doesn’t have to be impulsive and financially irresponsible. Spending money can be smart and efficient. 

Spending Money On Yourself Has Many Different Looks

Maybe you aren’t comfortable spending money on materialistic items, but paying for a trip can be treating yourself or paying for a mentor to help with your future. Money can be used for many different gains in life. A nice pair of shoes can be your treat one month and a class or a newfound hobby can be your treat another month. No one has control over your money and what you spend it on, but you.  

Resources

Our Youtube Playlist of Financial Related Topics

https://youtu.be/5ohyx9-Gydk