When Spending is a Good Thing!

Not All Spending is Bad! Here Are 5 Examples

Good spending! Pexels


When you fully embrace frugal living, that means curbing your spending. That's just part of the process of eliminating debt, building savings, and living within a budget. Doing those has helped me immensely, and if I can motivate others away from mindless spending and debt, I will be a very happy blogger. That said, I don't think that all spending is bad. Some spending is healthy and important. Here are five examples of that.

1. Safety Equipment

Bike Helmet - Pexels.com


Anything that keeps you and your family safe is a worthwhile investment. This isn't a spending category that deserves to be skipped over or treated like an afterthought. This is a broad category but it includes:

  • Bike helmets
  • Safety goggles for DIY projects
  • New car seats
  • Smoke and CO detectors
Don't go without these. Buy good quality items. Replace them when they wear out. This also includes supplies to keep you going in case of an emergency. It's worth keeping flashlights, candles, powerbanks, and even a small power supply on hand to keep things functioning in bad weather or power outage.

2. Mindful Pleasures

The frugality journey should never be about loss of pleasure or austerity. It's okay to buy things that bring you joy. You should absolutely spend money on experiences that you will treasure. The key is to focus on mindful pleasures rather than buying or doing things because you are sad or bored.

What is a mindful pleasure? It's something that you genuinely enjoy, and that you can take time to savor. For me, that is a cup of gourmet hot chocolate and these amazing butter cookies from a local bakery. It's a weekly treat that allow for in my budget, and I don't feel an ounce of guilt when I indulge. Turns out that it also costs less than $2.00 I would spend at the local gas station every morning on a waxy, mass-produced chocolate bar.

3. Your Health

I know this is a sticky subject. Here in America, there are so many people who are struggling financially and must choose between their health and their bills. I empathize with anyone who is facing these hard decisions. This advice isn't intended for people who are in that position, but for people who are tempted to ignore their health in favor of saving money. This is never a worthwhile trade-off.

Get preventative care. Go to a doctor or dentist when something feels off. Keep adequate OTC meds and first aid supplies on hand. Eat healthy food.

Let's talk about mental health. That's important too. Money or time that you spend on your mental health is well spent. 

4. Shoes and Socks



I am the second hand queen. My wardrobe consists almost entirely of things I've purchased from thrift stores, yard sales, and church basement bazaars. I take pride in the fact that I haven't spent more than $5 on a shirt in ten years. But, when it comes to my feet I invest in new items of good quality.

I walk a lot. As a family, we spend a ton of time outside. That's not something I want to ruin with blisters or sore ankles. I think your feet are an investment. I love these Hylaea No Show Running Athletic Anti-Blister Wicking Coolmax Socks. 

Around the house, I'm into Crocs and cozy slipper socks. Outside, I protect my feet with good trail shoes. Check out these Asics Gel trail running shoes.

5. Food Storage Containers

When I first started getting my financial act together, food waste stood out as a major issue in my household. I would make too much food that would go to waste. When I tried to store food it would end up lost and forgotten at the back of my refrigerator.

I have experimented with different options, but finally settled on these glass, meal prep containers. They are versatile, durable, and work just as well for leftovers as they do meal prep.

What About You?

What's worth the money to you? Do you have items that you proudly spend your hard-earned money to enjoy?

Disclosures: This and other blog posts here may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. I'd also be honored if you'd check out my book https://amzn.to/4f7tuXn

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