Forget Retail Therapy, Try *Saving* Therapy!
Okay, let's be real for a sec. We all know the thrill, right? That new gadget unboxing, the perfectly brewed latte, the "add to cart" click that feels like a mini-victory. Spending money? Oh, we're experts at getting pleasure from that! It’s instant, it’s tangible, it’s… well, it’s fun!
But saving? Ugh. For many of us, "saving" sounds like "deprivation," "boredom," or "that thing I should probably do but definitely won't enjoy." It’s like eating your broccoli when you really want dessert.
Enter Suze Orman, the financial guru who doesn't mince words. She's got a radical idea, and frankly, it's brilliant: "Get as much pleasure out of saving as you do spending."
Wait, what? Pleasure from saving? Is she serious?
Absolutely! And she's totally right. We're wired for instant gratification. That new shirt gives you a dopamine hit right now. Saving for retirement, on the other hand, means waiting decades for the payoff. Our brains aren't exactly set up to appreciate that delayed reward. It's like telling a kid they'll get a bigger ice cream cone tomorrow if they don't eat their cookie today. Good luck with that!
But what if we could trick our brains a little? What if we could reframe saving from a chore into a superpower?
Think about it:
- Spending gives you something right now. A fleeting moment.
- Saving gives you something later. Freedom. Security. Options. Peace of mind. That dream vacation that’s actually affordable.
It’s like planting a tiny seed. You don't get the flower instantly, but imagine the joy when you see it bloom!
Here’s the secret sauce to loving your savings:
- Visualize the Victory: Don't just save into a black hole. Give your money a job! Is it for a down payment on your dream home? That epic European adventure? Early retirement so you can finally write that novel? Feel the future joy it will bring.
- Pay Your Future Self: Every time you save, imagine you're literally giving money to a future, happier, more relaxed version of you. Your future self will totally send you a thank-you card (metaphorically speaking, of course).
- Automate It (The Invisible Joy!): Set up automatic transfers to your savings. Out of sight, out of mind! You won't even miss the money, but oh boy, will you love seeing that balance grow. It's like finding money you didn't know you had!
- Celebrate the Small Wins: Hit a savings milestone? Treat yourself (responsibly!). A nice dinner, a day out – something that acknowledges your hard work without derailing your progress. It reinforces the positive feeling.
When you start viewing your savings as a building block for your amazing future, rather than money you're "missing out on," something magical happens. That feeling of security, the knowledge that you're creating options for yourself, the empowerment of financial independence – that's a pleasure that lasts far longer than any impulse buy.
So, next time you're about to splurge, pause. Ask yourself: Can I get just as much, or even more, pleasure from saving this money for my awesome future self? Suze Orman says you can. And you know what? She's right. It's time to make your money work for your happiness, not just your immediate gratification!
Inspired by: Suze Orman Says Get As Much Pleasure Out Of Saving As You Do Spending — And She’s Right