Author Topic: How can I convince myself to spend on things I used to love?  (Read 4515 times)

BonBon

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 30
How can I convince myself to spend on things I used to love?
« on: November 19, 2014, 10:24:24 AM »
Hi,
I am mainly a  lurker who hasn't posted much, but with winter settling in I feel myself struggling with the idea of spending on something I used to love, hot yoga. I know it is definitely a pricey activity but in the past I have opted for unlimited monthly passes (which last winter were $75/month and have since been raised to $85/month) and went on average 5+ times/week. Although I have pretty much always been a little bit frugal, I only discovered MMM and what my frugality could do for me last spring around the time I decided to forgo hot yoga in favour of outdoor activities such as running, biking, soccer and softball. :)
For me it is not really an issue of price as it easily fits within my fairly frugal budget already as I budget $150 of my ~$1000 a month budget (which also includes a $100 which is allowed to accrue for vacations) for miscellaneous shopping, sports and entertainment and often this goes totally unused.
I have realized I get a weird high from not spending and as such it is less tempting to spend now than ever before, but winter sucks. It sort of steals little pieces of my soul and it is hard to get out on icy unlit dark pathways or streets for any kind of physical activity, and both physical activity and getting out of the house definitely help dealing with winter.
Anyhow, after that little bit of rambling I guess I am wondering what criteria people use to evaluate their spending on various activities and whether it should be totally allowed? And maybe if their are excellent do at home yoga people know of that I could try substituting either in part or in whole, I guess.

Thanks! :)


MandalayVA

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1569
  • Location: Orlando FL
Re: How can I convince myself to spend on things I used to love?
« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2014, 10:28:24 AM »
If it fits within your budget and it's something you enjoy, spend the money.  Sometimes people think that being frugal means cutting out everything fun.  It just means being more mindful of where the money goes.

Cromacster

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1695
  • Location: Minnesnowta
Re: How can I convince myself to spend on things I used to love?
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2014, 10:32:32 AM »
It comes down to a balance of what truly makes you happy vs saving.  Within that there is always room for optimization.

Some thoughts that first come to mind...could you do yoga on your own through an app/website/dvd?  A small room and a space heater could help simulate the conditions.

Second thought...are you familiar enough with the management of the yoga studio?  If yes, you could offer to exchange your time in terms of cleaning, records management, or social media.

frompa

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 405
  • Location: Pennsylvania
Re: How can I convince myself to spend on things I used to love?
« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2014, 10:35:14 AM »
It doesn't make sense to deny yourself something that is good for you and that you enjoy, for the sake of a few bucks that you can afford.  In fact, keeping mentally and physically fit is damn good for your wallet, in the long run.  On the other hand, sometimes we become reluctant to do something that logic tells us we "should" for damn good reason(s) -- and only you are the one who can ferret that out.  So go figure (and let us know how you resolve this.)  Good luck.

zoltani

  • Guest
Re: How can I convince myself to spend on things I used to love?
« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2014, 10:53:33 AM »
Well at $85 a month, going 5 times/week that is about $4 a session. That seems like a great deal to me! I am in the camp that if you enjoy something, it does your body good, and it is within your budget then you should not deny yourself for the sake of denying. I spend money on a climbing gym, less than $85/month, but it is something. If i did not do this through the winter I would be a much more miserable person.

Another way to look at it is this: what is the cost of NOT doing yoga? If it helps you move and stay healthy then the ROI is high, IMO.

Pigeon

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1298
Re: How can I convince myself to spend on things I used to love?
« Reply #5 on: November 19, 2014, 11:33:20 AM »
Everybody is going to have their own degree of comfort with spending on non-essentials.  I think you should look at the value.  You were certainly going to yoga a great deal, and it made you feel better so to me that seems like it was a great value for the price.  If you were paying that amount and going once a month, it would be a different story.  Likewise, if you weren't able to meet your savings goals or your hair was on fire, no yoga, but that's not the case.

I have to admit that if you can't buy yourself a lousy milkshake once a week if you really want it and can afford it, I think perhaps you might be going a little too far.

I don't think frugality means you can't ever spend a buck on something that gives you great pleasure.

FreeWheel

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 131
  • Location: Chicagoland
Re: How can I convince myself to spend on things I used to love?
« Reply #6 on: November 19, 2014, 11:34:11 AM »
I guess I am wondering what criteria people use to evaluate their spending on various activities and whether it should be totally allowed?

I signed no contract on spending with anyone. If I want something and can afford it, I get it. Like you, I just don't want very much.

Shouldn't you be in hot yoga class right now?

ChelseaBlair

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 14
Re: How can I convince myself to spend on things I used to love?
« Reply #7 on: November 19, 2014, 11:38:36 AM »
I agree with others that you should do it, ESPECIALLY if you're going at 5x/wk. I have friends that pay $25/class (!). It is great for both your mental and physical health and will be beneficial to you in the long run (staying in shape/staying healthy). This does not seem like a silly/wasteful indulgence.

BonBon

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 30
Re: How can I convince myself to spend on things I used to love?
« Reply #8 on: November 19, 2014, 11:52:39 AM »
Thanks guys! I agree it's probably worth it. Hopefully I will get my butt there as often as I did last winter (I was unemployed for a significant portion of it so the 5+ times, which more often than not was 7 times a week while unemployed was easy and then 4-5 times while employed was an easy decrease). The studio has changed their hours a bit which makes it a little harder but hopefully it will still work out to good value. I am drinking lots of water in prep to try to make a class tonight (I will be aching tomorrow as I am definitely not in yoga shape atm). I think the post the really helped me make this decision the most was Cathy's, I hope you can find it to treat yourself to a few more luxuries.

FarmerPete

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 346
Re: How can I convince myself to spend on things I used to love?
« Reply #9 on: November 19, 2014, 12:03:45 PM »
I think that making the question, "Do Yoga for $85 a month or do nothing for $0 a month" is an unfair question.  For me, I would look at alternatives that are not Yoga.  For instance, there are several gyms around here that have membership for $20 a month.  If you enjoyed running, biking, etc over the summer, there is no reason you can't do that kind of thing at a gym for a lot less money.  Just something to consider during these cold months.