The opposite of saving

[SugarStick]

Many people seem to have a hard time saving money for whatever reason. My argument is that by not spending more money, you are actually being paid more.

Examples:
- Paying $500 instead of $800 a month for housing is the same as being paid $300 a month more.
- Not eating out one night is the same as being paid ~$25.
- Canceling cable is the same as making ~$600 a year more.

I see a lot of people try to justify these things, as they only cost a small portion of their income. But what if you were PAID to spend less? This is how I look at it, and it really helps me save money.

Right now I am spending more then I should for housing. If I could get paid more to live in a cheaper, would I? You bet! That is why I will be lowering my housing expenses soon.

Just another way of looking at things our way.

[Bryallen]

I really like this idea! Might have to introduce it to my shoe-a-holic sister! I love finding new ways to cut spending (or in this case, up my earnings! :D)

[sheepstache]

A penny saved is a penny earned except the penny saved is better because it's post-tax.  As Benny Franklin would say.

[gmaxwell]

A penny saved is a penny earned except the penny saved is better because it's post-tax.

Savings also tends to be more sure than income: You might suddenly lose your job (with its income increase) tomorrow, but its far less likely that you'd suddenly lose your rent (with its savings decrease).

[Self-employed-swami]

I also like to think of things this way.  It helps me stay motivated to save.  It seems much bigger, if I keep a running tab of the money I didn't spend that I was tempted to, versus the percentage of my take-home pay.

[mpbaker22]

I sometimes like to think in terms of third world country citizens fed for a year.  Assuming a dollar a day, that wedding photographer is going to cost you a year's worth of food for 10 people.

[darkelenchus]

I see a lot of people try to justify these things [that] only cost a small portion of their income. But what if you were PAID to spend less? This is how I look at it, and it really helps me save money.

The financial equivalent of a Gestalt switch!