This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Restructure the way you perceive investing and saving
I also used to think saving and investing were a form of financial sacrifice, but real financial sacrifice is overspending and mismanaging your money.
Overspending is depriving yourself of a healthy financial future.
The more you do the latter two, the more you financially sacrifice now and in your future.
Successfully managing your money, investing, and spending less than you earn are not sacrifices; they are investments into your financial health.
These actions create financial freedom, options, stability, and opportunities for you now and in the future.
The more you invest in your financial health, the less cleanup you’ll have to do later.
Health Is A Solid Example Of How Finances Work
Taking care of your finances is very similar to your health.
The earlier you get started on your health, the more you increase your likelihood of better health down the road.
I spoke to a 50-something-year-old man who has been weightlifting for decades (without steroids).
For the most part, his diet is clean. Now and then, he will eat a tub of ice cream, but it doesn’t affect him negatively because most of his dietary choices have been healthy throughout his life.
On the other hand, all of his friends, who are also in their 50s, look more like they’re in their late 60s. They’re all overweight, out of shape, and have many medical issues that are all optional if they take better care of their health.
Deprivation Is Unnecessary & Not Maintainable
Implementing healthy financial habits early allows you to enjoy more freedom on the latter end and even now.
Taking care of your financial responsibilities doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of living.
It means you allocate a portion of your income to the future; that’s it.
The rest is for you to enjoy and live in the present now.
What happens when you consistently overspend? You run out of money.
What happens when you over-save? You stop living.
There is a beautifully balanced dance that is maintainable and provides you with financial benefits.
Find what it looks like for yourself, and be sure you do not deprive yourself in the process.
And remember, every action has a reaction.
I Used To Think Deprivation Was The Best Way- Not No More
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.