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.
I Used To Think Deprivation Was The Best Way- Not No More
Now, I’m all about ruthless-conscious spending
Beautiful Dubai –
Everyone enjoys and prioritizes different things. It could be shoes, travel, clothes, eating out or fine dining, getting drinks, housing, going out/recreational activities, etc.
Whatever your thing is, you don’t need to feel guilty about purchasing as long as you take care of your other financial shit.
What do I mean by this?
You should be clear of credit card debt.
You should be working to eliminate other less costly debts (low-interest rates, e.g., some student loans).
Your 401k and ROTH IRA should be maxed out (as long as you don’t earn more than the limits for the ROTH IRA).
As long as you’re doing these things and not financially neglecting yourself in other minor and major ways, there is no reason you shouldn’t enjoy yourself and spend your financial resources on the things you most enjoy.
My thing is travel and housing. Eating out is also fun, but I don’t need it. I know how to eliminate it or decrease the spending on it when necessary.
Why would you invest your money on a spacious or luxurious home if you’re barely home?
If you enjoy cooking and make most of your food, there is no need to eat out frequently; this would be counterproductive.
If you use primarily one subscription service, there should be little pain involved if you cancel your other subscriptions.
Your decision on what you spend your money on should make sense.
Conscious and Ruthless Spending Gets You What You Want Most
I’m not much of a shopper, drinker, makeup user, fashionista, or into having the latest gadgets. I try to keep my phone for three or more years. I owned my laptop for almost a decade before it gave out on me.
After realizing most dog treats and foods are not that healthy and filled with additives, I decreased my dog spending, which was a high spending category.
After realizing many skincare and body products are toxic, I decreased the amount I spend on body and skin products, which also helped me save.
All that extra savings can go straight to my primary categories: travel and housing.
What Are Your Top 1–3 Categories?
If you spend your money in multiple categories, you will throw away money in areas that matter least to you, leaving less money for you to spend in your high-priority categories.
Where Else Can You Cut?
Always try to start your elimination process with the most basic categories that many people unconsciously throw their money towards, including:
Groceries
Eating out
Subscriptions
Online shopping
Avoid Costly Errors
I hate wasting food. My sister makes fun of me, but I frequently suggest, “Let’s order one and see if we like it. It’s a safer bet than ordering two and not liking it.”
Sometimes, if food isn’t my liking, I send it back or request a refund. It doesn’t work every time, but it’s worth a shot.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.