Splurging on Yourself Without Feeling Guilty

Genie
Jul 30, 2023
3 min read

I unintentionally started a tradition a few years back where I pick something to splurge on for myself that year. This was a way for me to feel good about spending money on myself because I deserve it. Period.

If you're spending so many of your waking hours working, don't feel guilty about splurging on yourself at least once every year.

The things I want to spend money on have been on my mind for a long time. My toxic trait is to research the heck out of my materialistic "wants" and leave them in my cart for months before I checkout. This behavior might be connected to me feeling guilty of spending so much money on myself. However, I also like to be extremely sure of my decision before I commit. Either way, the decision is not on impulse because in my head, a few hundred dollars is still a lot of money to spend on myself so I spend it wisely.

Here are some things you can do to feel less guilty when splurging on yourself:

Research Research and More Research

If you pick something so permanent, like a tattoo, please do all of your research before you pick an artist! I followed most of my tattoo artists on Instagram for years before booking my appointments. Instagram is usually my go-to place when I'm looking for an artist or stylist so I can see their portfolio and so I can be 1000% sure it would be a great fit. If it's something materialistic like a laptop, list out the features that are important to you and filter your options based on that list. Remember, you may have that thing for at least a few years so making the right choice that will last is so important.

Don't Blow All Your Money

Splurging is ok if you have the means to do it. If you don't, then wait until you do. Save what you can every paycheck or every month until you have the full amount to spend. If you have a timeline in mind, then figure out how much you need to save on a regular basis by dividing the cost by the amount of months/paychecks left until that deadline. This will also help with the next point...

Don't Buy on Impulse

Wait a few months before you indulge. It will give you more time to think if it's really what you want. It can even be possible that you fall out of love of the idea or that you want to indulge in something else. If, after that waiting period, you still want to move forward, then by all means, go for it!

Own It

Literally and figuratively! You work hard everyday for your money so you deserve this. Splurging doesn't happen often so enjoy the fruits of your labor. Money can be replaced, but time can't.

I like to be transparent with cost of goods and services for your research purposes (and because I'm nosy), so here are my splurges by year with how much I spent.. .

2018: Laptop (~$1k)

2019: Ombre Powder Eyebrows ($800) and First Tattoo ($300)