I am cheap.  I like to save money.  I like to find a deal.  I like to say “not now because we really can’t afford it”.

But I am learning that splurging is necessary.  Now, I am not talking about going out and spending money we don’t have.  I am talking about finding ways to treat myself and my family to things we deserve.  An ice cream cone, a night away in a hotel to a place we haven’t been, maybe even a massage or pedicure, a new book – simple things maybe, but things that we can afford to do.

Yes, it is good to save and plan for the future, but it is also good to enjoy the now.  I have spent too much of my time acting like we can’t do anything fun because its not responsible financially – but then we went away for a night to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.  It was then I realized how important these adventures as a family are.  We needed a night away – all 4 of us needed it.  We swam in the hotel pool, we ate dinner out, we didn’t have to clean the house or make the beds – it is was so refreshing.  When we got back I even made reservations to spend a night in Seattle (which I had been wanting to do for some time, but hadn’t allowed myself to do).  Again, we swam in the pool, we went to the tourist places, we saw friends and we had a blast.

I have been wanting to get a gym membership for some time, but keep saying I don’t want to spend the money.  Finally, there was a deal and I splurged and did it.  It is what I needed – time for myself to be active.  It’s worth the splurge and I only wish I had allowed myself to do it sooner.

In the end I am learning that, while saving money is incredibly important, finding times to treat myself or my family is equally important. And simple treats are so much fun too!