When you hear financial independence, do you equate that to restrictive living, not able to spend on yourself, or enjoying certain things? Trying to reach financial independence doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life and splurge a little sometimes. They keyword is “little” and “sometimes.”

Depending on your financial goals and timeline you want to reach these goals will determine your lifestyle. If you have an aggressive timeline, you might not be splurging at all. But if your timeline is flexible and are not pressed to reach financial independence at a certain time, you might see yourself spending a little more here and there.

The keyword is “little” and “sometimes.” Once you get a taste of something really good, wouldn’t it be nice to experience it over and over again? Who wouldn’t want to go to a nice restaurant and be served? Who wouldn’t want to stay at a nice hotel instead of a motel? Who wouldn’t want a nicer computer, car, or house? Who wouldn’t want to shop at higher end stores?

It’s like that Lays chips commercial when they say you just can’t eat one. Do you know anyone who can eat just one chip and be satisfied? I can eat a whole bag of chips in one sitting, a whole can of Pringles, or a whole bag of Doritos. They are so delicious! But guess what, I don’t because I know myself all too well. I know my limitations and it doesn’t end well when I have a bag of chips in my hand. So I don’t buy it at all.

I do, however, splurge a little on other things. I like to take my family on nice vacations at least once a year. I like to go out to do take out once or twice a week instead of cooking. I like to go to Starbucks once in a while. There’s nothing wrong with splurging just a little once in a while. If you see yourself splurging more than you should then you need to have a reality check and see what’s going on. Are you enjoying too much of your splurging? Are you like me with my bag of chips? You get a taste of one and you need to have it over and over again?

If you can manage your splurging and control your spending without making ridiculous excuses for your actions, then I don’t see why you shouldn’t splurge a little sometimes. Go back to your goals and your timeline. Does your actions, meaning your spending and splurging, align and support these goals? If not, have an intervention. If so, then continue with your lifestyle. Financial independence doesn’t mean you need to cut everything off cold turkey. It’s a balance you need to find and your balance is different from everyone else. If you are interested in following my journey, email subscribe to get alerts of latest posts or follow me on Facebook and Instagram.