In my opinion…
A lot of times when I scroll through my Instagram feed at the posts from the FIRE community, I see intense frugality pushed and almost glamorized. I implemented these extreme frugal lifestyle habits a couple years ago and I’m starting to (sometimes) notice some repercussions. I observed deprivation which is a worry I hear from some who are transitioning into the FI lifestyle.
Let me elaborate for you. Before this summer season, I went through excessive amounts of hoarded clothing from over the years! I tried all of them on, well – I attempted. My late-20’s body is NOT like my early-20’s body. I realized I needed to silence the frugal devil on my shoulder and actually do some shopping.
For those who have been living a frugal lifestyle for a long period, shopping for clothes and fashion can bring some guilt. It feels like you’re doing something bad and going against all you stand for (yes, sounds dramatic).
The truth is, we need things. We need clothes that fit and make you feel confident. We need a newer phone or computer. We need to practice self care whether that means spending money on a manicure, hair appointment or whatever it may be.
Financial freedom does not mean deprivation. In simpler terms, financial independence means freedom from the constraints of money. Money touches almost all aspects of our lives if you think hard about it. We need money to house ourselves, for food and clothing, for transportation, for medical attention, to communicate with phones and the internet. You notice how most of these are relevant to our happiness?
You can preach “money doesn’t buy happiness” and you’d be right about that! However, having money can make it easier to do the things that make you happy. Isn’t that the goal? To build your ideal lifestyle of balance and satisfaction?
To get to the financially free finish line, you need to be sure you’ve brought your happiness with you. This means not depriving yourself of needs.
