Posted by jammerh, and lifted without permission:
There’s an old adage,
“He who dies with the most toys wins”.
It doesn’t speak much for the ideal of human aspiration.
To make your life count for something you might want to consider leaving something to a worthwhile cause. Try to make this world a little better place for your having been here. Yes, I know most of us don’t intend to check out any time soon, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.
I had an elderly friend who was quite frugal. Now I’m frugal myself – some might say to the point of excess, but occasionally, I tried to encourage this friend to spend a little money with well-worn expressions like,
“Go spend a little on yourself; you know you’re not going to live forever.”
To which he would respond, “Well, I’m goanna try.”
Despite my friend’s gallant effort and attitude he’s gone now after suffering a stroke recently, and I’m left wondering where did all those efforts in a lifetime of strict frugality really get him?
I guess I can say that if nothing else it gave him a challenge, and perhaps a sense of direction in life. Probably it gave him some sense of security in knowing the money was there if he needed it for something, and hopefully in this respect at least it was some comfort.
Of course each of us is going to draw the line in a slightly different gradiant on the scale of stinginess versus spendthrift, but regardless of where you come in on it life is too short to spend it begrudging yourself every possible pleasure in life.
I’ve posted many times in the past about the value of saving – not just for the potential comfort it might afford you in your future years, but also for the wonderful sense of security, and the ability to dream that a healthy pile of savings and investments can provide, however, yet I think there are times too, when what you get in return for the amount of money spent is worthwhile.
A few examples? For me, some of my most treasured investments were in things that endure the test of time such as, gifts for a loved one; a toy for a child; a bicycle to get me places quietly, with a little exercise, and very little pollution; care for a beloved pet – returned many times over in terms of companionship and loyalty; and endless hours of challenge and relaxation that a musical instrument can provide.
You’re the only one who can decide when, where, and which things you treasure most, but whatever they are don’t those are the rare instances when you should wince and loosen the purse strings. They’re rare in life, but you’ll know them when you see them. When you do, don’t let them pass you by.
