When is it ok not to be frugal?
When last we met, I told you about how we planned a party for my mom, without spending too much money. The party was a great success and my mom was touched by the tribute. This morning I’m wondering if it would have been better to spend a little more money so we can enjoy ourselves more.
Now don’t get me wrong, we had so much fun. The food was great, we had some entertainment and laughter ensued throughout the whole event. Here’s the thing. Because we live in different parts of the country, my three sisters and I don’t get together as often as we’d like. On Saturday instead of doing fun things together, we ran around in different directions or spent the day seeing to different tasks. On Sunday when my two brothers were with us, we were busy setting up, preparing food, making sure everyone was comfortable and well fed. We would have liked to have more time with our guests to sit and enjoy the party.
So my question to you, faithful readers, is when is it ok not to be frugal?
My brothers and sisters and I were thinking, in retrospect, that it would have been so much nicer to spend a little more to rent out the church basement and hire someone to make a few casseroles and sandwiches, than make all our own food and worry about things like tablecloths, homemade centerpieces and carting out our own garbage. There were so many people we hadn’t seen in a long time, but rather than catch up we were heating up food and putting out utensils.
I understand why we save money. We save money to put our son through school, to pay the mortgage, prepare for retirement or even take a nice vacation. We save up to more appreciate the value of a particular item or dream. I do believe there are certain occasions where it’s in a best interest to spend wisely, but not necessarily choose the cheapest option. The next big shindig, that is exactly what I’ll do. Spend wisely but realize sometimes it’s more important to enjoy the company of others than save money,
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6 opinions for When is it ok not to be frugal?
Jennifer
Aug 13, 2007 at 12:33 pm
I agree. It’s hard when you’re thrifty to know when to draw the line. The example you gave is a great one. Time with family is more important than money. There are various things this applies to though. Like at my house I buy certain foods super cheap or not at all so I can afford to spend more on the organic foods that matter — like apples and peppers (the high pesticide count foods). Also, we sometimes spend a little more on shoes than other clothes because I want good ones that last and have trouble finding quality ones at thrift stores.
Also there are days you just need a break. Like even though it’s more money my son and I try to go out to lunch once a week because it’s a nice break and gives us a different scene together.
This was a really good post.
Amy
Aug 13, 2007 at 3:17 pm
It is so hard and I am trying to figure that out myself. I think part of it is my own perfectionism and wanting everything *just so* that also stops me from enjoying myself.
There are definitely times where frugality doesn’t have to win, I guess everyone has to use their own judgement on when that is.
One year we did a birthday party where I worked my tail off on getting ready. We invited everyone to come and I spent the whole time running around like a looney. Total spent- $40.
For an extra twenty bucks, I let McDonald’s do the work for me and sat and ate a cheeseburger. This was money well spent after having had a baby.
The next year, I did it myself, but just did a slow cooker with food in it and made an ice cream cake. Cost was a little over thirty dollars, but I only invited our family and focused on them instead of everyone else. It was worth the savings and I still had a great time.
I guess it was just different points in my life and the need for convenience and allowing myself to really enjoy some things for a change :)
Dave
Aug 14, 2007 at 11:05 am
I’ll spend money on organic food and craft beer. I still believe this is frugal since the health benefits probably outweigh the initial cost.
whatagem
Aug 14, 2007 at 5:22 pm
My husband went grocery shopping with me ONCE. He made fun of me because I picked up a bag of flour, put it back, and grabbed one that cost 7 cents less.
This, THIS is why we can buy a DVD now and then :o)
Planning a suprsie 50th b-day party for my mom this Dec I feel your pain!
del
Aug 17, 2007 at 10:35 am
This is really great advice. Like Jennifer said “time with family is more important than money.” That’s why I quit an office job to stay home with my kids. True, we’re not driving the most expensive cars or wearing brand name clothing, but I hope the time we spent is appreciated when they get older. S
Judith in Umbria
Aug 18, 2007 at 2:09 am
What about the value of all the siblings pitching in and working together? To me that’s more precious these days than anything else about your party story.
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