Frugal Guilt

[forHISglory]

Ever have frugal guilt? I get it every so often, and I have it today.

I go to Curves, and have been a member there for several years. I started going when I noticed that my flexibility and strength were not what they used to be. It took a while, but I regained both. I work out there 5-6 days a week. It helps to keep me fit, keep the weight down, keep the figure in shape, as well as help with strength and flexibility. I also like the social aspect of it: chatting with friends as we do our workouts. Sounds good, right?

The thing is...... it's not free. It cost a little over a dollar a day to go. I get this guilty feeling about spending that money, and think that I ought to be able to do the workout here at home. But I'm just not too motivated at home; things interfere.

Hubby says to not worry about the cost; that it is cheaper than doctor and hospital bills and physical therapy. That he likes me to be healthy. But still........

Here's my question: If you were me, would you feel guilt about going to the gym? And....... how do you deal with frugal guilt (that is, if you have frugal guilt)?

[frugalfriend]

My friend, do not feel guilty about this! Your hubby is absolutely right! That is a small price to pay for all the good it does. You are frugal in so many other areas . . . and that really is not that much that you are spending.

I have frugal guilt about let's say . . . ordering pizza, or sometimes buying convenience food instead of cooking from scratch, because I just don't enjoy cooking. ( Wish I did!) I do cook of course, but try to make it a little easier on myself sometimes.

[guest002]

Don't feel guilty! If you can afford to go do it. It is much better to take good care of yourself!

[MoonMommy]

Hmmm. I think having a Healthy habit like that is worth the $1 a day. If you can afford it and it makes you feel better, then throw the guilt away. Worry about something else (especially if your hubby doesn't mind).

[mommy4ever]

Begin as you USE THE MEMBERSHIP, you shouldn't feel guilty about it. You have a great commitment to going, 5 to 6 days is impressive, you've improved your health. So it's money well spent. If you weren't using it, that would be completely different.

[perSue]

No, not at all!
There should be NO guilt for spending money on your health.
You pay a little more today, to pay less (hopefully) in the long run.

Rather than doing whatever you want today & ending up with costly health problems later on, why not pay a little over a dollar a day to help your physical health, mental health and get a little socializing done?!

Where else can you pay that LITTLE for all 3 things?!?

Don't feel guilty for doing something that not only benefits you, but benefits your family, by your being healthy, happy & setting a great example!

Keep up the fab work!!

[homesteadmamma]

I've always lived this way - I'm frugal in some areas so I can spend in other areas. I don't feel the least bit guilty when I spend on quilting material. I know that I've been frugal in other areas and it gives freedom when it comes to this area. It's exactly the same with dh and his hobby.

Don't feel guilty in the least. Enjoy your membership.

[rachelj]

Enjoy it.

If it were me, I probably wouldn't be able to get my bum outta bed to go. THEN I would feel guilty. But you are getting your money's worth.

[fixer]

The greatest return on your investment is your health. I think it is great what you do. The fact you have guilt shows how hard you have worked to be frugal.

[PrairieRose]

Absolutely do NOT feel guilty about taking care of yourself. Spend now on your health and save later..... That's the way I see it.

[The Muse]

I think fitness is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. Don't feel guilty about this one.

I feel frugal guilt about everything from my bi-weekly Red Robin lunch with a work friend (the only time I buy prepared food) to using the dryer because the weather isn't right for my clothes to dry outside. I just booked our first vacation in 4 years and I'm feeling frugal guilt about that, even though it's much needed and not a stretch for us. I'm way tighter than I need to be with money, but it's a slippery slope. DH says I need to cut myself some slack once in a while and I'm trying to be OK with that advice. But, I'm hesitant to take advice from a reformed spendthrift

[JerryG]

If you were paying for your membership and NOT going, then yes, you should feel guilty. But paying, going and enjoying the social aspect?? Not so much!

[Rebookie]

Me personally i deal with NON-frugal guilt. =(

Exercising will prolong your life and there is nothing bad about that!

[Marie78]

I agree with everyone else, please don't feel guilty about the cost of things you buy to keep yourself healthy. My Dh and I both take vitamins and spend about $5 a month on average to replenish our supplies. I also eat a lot of fruit and I'm trying to incorporate more veggies. I have started buying organic milk, because it's hormone free, at almost $6 a week it's an investment in our future health as well as current health. I am trying to buy more Burt's Bees products, because they are safer than other less expensive products. I see the cost as helping preserve my health.

I do feel guilty when I buy unhealthy foods that won't benefit me long term. This week we bought a bag of chips and some donut holes. I felt guilty...on the other hand I'm pregnant and lately have been having cravings for all kinds of things (good and bad). The worst part of a pregnancy craving is, it won't go away like a normal craving it will eat at you until you eat what you are craving.

[Michelle68]

I don't think you should feel guilty about this at all. This is something that makes you happy AND healthy. Each year we save enough money to take a trip somewhere we've never been before. We've gone to New York, Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains. Last year we weren't able to save quite as much so we went to Florida and New Orleans. Now some people would say that this isn't frugal at all. They would say that it would be much more frugal to plan a trip closer to home or none at all.

For our family, this is what makes us happy. We love traveling, meeting new and interesting people, learning about history and new places. For us it's all an education. We don't stay in fancy hotels or eat at expensive restaurants. We focus on visiting the cheap, local places that really give us a feel for the area and culture.

That's why we make a point to save every year for this and pay cash. It's something that's very important to us. As someone else said in their post, I think frugality is not about depriving ourselves. (although, many times people are also frugal out of necessity, especially during tough times.) I think frugality is also about saving money in many areas so that we can afford to have the things that are most important to us.