Comments on: Developing Self-Control and Perseverance

By: joan

joan — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:25:46 +0000

Laurie asked a question that I have always wondered about because you (Trent), seem to be so focused on every aspect of your life. This to me is one of your best posts. Thanks.

By: getagrip

getagrip — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:34:05 +0000

I find it funny that whenever there is advice to “live a little” it involves someone justifying spending money.

I’m all for spending money, just think about what and how you’re spending it and if that’s getting you what you want. I’ve always liked the idea that you can have a small amount, allowance if you will, that you can spend without reservation, but how much that is and how it fits with your spending is part of the thought process.

By: Becca

Becca — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:38:19 +0000

I actually disagree with Annie. Her advice was perfectly reasonable a decade or two ago. I do feel that this younger generation is facing stiff economic winds, as compared to prior generations. I am doubtful that many of the jobs are coming back, at the same time the cost of living (food, energy, health insurance and so on) is clearly going up. I know young people (mid to late twenties) with college degrees, where their profession requires that they live where the cost of living is higher, that are priced out of the housing market. They are priced out in part due to college loans they took on, which were required for middle-income jobs. If they somehow buy a house on two incomes, how will they afford children when the cost of day care is $150 per child per week? In the case of some folks I know, even though they are NOW being quite frugal, I can’t help but observe that had they not needlessly spent money when they were younger, life would be much more possible now.

So yes, it is okay to have fun. But figure out how to do it cheaply.

By: Annie

Annie — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:32:53 +0000

My philosophy is life is too short to penny pinch everything in your life. I think young people should explore life and do things that they enjoy before they settle down with a family. I have many relatives that got married at a young age and all they do is save for their kids future and live modestly, although the say it’s fine they wish they pursued some of their own goals before settling down and save for their future. I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad thing for a young individual who has a job to splurge a little, there are nice cars for them to drive, clothes to wear, vacations to enjoy… etc
My true value in life comes from being happy whether i have money or not. I designate a portion of my pay to my retirement and save some in the local bank for savings and anything after that is for bills and spending. I don’t worry if i hit the coffee store 2x a week rather than one or go out to lunch 2x a week rather than bring my lunch. You have to enjoy life, i personally get burnt out making lunches everyday and dinner every night. It gets to be boring………. LIVE A LITTLE.

By: KC @ PsychoMoney

KC @ PsychoMoney — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 23:33:00 +0000

I like your idea of stopping and hesitating. I always take time to think through purchases and analyze things before pressing forward, most of the time to much.