Anyone else hate spending and feel tight when they are trying to save?

[rumerhasit]

I find that since I have ended up trying to save... I'm doing really well with it but now I find I'm constantly checking my bank balance and I HATE spending money on anything. Even yesterday when I had to put petrol in the car I found myself being begrudging over it! I want/need to keep saving but I feel like there should be a balance!? I save a portion at the start of the month but then I have a rule that anything left the night before payday gets put into savings too...so I am constantly trying to keep as much as I can!! Is it unhealthy of me to act this way or Normal??!!

Good on you for saving, but yes, begrudging yourself petrol is a sign that you could be becoming more miserly than frugal.

I'm very good at saving but don't begrudge myself things I really want and need and things I really live, like travelling etc.

Seems a bit odd, by all means save.
I enjoy having what I want and feel no guilt, we only live once

I do enjoy my money, I just hate spending it 🤣🤣

At the moment i am ok but have been in this position in past.

Yes me

Yep I feel the same way.

I think if you have struggled for money in the past and want to save and have a goal it's easy but no one likes a miser. Life is to be enjoyed and by spending money, you are helping industry, people's jobs and the economy. Of course there's a healthy balance between not been in debt up to your eyeballs but tightness is not a nice quality is anyone

I think balance is needed. Saving is fantastic and so important but equally there are essential purchases you need to make which means you need to spend.

I also think it’s ok to treat yourself occasionally and enjoy your money. After all you’ve worked for it. As long as you don’t go too far.

I know it’s an extreme example but I used to work with someone who paid off his mortgage in his late 30s which was incredible - but he did it by eating beans on toast every night with a side of frozen veg for about 15 years. He only went out to eat or got a takeaway if it was for a family member’s special occasion and begrudged it, only getting a starter and tap water (he was single and lived alone). He only bought new clothes when his old ones were practically rags, walked everywhere rather than use petrol or public transport unless essential. As a result he was mortgage free and had thousands in the bank but did nothing with it. It’s almost as if he got so used to saving and being frugal he couldn’t break out of it even when he didn’t have a specific goal.

Absolutely not saying this is you OP, just that it’s an example of how it’s possible to go too far with saving and scrimping.

Have you considered doing it differently?

We have a household budget which in essence says, put x amount into savings when paid. Then accounts for bills and expenses as well as a set amount of disposable income, so your petrol etc would be covered under your budget.

Any left at the end of the month from disposable income, I put into a separate pot. At Christmas or whenever really, I usually take a percentage and treat myself then save the rest.

You should enjoy your money, both in spending and saving.

Depends, I mean petrol is more of a necessity than a treat so I understand feeling a bit begrudging over it - like paying council tax, I know I need to but I'm not exactly grinning with joy when I see the dd go out every month.

I think it's more when you start begrudging yourself treats you can easily afford you need to worry - e.g. when you go out for food with friends (hahahaha) and fancy a beer but get a tap water to save £3, or get the small rather than the medium coffee to save 20p, or don't buy yourself a top you've seen and really like because it might go on sale, etc...

I am a natural saver and have to keep an eye on this in myself! However while I'm probably too scrimpy over the small things I bizarrely have no issue in paying out for large purchases I decide I want - upgraded house, nice car, etc.!

Don’t begrudge putting petrol in the car. It’s an essential expenditure.
What are you saving for?