$10 or Under? Get it.

One of the joys of having your money on lock is being able to spend lavishly on the things that make you happy without having to think about it much.

(And by lavishly, I mean on anything $10 or less – because frugality 😂)

We make so many dang decisions every single day of our lives, so anytime you can shave off one of them it’s a WIN. Plus, why not splurge a little without over-analyzing every last purchase if you’re hitting your goals just fine?!

It’s pretty amazing what a Hamilton will get you these days too:

  • Coffee? Yum.
  • T-shirt? Rock it.
  • Rings? Flaunt it.
  • Books? The Best!

If it makes me happy or feel good (or look good) – I will buy it every single time and not feel bad about it.

In fact, just yesterday I employed this rule when I came across this book at the local book store:

gucci mane autobiography

Gucci Mane was probably the last person I was expecting to enter my life, lol, but something about it made me want to pick it up and devour it…. Probably that pinky ring 😎 (Gucci Mane is a rapper famous for trap music – and going in and out of jail/drugs)

So I did. It cost me exactly $10 and I didn’t have to check a budget or anything.

And then I promptly went next door and ordered a $6 latte at the coffee shop where I sat and consumed both for the better part of two hours!! IT WAS BLISSFUL!!

And also the fastest I’ve ever read a book in my life*. It wasn’t even the greatest story telling or writing, it just fascinated me to no end and I couldn’t put it down. It’s amazing how drastically different our lives can be on this Earth! And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wish I was a bit more of a troublemaker like GUCCI is too, haha…

And sure it adds up over time, but so does pleasure. If you’re already hitting your financial goals though it’s all “extra.” And let me ask you – would you rather have $1,000,010 or $1,000,000 and a good book? (Or coffee or beer or big bag of gummies??).

An extra $10 doesn’t add as much value to your life once you cross a certain point. And even if you’re deep in debt or just getting started in your financial journey I recommend cutting yourself a little slack every now and then! I wouldn’t get crazy with it, but a $10 splurge will go much farther in your mental health and motivation than 24/7 deprivation. Just don’t do it every day and you’ll be fine…

At any rate, another thing I do that’s worked out great for me in recent years :) And if you’ve been doing any of my last 6 tips you should have plenty of extra Hamiltons to play with! Go out and have fun with one of those puppies today!

Yours in splurging,

j. money signature

*In two hours I read 1/3 of the book, which anyone with “reading OCD” will tell you is astonishing… I rarely had to re-read any of the lines, or got stuck on a word I had to repeat over and over again until it felt “right” or anything. I think because the world of Gucci has no impact on my life whatsoever, haha, so it wasn’t “important” enough where my brain had to make sure it soaked everything in. Even though it’s crazy inspiring! So thanks G-mane! For being yourself, and for giving this new fan some hope in future book reading… Keep on spittin’ your truth 🙏 🙏

gucci mane

[Cover art for Delusions of Grandeur]

** Links to book are Amazon affiliate links

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2 Comments

  1. Liz October 11, 2022 at 12:12 AM

    There is a lot of stuff out there for $10 or less, or even free! But there’s the balance of ‘stuff’ in my life. I was at an outdoor event a few weeks ago and there at least 3 tables giving away reusable grocery bags. Only I’ve got about 10 for groceries. Then my mom sews, so I have plenty of bags with sentimental ties to carry non groceries.
    If the $10 item will add to my life and not be a source of stress, I’m in!

    1. J. Money October 11, 2022 at 9:49 AM

      Good point about taking stuff in even if it’s free! It’s never free – it always adds to your stuff (or brain) one way or the other. Hopefully my rule here doesn’t encourage “more stuff” just for the sake of it though :) It’s more about not stressing out about small decisions when it comes to stuff – and experiences (like coffee!) – that genuinely make you happy… We tend to not give ourselves many breaks when it comes to pursuing financial goals and that’s a shame as we’re allowed to live a little through the process! Don’t wanna get burned out or lead a boring life, even with money!