Somewhere throughout my life, I became overly conscious of my spending. As society often leads us to believe, I felt that saving money is good, and spending money is bad. And somewhere along my fertility journey, that belief system amplified. The need to spend money on my fertility, something that I felt I should be able to do naturally (and for free), created a lot of anxiety for me.
However, unfortunately, getting pregnant isn’t easy for everyone, myself included. Once I started struggling with infertility, I began “hoarding” my money for infertility tests and treatments. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Saving money and preparing for a big expense is the responsible thing to do. However, at some point my financial obsession became restrictive. I stopped spending money on things I enjoyed, and put all my focus into preparing for future fertility needs, i.e. IVF. This eventually became more stressful, and harmful, than it was helpful.
I needed to change how I viewed my spending habits. Perhaps if I could be more mindful and intentional with my spending habits, I could spend money without all of the stress and anxiety. Contrary to popular belief, mindful spending doesn’t have to be at odds with financial savings. While the pursuit of financial stability often prioritizes saving, it’s essential to recognize that some purchases have the power to spark joy and enhance our overall well-being. When a strategic balance is created between intentional spending and saving, occasionally investing in items that bring genuine joy can contribute to long-term financial health. This was a difficult lesson for me to learn!
Notice how I said “intentional spending”. The goal is not to run wild spending money anytime you feel sad or disappointment (for me, this would be every time I get a negative test or any time a doctor tells me my infertility is “unexplained”.) The goal is to be intentional. Mindful spending is when we consciously choose to purchase items or experiences that align with our values and priorities. It does not mean splurging on unnecessary luxuries or impulse buys, but rather recognizing the value of certain purchases that bring genuine joy and fulfillment.
Consider the items or experiences that truly bring joy to your life – whether it’s a new dress that makes you feel confident, a relaxing spa day, a nourishing meal shared with loved ones, or traveling across the world to experience a new culture. By investing in these moments of joy, you’re not only enhancing your quality of life but also cultivating a deeper sense of gratitude and contentment. While it is important to financially prepare for what infertility may bring, it is equally important to continue to invest in what brings you joy!
The overall key to mindful spending is in the strategy. In a culture that often emphasizes possessions with happiness, it’s easy to fall into the trap of accumulating material goods in pursuit of fleeting satisfaction. However, true joy isn’t found in the quantity but rather in the quality of our purchases. When making financial decisions, prioritize quality over quantity. Instead of mindlessly accumulating clutter, invest in items that are aligned with your personal values. In fact, investing in items that bring genuine joy can have a positive impact on your overall financial well-being.
Mindful spending encourages a more thoughtful approach to consumption, fostering a sense of contentment and fulfillment. The joy derived from intentional purchases can have ripple effects across various areas of your life, contributing to improved mental and emotional well-being. And when we surround ourselves with items and experiences that bring joy, we cultivate a sense of abundance and gratitude that extends far beyond the realm of material wealth, but also our overall health and wellness.
By investing in purchases that spark joy and align with our values, we not only enhance our quality of life but also cultivate a deeper sense of financial well-being and contentment. As you navigate your financial and fertility journey, remember that saving money doesn’t have to mean sacrificing joy. By embracing the principles of mindful spending and prioritizing purchases that bring genuine fulfillment, you can cultivate a more fulfilling and sustainable approach to both your finances and overall health.