Hmm.. daily indulgences can become expensive! I actually prefer to save.. I'm a bit of a hoarder. Then, I look at what I have left over after I pay bills and kind of rub my hands together and say to myself 'good job on the savings, now lets spend!'
Usually my daily splurges are related to food & drink. A meal out here, a snack there, etc.
I'm more of a monthly splurger, I usually see one item every month or two months I really want. Let's see.. last month it was a navigation unit for my car. Nothing too expensive, just a basic model.
Few months ago I got a new cell phone, a SoftBank imported from Japan! (check my blog!).
A few days ago I bought some new clothes..
About 3 months ago I got some new gear for the gym, new set of 16oz. Hayabusa sparring gloves, a set of Boen shin guards, new wraps and shorts, etc.
During the summer I upgraded the stereo in my car (that was expensive and a dumb move on my part because I couldn't actually afford it, put it on credit!)
But mostly I spend on going out with friends and doing things. Dinners, shows, events, outings, whatever.
Ultimately, I'm sure I sound like a capitalist consumer swine but I just want to add this: few of us in life are lucky enough to be safely housed and fed, let alone provided with a disposable income. I don't really want to be one of those people who saves and hoards their money uselessly because I could die tomorrow without ever having enjoyed myself. I'm planning on going back to Japan relatively soon - that will involve spending money too as Japan is just as expensive to live in as anywhere else in the developed world. Doesn't make sense to sit in Japan saving up cash and not doing things.. last time I was in Japan I ate out almost every night, I went spend-crazy. I was still able to accumulate a reasonable amount of savings, albeit less than other teachers. But comparatively speaking, those other teachers hadn't travelled and gone site-seeing nearly as much as I had. Their lives seemed quite boring.
So the way I see it instead of denying yourself fun it's best to spend within reason, spread it around, buy stuff for your friends too (which I do), treat people to dinners, generally just enjoy yourself and not worry too much about saving. You'll end up with a zillion bucks in the bank and a head and photo album void of good memories and experiences.
