The Real Housewives reality TV franchise may have us believe otherwise but women do not need to marry or sleep with rich men to attain wealth. We’re more than capable and deserving of funding our desired lifestyles, but only if we allow ourselves to.
Luxury holidays. Designer jewellery. The latest BMW. Who doesn’t love the idea of having access to whatever money can buy? Yet the reality is that even if we earn well, many women are so well programmed to spend their money on necessities and on loved ones that we rarely set aside very much to spoil ourselves. This stops now. You don’t need to rely on a wealthy man – of any age – to enjoy a high standard of living. It’s time to invest in yourself.
Ditch the guilt
It’s all about attitude. Often when we splurge on ourselves, the trade-off is a substantial dose of guilt – a feeling that’s all too familiar for women. Yet why should we feel bad about spending our hard-earned cash on ourselves? As women, we’re often seen as the caregivers, the ones who provide emotional support to our loved ones, be it our spouses, kids, parents or friends.
By extension, when money enters the equation, many of us feel that spending on said loved ones is far also more admirable – and acceptable – than spending on ourselves. By all means allocate money to your family and friends, at the same time, ensure there’s enough left over for you. It’s not selfish – it’s self-care.
Focus on self-care
In a world where stress, anxiety, burnout and exhaustion is increasingly prevalent, treating yourself is not a frivolous indulgence. Rather it’s vital in ensuring your overall wellbeing. Yes, we’re all working with different budgets but whether it’s having a spa day or taking yourself on an island getaway, spoiling yourself is the healthiest thing you can do for yourself … and for your loved ones.
After all, if you’re feeling well balanced, those around you benefit too. Regardless, there’s no need to apologise for prioritising yourself – and the satisfaction that comes with knowing you’ve earned the financial freedom to do so.
Keep it real
We’re not saying cash in your life savings and throw caution to the wind. Truly enjoying your money means knowing you have enough to cover the essentials – otherwise you may end up considering that sugar daddy plan after all.
It may not be sexy, but as always building your financial acumen and consistently budgeting so you know exactly how much you can spend on needs versus wants is vital. But once you’ve covered your expenses, and yes, bought something special for a loved one, consider an often overlooked essential – allocating funds to yourself.
