Investing in What I Value: 3 Key Strategies

I am just developing my relationship with money, and I am learning about myself in the process. I would consider myself frugal, but I have always been perplexed because I do spend substantial amount of money on things like rent, technology, and healthy food. It has been through some introspection that I have found that I spend on things I value, and I do not spend on things that I can either do for free or avoid. For example, I stay physically healthy by walking and doing home exercises. I don't spend on gyms or expensive classes or gimmicks. I cook at home and avoid restaurants to save money, unless it's a great restaurant and a special occasion. These are three strategies that have helped me.

1. Set some time to think. I set aside an hour to purposefully think about my budget, my spending, and things that are important to me.

2. Find out more about yourself. I learned that one of my biggest values aside from health is being in a beautiful setting. Since I spend a lot of time at home, I keep my space minimal, but with quality things. I'm a big spender on things like a Dyson, soft bedding, and quality decor.

3. Devise a plan. I found that if I 'let' myself spend in some areas, I'm not tempted to use that money for things that are not important to me. It's easy to say no to that dinner out or that movie because I would rather have friends over to cook, and use that money on a beautiful candle or great lighting.