Maybe we should all relax a little

As you probably figured out from the title of this particular blog, here at MapleMoney we spend a lot of time talking about money. Well, that and being Canadian, eh. Every Thursday you come by (or read via subscription) and spend a few minutes with me. And for some reason, Tom keeps inviting me back. Thanks, Tom, your cheque is in the mail.
I spend a lot of time talking about ways to increase wealth because we can all use some more cash. For the most part, people are horribly bad at saving. They spend more than they make, supplementing the difference with high-interest credit card debt. They only make a token attempt at saving for their retirement. They finance cars and vacations and a million other things that destroy wealth.
There’s a small percentage of the population though that has their financial house in order. They’ve maxed out their RRSP and TFSA. They don’t pay a nickel in credit card interest. They have reasonable housing costs. Heck, they’re even starting to invest in things that give them passive income. If they start young enough, these people can build a foundation that will result in a financially secure future. The rest of this post will be directed at those people.

Have more fun

As so many personal finance blogs like to say, life is all about balance.
I’ve been guilty of having one singular focus over the past decade: accumulating wealth. Everything else was secondary. I intentionally worked crummy hours at work so I’d be busy when my friends were out spending their money. I didn’t get a car, choosing to walk to work instead, saving a lot of money in the process. I didn’t move out of my parents’ basement until after I turned 25, meaning I spent more of my twenties living with my parents instead of living on my own. My focus was relentless, but it paid off. Today I have the foundation built for a terrific financial future. Now all I need to do is find a girl to share it with me.
If I could go back in time and give myself a little advice, I’d tell the younger me to have a little more fun. Younger Nelson should have spent more time (and money) on things like traveling, having fun and buying stuff. You’re only young once, so take advantage of it.
There’s a reason why you should be foolish while you’re young. It’s because you’ll have all sorts of time to make up for the decision. I’m not advocating going into credit card debt to pay for 3 months worth of backpacking in Europe. If you’re going to do that, you should spend the time and save up for the trip. But what’s more important? The memories and lessons gained from the experience? Or a slightly bigger pile of money for retirement? There is such a thing as being obsessed with money.

Spend on what’s important

This isn’t an excuse for you to spend money on whatever you want. It’s a call for you to figure out what you really value in life and then spend money on it. If you’re really into traveling, then start saving for plane tickets. If you’re a music fiend, then maybe a hundred bucks at iTunes are well spent. Or maybe you just want to drink beer with your buddies. I don’t care what it is. Just do it- responsibly of course.
I’ve always wanted to travel. I’ve been to a few places, but yearn to go to all sorts of new exotic locals. I would communicate this to people, but would always be ready for an excuse about why I couldn’t travel this year. I often would choose to go without holidays at work, taking extra cash instead of the time off. Or, I’d say I didn’t want to travel by myself. Whatever the reason, I’d just tell myself there would always be time to do it later. At some point, later is going to pass me by and I’m going to be 35, balding and having actual responsibilities that I can’t just drop to go somewhere.
If you keep focusing on making more and more money, at some point you will realize how much you’ve missed out on. The good news is you’ll be able to afford whatever it is your yearning for. I’m telling you it’s okay, as long as you have your financial house in order. Spend some of those savings. Your future self will thank you.