"Don't tell me what you value, show me your budget, and I'll tell you what you value."
Everybody does money differently - we all have our own way of approaching things. But ultimately the key to happiness is spending in line with our values.
There are infinite things I could spend money on. Being mindful about my money and where it goes - specifically, spending it on things that enrich my life - gives me immense satisfaction.
I don't really drink; I don't have a clothing budget. Here's where the bulk of my budget goes.
A home environment I love
For me, that's an Auckland-sized mortgage in order to live in the city I love and grew up in. To have a dog I love. To live in a home free of mould and mushrooms, where I can literally breathe easier. Surprise: warm dry air is a lot better for you than cold wet air. (Sure, theoretically it's possible to achieve the latter while renting, but quality rentals are rare and expensive and the market is competitive. At that kind of price to me it made more sense to buy - even in a less central location - and pay the premium of rates and maintenance in exchange for long term security and quality.)
Food that makes my tastebuds tingle
Eating out is our main form of entertainment, but we don't do that very often either. Quality not quantity (although we do tend to do at least one weekend bakery breakfast run). I buy cheese and dips and olive oil with minimal guilt and don't fret too much at the supermarket checkout till.
Travel and getting away
At this point in time I'm not specifically saving for travel. I'm more than happy just to burrow in at home since buying a place. But at some point a holiday will definitely be in order - I'm just not sure where in the pecking order it will fall as a financial priority just yet. I'd like to do another South Island road trip; visit Melbourne and the Gold Coast; and head back to the US to places both new and old.
How does your budget stack up against your values?