Have you heard of intentional spending? It’s a way to spend money on the things that make you happy and bring fulfillment to your life. It can sound a little crazy, right? Don’t most purchases make people happy?

I’ve recently decided to move towards a lifestyle of more intentional spending. I’ve always been intentional with my money, but now I’m giving myself grace to not feel guilty about the purchases that make me happy as long as I have the money to make those purchases, and we are still able to put money towards savings and paying off debt. I really got excited about intentional spending after reading this advice on how to practice intentional spending.

Personally I can justify almost any purchase to be one the makes me happy and brings fulfillment to my life. But when it really comes down to it, only a few purchases truly make me happy. Food and fun experiences such as vacations are really the only purchases that I absolutely enjoy. I always have a twinge of buyers remorse when I buy clothing, toys for the kids, and home decor because those are material possessions that don’t bring me happiness.

Now, before I buy something, I ask myself, “will this purchase truly make me happy?” If the answer is no, I don’t buy it. And you know what? I’ve spent a lot less on Starbucks and alcohol since I started doing this!

[bctt tweet=”Ask yourself, “will this purchase truly make me happy?” before buying anything! #savemoney” username=”eatdrinkandsave”]

I’d much rather make my own artwork and home decor than spend money on things in stores I don’t love.

For years I was extremely frugal, even cheap. I clipped coupons for every grocery purchase and rarely bought organic food because it was too expensive. When I did spend too much on food, I would feel crazy guilty for going over budget. Intentional spending is meant to help you not feel guilty when you spend money on the things you love or need.

After completing the Food Desert Challenge, I’m finally giving myself the freedom to create a larger grocery store budget. Why? Because with intentional spending, I’m able to spend more on the things I really love, and spend less on the things I don’t care about such as clothing and shoes.

I’d be fine wearing my favorite Goodwill dress that I bought for $4 to every fancy event for the next two years if I could enjoy better food. Tom and I have the opportunity to buy fresh organic food and we like it, so why not spend our money on something we love instead of one things we only think we need?

Remember when I got most of these clothes from consignment stores instead of spending more on new clothes? I prefer to keep doing this, and spend more on the things I want.

I’m a foodie, so of course my thoughts on intentional spending immediately go to food. However, this can apply to everyone. Love clothes? Spend your money on those amazing clothes and eat Hamburger Helper for a few nights to make up for it. There is no right or wrong way to spend intentionally as long as you are living beneath your means and spending money on things intentionally.

How can you be intentional with your money? Do you already do this?