Are You Better At Spending Or Saving Money?
By Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
August 16, 2010 10:53am CST
I would say that I am better at spending money rather than saving it. Having said that, I have been capable of saving up short-term for things like hi-fi equipment or a holiday. Sometimes I do wonder how much money I would've accumulated over the years if I hadn't spent it. The money has never been in my savings account long enough to accrue interest. I do like saving up for things, I get a big buzz out of finally managing to afford something I've been waiting patiently to buy. It's not happened for a while though as, of course, I have no money to save at present. Would help wouldn't it?
There was a time when I was living with "Blobby" in the early 90s that I would eye up a flat near where we used to live. It was about £20k to buy and how I wish I'd had the money then to purchase it (mainly to get away from "him)". All that happened was that the rent I was paying was keeping "Blobby" afloat as well (in other words, he wasn't paying his rent) so I wouldn't have been able to buy a flat even if I wanted to. It would've been a nice investment for the future though as it was in quite a popular area of Blackpool called Raikes Parade. Even sounds posh doesn't it lol.
So, which camp are you in? Saver or spender?
There was a time when I was living with "Blobby" in the early 90s that I would eye up a flat near where we used to live. It was about £20k to buy and how I wish I'd had the money then to purchase it (mainly to get away from "him)". All that happened was that the rent I was paying was keeping "Blobby" afloat as well (in other words, he wasn't paying his rent) so I wouldn't have been able to buy a flat even if I wanted to. It would've been a nice investment for the future though as it was in quite a popular area of Blackpool called Raikes Parade. Even sounds posh doesn't it lol.
So, which camp are you in? Saver or spender?2 people like this
29 responses
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
17 Aug 10
Awww I'm sure you will manage to save...er, one day lol. Enjoy it while you can my friend. Time is short!
1 person likes this
@dreamkeeper (455)
• United States
17 Aug 10
I think i am a better saving money kinda person. I love saving money than spending it.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
17 Aug 10
It must be great seeing your bank balance increase!
1 person likes this
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
16 Aug 10
it is almost impossible to save in my area anymore with the cost of everything
and the economy getting worse.
usually,i am a saver,but just not viable right now.
hmm..blobby sounds a lot like my ex.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
16 Aug 10
Think of a tall, fat slob that was good at mental cruelty and you get the idea!
1 person likes this
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
23 Aug 10
ah.the kind that points out 5 pound period gain,when he has gained 70 himself?
yup yup.
@trishasantos (1297)
• Philippines
17 Aug 10
I'm better at saving. Except for things that I needed. I always save money, and I'll be able to save that for a very long time without spending even a single cent. When I got a job however, I spend on clothes so much, because I don't have that much decent clothes for work. So I guess I'm better at spending when it is needed.
@trishasantos (1297)
• Philippines
18 Aug 10
Yes, that is so true. I don't feel guilty on buying it because I use it. That is also the reason why I don't have a new phone. lol. I don't want to buy a new one, because I feel guilty. I always get hand me down phones, I get it from my parents. Old but working perfectly. I even have 2 phones. Hand me down have pros and cons. And I am satisfied with it even if it's old.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
17 Aug 10
At least you don't spend your money on frivolous things, only stuff you need. I have learned to do that over the years and it's actually satisfying spending money that way as you will never feel guilty about it.
@RawBill1 (8531)
• Gold Coast, Australia
26 Aug 10
Well, these days I would have to say that i am better at spending it as I have two maxed out credit cards! 
But then again, perhaps it is not me. I can maybe blame my wife for that!
When I was single, I was really good at saving. I was earning not very much, but I was working hard and I still managed to save up enough for a house deposit by the time I was 23. I then decided not to by a house and blew the money having a year off and travelling. I would be much better off financially now if I had bought the house then, but I would not be the same person that I am now if I had not done what I did as it opened my eyes to the world and I feel I became a more open minded and caring person from that experience.
I managed to save up again over the next 4 years through a lot of hard work and we bought our house when I was 28, but in the 9 years since then, the saving has stopped. But we do own nicer cars and own a business now so it is not all bad!
But then again, perhaps it is not me. I can maybe blame my wife for that!
When I was single, I was really good at saving. I was earning not very much, but I was working hard and I still managed to save up enough for a house deposit by the time I was 23. I then decided not to by a house and blew the money having a year off and travelling. I would be much better off financially now if I had bought the house then, but I would not be the same person that I am now if I had not done what I did as it opened my eyes to the world and I feel I became a more open minded and caring person from that experience.
I managed to save up again over the next 4 years through a lot of hard work and we bought our house when I was 28, but in the 9 years since then, the saving has stopped. But we do own nicer cars and own a business now so it is not all bad!@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
27 Aug 10
Yes, travelling the world, that must've been an awesome experience for you. The memories will never fade either unless you get dementia lol.
Unless someone is born into a rich family I don't think there's anyone on this Earth who can claim to be financially secure..so that makes me feel better!
Unless someone is born into a rich family I don't think there's anyone on this Earth who can claim to be financially secure..so that makes me feel better! @dudsdoojaxi1 (166)
• Philippines
17 Aug 10
I'm a saver. I saved most of my money and invest it or put it on a business. I do not think much of clothes or appliances or stuff. My mind is focused on saving to invest. But I have to admit I buy a lot of books to help me improve myself. I think the best way you can save is to set a goal and establish your purpose for saving. If it is not going to give you profit or if your not going to generate money from it do no invest.
@punjab911 (240)
• Canada
17 Aug 10
That is a really smart idea, setting a goal. That will truly help other out!
@margerydaw14 (735)
•
18 Aug 10
A spender i'm afraid, I do work full time, have done for years and years and years. i do have a lovely touring caravan and a static caravan down at the coast plus a car(not new) but I do waste money. i can go into any garden centre and spend loads. And there are always things that need paying. last month it was my car insurance, this month, its my husband MOT for his car and my tax renewal. it is just never ending. privately i think i would be better off if i lived on my own. Which is a bit uncharitable thing to say, but its true. We do have good holidays, but i always pay,
good ness what a moaner i am. sorry had a bad day at work.
not long ago, while we were away on holiday, we drove through a little coastal village. we hadnt been there for at least 35 years, but when we last went there, we visited with the intention of buying a brand new bungalow. you can imagine, a bungalow , sea view, on the south coast, - how much money would that be worth now 
..... doesnt bear thinking about does it. I was worried at the time, about affording it. but it was within our budget, plus i was over cautious. so we all spend money on the wrong things, instead of trying to save it and invest it when it accumulates.
good ness what a moaner i am. sorry had a bad day at work.
not long ago, while we were away on holiday, we drove through a little coastal village. we hadnt been there for at least 35 years, but when we last went there, we visited with the intention of buying a brand new bungalow. you can imagine, a bungalow , sea view, on the south coast, - how much money would that be worth now ..... doesnt bear thinking about does it. I was worried at the time, about affording it. but it was within our budget, plus i was over cautious. so we all spend money on the wrong things, instead of trying to save it and invest it when it accumulates. @Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
18 Aug 10
Even though I'm not working at the moment - fortunately my outgoings aren't huge. In fact, if I play my cards right I can pay off my credit card next month. Hubby has to donate money to me as I don't get any benefits (no kids) so I shall be ecstatic when that has been paid off.
I really don't blame you for being a spender. I mean, if you saved it all, what would you have to show for it?
@dont_pick_your_nose (2279)
• Australia
17 Aug 10
Yes i am so much a better spender than a saver. I wish i could save as good as i can spend but bills are always coming in theres always something new and shiny in the shops or something is broken!! lol oh well like you say we are spender or savers.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
17 Aug 10
My husband has that problem with bills coming in constantly. I keep trying to persuade him to get rid of some of the Sky channels we don't need. The subscription is due to go up (again) in September so perhaps he will do something about it then?
I do hope so.
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
20 Aug 10
Spending is so much more fun, and there's your answer. :D
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 Aug 10
I could't agree with you more. However, saving up for something BIG, then blowing all your money on it..well, that's DEEPLY satisfying!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
17 Aug 10
That's an excellent way of seeing that you don't buy stuff you don't need. Good for you!
@christiana81 (717)
• Romania
17 Aug 10
I am better spending then saving. I know are person who like saving but for me it is very difficult because i like shopping.
@carpediem17 (1315)
• Singapore
17 Aug 10
hi Janey, I think it depends on which part of the life cycle I am in. During the younger days, definitely more a spender than a saver. But since I reached my 30s until now, I am definitely a saver, being always mindful of That Rainy Day.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
17 Aug 10
Yes, you do the right thing my friend. Time marches on doesn't it and the older we get the faster the time goes by..why is that? I've no idea! The problem I had when working was that the salary was fairly good but I was travelling to see my husband-to-be on the train every week. Everything I did revolved around seeing him. If I'd carried on being single no doubt I'd have a tidy sum in my ISA...but somehow I reckon it would've been spent on electrical equipment or holidays..or both!
@parrot2010 (812)
•
17 Aug 10
I like to spend like most other people but I'm good at saving too. I don't really need much in my life apart from food, house and internet. These are the only things I spend money on. I like to see my money grow in my bank as interest also builds up. I don't know what to spend my money on even if I had a lot of money. I have every gadget I need from laptops to phones, ipods, tvs, radio etc. I don't need to buy more of things but I do eat like a pig lol but even that doesn't cost much for me and usually I don't need holidays abroad I'm happy just relaxing in my own house with no hassle to catch the plane etc. Lol
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
17 Aug 10
You don't need to leave the house with all that gadgetry to play with my friend! Good for you! You must have a good savings account because people I know aren't accruing enough interest on their savings accounts as the interest rate is so low. This might explain why most people cannot be bothered saving because they can't see the point.
I admire those who do, though.
@liweiwei0909 (403)
• China
17 Aug 10
Absolutely, I am a spender, and a truely month-ending people. :-)
@punjab911 (240)
• Canada
17 Aug 10
Well, to be true, I rarely go out or go online to buy. You can simply see me earning a load of money from the internet. I use all of the sites I have previously mentioned in other topics and the sites can be found in my profile. I always earn and save and the only time I do spend is when I am buying something for someone else or when I am buying something small, such as a chocolate bar and a bit of candy, for myself! Anyways, have a great day and have loads of fun mylotting!
Punjab911
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
17 Aug 10
What are you saving the money for..or do you just want to accumulate as much as possible and not spend it? That sounds alien to me but good luck with it anyway!
@p3ks626 (6538)
• Philippines
17 Aug 10
A few months ago, I can definitely say that I was really good in Spending money. My husband and i liked to spend money especially if its food. We saved but we spend more. I wanted to change that and i am happy to say that we have finally done something about it and we are able to save more now.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
17 Aug 10
That's great! It's good that you both have the same mindset. It's also good that you are able to spend and save a bit too. I used to do that but I don't work at the moment so I can't. My ISA is still open though...just in case I get a windfall or something!
@davenhearst (327)
• Philippines
17 Aug 10
it is important also in our part to save money especially when emergency happen what will we do if we not have savings...savings in house equipment is also important
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
17 Aug 10
Yes, my hubby has home insurance to protect his assets lol (not that there's much worth stealing in this house) and he does the same with his car.
@BigTips (304)
• China
17 Aug 10
I am better at saving money instead of spending a lot. Now, I am sparing no efforts to make money online, but I have no idea on how to spend my cash on the Internet.
You see, I prefer to go shopping online, which is usually cheaper than shopping offline, so, I can save some money. Besides, I don't like to go out for dinner and have no interest in traveling all over the world, so I don't need to pay a lot for my daily life.
Yeah, I am really good at saving money.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
17 Aug 10
Good for you! I like shopping online too. My latest success was buying a headboard for Mum's bed (she was with me and we picked one together online) and the cheapest I found one was £30 with free p & p. I was so chuffed that I saved Mum some money! Some sites were selling the same headboard at ridiculous prices so I'm glad I "shopped around." It's just like doing the same in real shops but more fun because there aren't the crowds to contend with.
I like shopping online too. My latest success was buying a headboard for Mum's bed (she was with me and we picked one together online) and the cheapest I found one was £30 with free p & p. I was so chuffed that I saved Mum some money! Some sites were selling the same headboard at ridiculous prices so I'm glad I "shopped around." It's just like doing the same in real shops but more fun because there aren't the crowds to contend with. @w1042510118 (35)
• China
17 Aug 10
Most people will be better at spending money.And I don't think its a good idea to save too much money but lower the quality of life, because onbody knows if he have tomorrow.
PS: I have worked for only one mouth, and my salary is too little,so I have to write all the money I've spent, and then I found it's amazing.
