Let’s be real for a second—if I see one more article telling me to cut out lattes, I might just start handing out free coffee in protest. We get it. Save money. Be frugal. Never eat anything but rice and beans. But here’s the thing: at some point, frugality fatigue sets in, and suddenly you’re standing in line at a high-end steakhouse, trying to convince yourself that ordering the $85 filet is just a “one-time treat.” (Spoiler alert: it never is.)
So, what’s the fix? Balance. More specifically, planned indulgences are what I like to call a “Splurge Day.” Yes, even the most disciplined budgeters need a little room to breathe, and the best way to do that is by setting aside a little cash to reward yourself without wrecking your financial goals.
Why People Are Tired of Being Told to Save
Recently, USA Today pointed out that consumers are getting tired of hearing the same old “cut costs, budget better, cancel Netflix” advice. It turns out that when every piece of financial content makes you feel guilty about spending $5, you eventually stop caring and do what you want. Have You ever tried to eat 100% healthy and suddenly inhaled an entire pizza at 11 p.m.? Same concept.)
The key takeaway? People don’t want to be deprived—they want to be smart about their money without feeling like they’re being punished for existing. That’s where planned indulgences come in.
What Is a Splurge Day?
A Splurge Day is precisely what it sounds like: one day a month, you get to spend guilt-free on something you love. It could be your favorite meal, a new book, a fancy coffee, or even a fun experience like going to the movies or getting a massage. The key is that it’s planned, budgeted for, and used as a reward for sticking to your financial goals for the rest of the month.
Think of it as your budget’s built-in cheat meal. (And if you’ve ever tried dieting, you know that without the occasional indulgence, you’re one bad day away from deep-frying an entire cheesecake.)
How a Splurge Day Helps You Stay Motivated
- Prevents Budget Burnout
- If your budget is all work and no play, it starts to feel like financial purgatory. A Splurge Day makes your long-term goals more sustainable because you’re not constantly feeling deprived.
- Turns Spending into a Reward System
- Instead of impulse-buying things because you’re frustrated, a Splurge Day lets you tie fun spending to a sense of accomplishment. You hit your savings goal? Boom. Fancy tacos. You paid down a credit card? Hello, new book.
- Keeps Impulses in Check
- Knowing you’ve got a Splurge Day coming up makes it easier to resist impulse spending. When you see something tempting, instead of saying, “Screw it, I’m buying it now,” you can say, “I’ll wait for Splurge Day and see if I still want it then.”
What Ally Bank Says About Smart Spending
Ally Bank (you know, the people who actually want you to save money without making you miserable) has been talking about the psychology of money for a while. Their Money Roots initiative emphasizes understanding why we spend the way we do, and how we can make financial decisions that are both smart and satisfying.
One of their key ideas? You’re more likely to stick with a budget if it allows room for small rewards. Just like a diet that includes the occasional slice of pizza is easier to maintain than one that bans carbs entirely, a budget that lets you have controlled indulgences is way more sustainable than one that’s just “Save! Save! SAVE!” until you break down and buy a jet ski.
How to Plan Your Splurge Day Without Blowing Your Budget
Here’s the fun part—you get to decide what your Splurge Day looks like. But, because I like you and don’t want you to fall into a financial pit of despair, here are some ground rules to keep it under control:
- Set a Spending Limit
- Decide in advance how much you’re allowed to spend on Splurge Day. Maybe it’s $20, maybe it’s $100—whatever fits your financial situation. Just make sure it’s an amount that won’t throw off your other goals.
- Make It a Reward
- Tie your Splurge Day to a financial win. Paid all your bills on time? Saved extra this month? Stuck to your budget? Congrats—your reward is on its way.
- Plan It in Advance
- If you decide ahead of time what you’ll spend your Splurge Day money on, you’ll be less likely to go overboard. (It also gives you something fun to look forward to!)
- Avoid “Creeping Splurge Syndrome”
- The danger of a Splurge Day is that it doesn’t turn into a Splurge Week. Keep it limited to one day, and don’t let it become a justification for reckless spending.
Great Ways to Spend Your Splurge Day
Not sure what to do with your Splurge Day? Here are some ideas:
- Food & Drinks: Your favorite restaurant, a fancy coffee, or a dessert you’ve been craving.
- Experiences: Movie night, escape room, concert tickets, mini road trip.
- Self-Care: Massage, spa day, new book, gym class you enjoy.
- Something You’ve Been Eyeing: That cool gadget, a vinyl record, a new game.
- Giving Back: Treat someone else—buy coffee for a friend, take your family out for dinner, or donate to a cause you love.
Final Thoughts: Treat Yourself (Responsibly!)
Saving money doesn’t have to feel like punishment, and budgeting doesn’t mean you never get to enjoy yourself. The key is to build in the occasional, controlled indulgence so you stay motivated and keep your financial goals on track.
So go ahead—set up your Splurge Day. Mark it on the calendar. Earn it. Enjoy it. Then get right back to crushing your financial goals the next day.
Because you can have your cake and eat it too—just make sure it fits in the budget.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, my Splurge Day is coming up, and I’ve got a cheeseburger with my name on it.
What’s your Splurge Day plan? Let me know—I’d love to hear how you reward yourself while staying financially responsible!