Sounds like a ridiculous question to answer if saving and investing money is a big deal to you.
If you’re a spender, it’s a simple question.
A couple of swipes and the goodies are in your cart. Here is the simple wisdom: it’s not an either-or, it’s both.
Spending or not spending isn’t the healthy mindset.
Questioning the idea behind the spending and saving is.
Your Money Should Reflect Your Values
The other day I took my visiting mom for a drive in our neighborhood. This was a gentle drive, one where you intentionally view people’s houses as if they were animals in the zoo.
Big houses, small ones, medium ones, all shapes and sizes, a variety of colours too.
This speaks to our uniqueness as human beings.
That bright colour you think is horrible might be someone else’s favourite shade.
The problem comes when you are blinded by others’ choices and you opt to blend in.
Here is the question once more, what are you trying to buy with your hard earned cash?
Your values should answer this for you.
Whichever way you choose, there are trade-offs too.
Don’t Let Someone Else’s House Change Your Definition of Enough
Seeing someone’s bigger house can all of a sudden change your own perception with regards to your own house.
In fact, your own house almost always looks smaller in comparison.
Social comparison can somehow blur your definition of enough and move the goalposts.
This is when your values are challenged. Size shouldn’t be your focus; the reason behind the size should be.
This is not to say your mansion is inherently bad by the way. It’s to say your mansion should be inspired by your values.
Neither is your frugality a badge of honour. No, it’s the values inspiring your frugality.
What Are You Actually Spending Your Money On Each Month?
The deeper question of what you’re actually buying each month with your money is rooted in what you value most.
Show me your goodies and I will tell you what fires you up.
Not judging anyone, just reflecting.
Is the money you’re spending on takeaway food buying something you genuinely value? Or perhaps your freedom is a better spend?
Time is one of the greatest luxuries your money can buy back, but it isn’t the only thing worth buying.
Just don’t take it too far. Frugality stretched too much can also drain the very time you were trying to acquire.
Saving for Tomorrow and YOLO Can Both Be True
Striking the balance is difficult.
It’s more like juggling balls while blindfolded. Don’t worry, from time to time one ball will fall down.
If your goal is perfection, you are in for some major surprises.
Don’t worry, keep juggling.
This is how I think of saving for tomorrow and YOLO.
Both things are true, but they are not in as much tension as they appear to be.
Your Money Should Buy Back What You Value
Your money is always at work, either funding your lifestyle, buying convenience or securing a better future.
The issue comes when you default to either spending or hoarding cash with no defined goal.
The definition of success shouldn’t be universal. Neither should the definition of a happy life.
Someone might hire a garden services company and you might opt to trim your own hedges.
You and I have to decide what our hours cost.
Time Is the Luxury Worth Buying Back
Life, my friend, is fragile. Handle with care.
Ever seen a fragile parcel with a label? That’s my time and yours here on earth.
The only difference is that we don’t come with a fragile sign.
Time is the one resource we all receive, whether we are poor or wealthy.
Figuring out what matters to you and what your money should buy is an evolving but critical process.
Don’t chase the fat salary or money without defining your purpose.
Actually it should be the other way round.
Pursue or create your purpose and let your money serve and fulfill your purpose.
If money is a tool, what are you actually trying to buy with it and how much of your life are you willing to trade to get it?
Reflecting from Tala Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal – 3 October 2026
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