By admin@thesilverpetticoatreview.com 
Good morning! Today, I’m sharing insights on spending habits and financial independence from Vanessa at Liberty Loves Company. She talks about using money as a tool to achieve freedom, how to become financially independent, and what it truly means to live well. Vanessa enjoys the perks of living in New Zealand, with its stunning beaches balancing out the high cost of living.
“Because you’re worth it.” What a powerful tagline, right? Of course, you are worth it. This phrase almost makes any purchase seem justified. It’s both true and vague, giving you a sense of being pampered and served.
Advertising often uses emotional manipulation to justify your spending. Your challenge is to cut through the nonsense and identify what really matters.
A feeling of spending entitlement can be very convincing, taking many forms. These justify your spending to placate a part of yourself that can never be fully satisfied.
The mental script might go something like this:
“Ugh, what a tough day/week/month! My feet ache, and this shirt is uncomfortable. I’m sick of those clueless clients. I’ve worked so hard for them all week. I’m educated and deserve better! I’ve sacrificed so much time and effort. My job is stressful, and on top of that, the kids are already demanding my attention when I get home. So, I deserve a treat!”
In short, you feel you deserve an indulgence, something that’s expensive, convenient, and immediately satisfying, no matter the cost.
Any luxury seems acceptable – pricey alcohol, table service, subscription magazines, high-end shampoo, taxis, gourmet dinners, imported linens. We have endless options, a real embarrassment of riches.
It feels okay because we believe we have the perfect justification. There’s no guilt because we think we’re entitled. Because we’re worth it!
But entitlement can get mixed up with rights, and rights can morph into expectations. Expectations can turn into habits, and suddenly, we act like little emperors, forgetting how to do things for ourselves.
We all have basic human rights and intrinsic worth, whether we’re supermarket workers, accountants, or royalty. We have the right to rest, play, and be ourselves. We deserve respect, no matter our status.
We don’t need to spend money to prove we’re worthy. Having a high income doesn’t make you more deserving of luxury or better at managing money; it can just make you a slave to your lifestyle. Know the difference!
Of course, you can spend your money however you want. It’s entirely up to you. You can easily blow through most of your income maintaining a lifestyle you think you deserve. It might fit your age, social standing, or the lifestyle of your friends. It might feel right for many reasons.
Just don’t trick yourself into thinking that spending money is a right. It’s a choice. It can bring you closer to what you truly deserve or push you further away.