Did you ever go out and blow a bunch of money on a fabulous pair of shoes, dinner at the best restaurant, or a new car only to find you didn’t have enough money left to make it to the end of the month?
Makes no sense, does it? And now, every time you wear the shoes, or drive the car, you feel nothing but shame and remorse. That’s the definition of a guilty pleasure – impulse spending that you haven’t budgeted for that means you can’t pay your bills or meet your financial obligations.
The phrase ‘guilty pleasure’ is a complete contradiction — how can something that brings us joy also make us feel bad? Equating feelings of pleasure with guilt just gives us negative vibes around our relationship with money and financial choices when what we really want is to feel positive about how and when we spend.
Finding pleasure in people, places, and things is what enriches our souls and brings meaning to our lives and so it’s important that we find a balance between being responsible for our family, our homes and our possessions, and giving in to the occasional spoil, spending on ourselves or our loved ones. But how do we reconcile the need for financial security and treating ourselves without that sense of regret after the fact?
We deserve it, but can we afford it?
It’s easy to justify spending on ‘guilty pleasures.’ We tell ourselves ‘I’ve had a tough day. I work hard. I need a little pick-me-up. Giving is my love language—even when applied to myself’. We can justify spending however we like, but if we want to turn a guilty pleasure into a not-so-guilty pleasure, the cost of the spoil has to align with our budget and what we can truly afford.
Personal finance expert Mapalo Makhu emphasises the importance of budgeting as the foundation of financial well-being. “An ideal split in your earnings would be 50% allocated to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to saving and debt reduction,” she advises. More important, to reach our financial goals, we have to stick to spending limits within that budget.
A well-planned budget helps prevent impulse spending by including a ‘not so guilty pleasures’ category where you can make provision for a night out or a little retail therapy. Then, anytime we’re tempted to go over our budget and incur unnecessary debt, which includes personal treats on a credit card, referring to a financial plan can make all the difference. In addition, having someone who holds you accountable for any deviation from your budget is also a great help. Metropolitan’s We Start Stronger Together campaign highlights the power of community in financial decision-making. Whether it’s a stokvel or a trusted group of friends, being open about spending can help curb the impulse to splurge.
Prioritise without sacrifice
Metropolitan Provincial General Manager, Queen Malobane advises sleeping on any decision to spend on a discretionary item that may have long-term financial implications. “Check what emotional state you’re in before you spend,” she advises. “If you’re trying to make yourself, feel better but actually can’t afford something, then it truly will become a guilty pleasure.”
She also encourages considering the trade-offs – what we will have to forgo if we overspend. “Balancing wants and needs is critical,” Malobane says. “Before indulging in a treat, ask yourself what you might be sacrificing in the long run.”
When it comes to financial security, certain expenses should take priority. Malobane says that when evaluating insurance, it’s not just the cost of the premium but the cost of not being covered that will be felt. “Insurance can fund children’s education after the loss of a parent, and relieve the financial burden of funeral costs,” she explains. Looking beyond immediate expenses to long-term security is essential.
With a solid budget in place and a support system to encourage responsible spending, treating ourselves can be a joyful, guilt-free experience. By making intentional financial choices, we remove the ‘guilty’ from ‘guilty pleasure’ and create a more balanced, positive relationship with money.
Also see: The difference between cacao and cocoa: Here’s what you need to know
