Spending money can be tricky. We all want to be smart with our finances, but sometimes, guilt creeps in—even when we’re investing in things that genuinely improve our lives.
The truth is, not every purchase should come with second-guessing.
Psychology shows that certain expenses actually contribute to our well-being, productivity, and overall happiness.
And when something adds real value to your life, there’s no reason to feel guilty about it.
If you’ve ever hesitated before swiping your card, wondering if you should be spending that money—this list is for you.
1) Investing in experiences
If there’s one thing you should never feel guilty about spending money on, it’s experiences. Research shows that experiences bring us more lasting happiness than material things.
Dr. Thomas Gilovich, a psychology professor at Cornell University, explains it best:
“Our experiences are a bigger part of ourselves than our material goods. You can really like your material stuff. You can even think that part of your identity is connected to those things. But nonetheless, they remain separate from you. In contrast, your experiences really are part of you.”
Think about it—what do you remember more fondly?
The latest gadget you bought five years ago or that unforgettable trip with friends? Experiences shape who we are, create meaningful connections, and give us stories to tell for a lifetime.
Whether it’s travel, a concert, a cooking class, or even just a night out with loved ones, don’t let guilt stop you from investing in memories that will stay with you far longer than any physical possession.
2) Paying for convenience
I used to feel guilty about spending money on things I could do myself. Why pay for grocery delivery when I could just go to the store? Why hire a cleaning service when I had the time to tidy up?
But over time, I realized something important—paying for convenience wasn’t just about saving time. It was about reducing stress and freeing up energy for things that actually mattered to me.
Psychologist Daniel Kahneman, known for his work on decision-making and happiness, once said: “Nothing in life is as important as you think it is while you are thinking about it.”
That really hit home for me.
I was so caught up in the idea of saving money that I didn’t stop to consider what I was actually losing—time with family, peace of mind, or even just a few extra hours to focus on my business.
Now, I don’t hesitate to spend on things that make life easier. If outsourcing a task lets me focus on what truly brings me joy or helps me be more productive, it’s worth every penny.
If paying for convenience gives you back time and mental energy, don’t feel guilty—it’s an investment in your well-being.
3) Taking care of your mental health
For a long time, I hesitated to spend money on therapy. I told myself I could handle things on my own, that I didn’t really need it.
And honestly? A part of me felt guilty about the cost—like it was some kind of luxury instead of a necessity.
But here’s the truth: ignoring your mental health doesn’t make the problems go away. It just buries them deeper.
And eventually, they find a way to surface—whether through burnout, anxiety, or feeling completely stuck in life.
Psychologist Carl Rogers once said: “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
That acceptance didn’t come easily for me, but once I allowed myself to seek help without guilt, everything started to shift.
Therapy, self-care, books that helped me understand myself better—they weren’t indulgences. They were survival tools.
So if you’re hesitating to invest in your well-being, don’t. Your mental health is not a splurge—it’s the foundation for everything else in your life.
4) Learning and self-improvement
I used to hesitate before buying books, online courses, or even attending workshops. I’d think, “Do I really need this?” or “Maybe I should just figure it out on my own.”
But the more I invested in learning, the more I realized how much it shaped my growth—both personally and professionally.
That idea changed the way I saw self-improvement. It’s not about reaching some final version of yourself—it’s about constantly evolving, gaining new skills, and expanding your perspective.
Whether it’s buying a book that broadens your thinking, taking a course that helps you level up in your career, or even hiring a coach to guide you, investing in knowledge is never a waste.
Growth doesn’t happen by accident—it happens when you make the choice to keep learning. And that’s something you should never feel guilty about.
5) Spending on things that bring you daily joy
For the longest time, I believed that small, everyday luxuries were a waste of money. Why spend extra on a high-quality coffee or a nicer notebook when a cheaper version would do the job?
But over time, I realized something surprising—those little things actually made a big difference in my daily happiness.
Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who pioneered research on happiness and flow, once said:
“The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times… The best moments usually occur if a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.”
And sometimes, those small indulgences—like a comfortable chair for your workspace or a morning coffee ritual—help create an environment where you can fully engage in work, creativity, or even just relaxation.
It’s counterintuitive because we’re often told to cut out unnecessary expenses.
But if something genuinely improves your daily experience—whether it’s quality skincare, fresh flowers for your home, or even premium software that makes your job easier—it’s not wasteful.
It’s an investment in making your everyday life better.
6) Giving to others
It’s easy to feel guilty about spending money on others, especially when we’re trying to be financially responsible.
But psychology tells us that generosity isn’t just good for the people we help—it’s actually one of the most reliable ways to boost our own happiness.
I’ve noticed this in my own life. Some of the best money I’ve ever spent wasn’t on myself but on moments that made someone else’s day.
And every time I worried about the expense, I later realized that what I gained—connection, joy, and a sense of purpose—was worth far more than what I spent.
So if giving brings you joy, don’t let guilt hold you back. Generosity isn’t just good for others—it’s one of the best investments you can make in your own well-being.
7) Prioritizing physical health
For years, I hesitated to spend money on things like a gym membership, healthier food, or even a decent pair of running shoes.
I’d convince myself that I could just work out at home, eat whatever was cheapest, and push through discomfort.
But eventually, I realized that neglecting my physical health wasn’t saving me money—it was costing me energy, focus, and overall well-being.
As James Clear, author of “Atomic Habits”, puts it: “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.”
That quote stuck with me because every time I chose to invest in my health—whether by buying fresh ingredients, taking a yoga class, or even just upgrading my workspace to support better posture—I was casting a vote for a healthier, more energized version of myself.
Now, I don’t feel guilty about spending money to take care of my body.
Whether it’s nutritious food, exercise, or even regular health check-ups, these are not luxuries—they’re the foundation for everything else in life.
And if something helps you stay strong and feel your best, it’s always money well spent.
8) Setting boundaries with your money
For a long time, I struggled with saying no when people asked for financial help.
Whether it was covering a group dinner, lending money to a friend, or feeling pressured to contribute to things I couldn’t afford, I felt guilty whenever I prioritized my own financial well-being.
But here’s what I’ve learned the hard way: constantly sacrificing your own stability to please others doesn’t make you generous—it makes you exhausted.
And it often leads to resentment, stress, and even financial hardship.
Psychologist Brené Brown puts it perfectly: “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.”
That hit me like a wake-up call. I realized that setting financial boundaries wasn’t selfish—it was necessary. It meant being honest about what I could and couldn’t give, without guilt or shame.
Now, I remind myself that it’s okay to say no. It’s okay to prioritize my own needs before trying to meet everyone else’s expectations.
And if spending money in a way that aligns with my values means disappointing someone else? That’s a price I’m finally willing to pay.
9) Spending to save time
For the longest time, I believed that saving money was always the smarter choice—even if it meant spending hours on tasks I didn’t enjoy or struggling through something I could have outsourced.
But over time, I realized that in trying to save money, I was actually wasting something even more valuable: my time.
We’re investing in a better quality of life.
Now, instead of feeling guilty about paying for convenience, I ask myself: “Is this purchase buying me back time I can use for things that truly matter?”
If the answer is yes—whether it’s getting groceries delivered, paying for childcare, or even upgrading to a direct flight—I remind myself that time is something I can never earn back.
And that makes it worth every penny.
10) Investing in relationships
There was a time when I hesitated to spend money on social experiences—dinners with friends, weekend getaways, even just small gestures like buying a thoughtful gift.
I’d tell myself it wasn’t necessary and that I should be saving instead. But looking back, some of my happiest memories come from those moments, and I don’t regret a single dollar spent.
Psychologist and researcher Robert Waldinger, who leads the longest-running study on happiness, puts it simply:
“The clearest message that we get from this 75-year study is this: good relationships keep us happier and healthier.”
It’s not status or wealth that brings lasting fulfillment—it’s the connections we nurture.
Now, I see spending money on relationships as an investment, not an expense.
Whether it’s traveling to see family, taking a friend out for coffee, or planning a meaningful experience with loved ones, these moments add richness to life.
So if something helps strengthen your relationships, don’t feel guilty about the cost—because in the end, connection is one of the most valuable things we have.
