Over the last few years I have gotten a lot less frugal. Much of this has to do with my work and helping clients retire. Its not that I don't save or invest for myself and my future, because I absolutely do and much like Croflames noted I just feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that I have money set aside and working for me.
At the same time I have had a number of clients work like dogs, save and invest and then right after, or just as they retire they die. I deal with their widows still, and we have some heartfelt conversations and I've realised that this has made a huge impact on me personally (which isn't surprising really). One told me point blank that "they could've saved more, but those memories of travel and enjoying life are all she has with her late husband" and that really struck me. When I read these blogs and advice columns of people who don't buy lattés or won't allow whatever entertainment or travel purely to save a few bucks I actually feel genuinely sorry for them. I know that I would look back at myself and think "what a complete idiot!" to miss out doing things or enjoying things just to increase my bank account.
I'm not for a second suggesting that people should throw caution to the wind, save zero dollars and run up debt. But saving every nickel just to build a bank roll when you could do some stuff in your life without endangering your financial situation is just as stupid, only you don't realise that yet.
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