But that doesn't mean you should give up every single thing in the name of budgeting! In fact, I'm a firm believer that you should make room in your budget for things that make you happy and/or make your life a little easier. That's why I asked the BuzzFeed Community to share what small luxuries they'll always purchase no matter what. Here's what they said:
1. "A weekly massage. Even when I'm scraping by and trying to save in other aspects of life, I make it a point to go get a massage at least every other week, if not weekly. I don't go to a fancy place, and pay something like $55 (not including tip) for an hour. While some people may say it's bougie, literally every time I walk out, I feel amazing and refreshed. And because I sit at a desk and hunch my shoulders, having someone work all that tension out is a godsend. So, yeah. I'm that bougie massage person."
2. "Lawn and garden care. I only get two days off a week with a million things to do in those two days, including trying to get some downtime. A tended garden and lawn bring me peace and joy, so it's self-care."
3. "Decent beer. After a long day at work, I don't want to open some watered down piss as my nepenthe. I want something that tastes good and has depth and flavor."
4. "Clothing. If I’m trying to save money, I’d rather not shop for anything than buy a cheap pair of clothing that basically goes bad in few washes. I’ll try to save up for my next shopping trip, which might not be a spree but instead a quality item that will last for many years to come."
5. "Organic whole milk. It makes an absolute world of a difference. Try it."
6. "Eyeglass frames. I pinch and save in a lot of ways, but this is something I feel is worth it. They're on my face for every photo of me, and every time a person sees me. They're what I’m wearing on my face day in and out, and I need them to be wearable every day for the next two years at least. I can get new lenses put in, but I want frames that I’m confident in, look good on me, and will last day after day. I spend a lot on frames, but I only buy frames every two to three years, so, to me, I better love them, and they better last."
7. "Pre-washed spring mix. I know a full head of lettuce is a better value, but I do not have the patience to pluck and wash a few leaves every time I want a salad. Either I pay for convenience, or I don't eat greens."
8. "Quality skincare products! My skincare regimen is a rare act of self-care, and I always feel so much better knowing I’m taking good care of my body’s largest organ. Also, the occasional pedicure — foot health is so important and often neglected. Getting a pedicure a few times a year means I don’t get painful ingrown toenails!"
9. "My contact lens subscription! They were the first ‘grown up’ thing I bought when I was 17 and had my first job. I’m 44 now, and throughout all the ups and downs of my life, I have never once missed a payment or canceled. I still remember the first day I got them — it was a gorgeous sunny day, and I could see every single leaf on the trees as I walked home. It was breathtaking. I didn’t realize just how bad my eyes had become or how distracting wearing glasses can be."
10. "Good coffee beans. My spouse and I drink French press. We enjoy single origin, light to medium roast beans. Guatemalan is my favorite origin. If I feel like really splurging, I might get Peruvian or Kenyan beans."
11. "My home meal kit. It’s just me, so food goes bad quickly because I just can’t get to everything needed for a good meal. The meal kits give me just what's needed: two servings and two meals. I get to cook it, which makes me feel fancy, and I have yet to have a bad meal. I have even tried things I normally wouldn’t think to make for myself or try on my own. I like that I only have to pay when I want a meal, so it is possible to skip meals. I love it!"
12. "It will always be comfortable work shoes. If you're going to be on your feet for any amount of time, you can't tolerate shoes that are even the slightest bit uncomfortable. There are a few big box retailers that offer comparatively cheap non-slip shoes, but they're usually garbage. Many reputable shoe companies now have non-slip work shoes. Yes, they may be $120 instead of $25, but I've never worried about bad arch support or pinched toes in my non-slip New Balances. I went from buying $40 shoes every six months to $120 shoes that last 2+ years."
13. "Quality groceries. In my house we've cut out/limited our more expensive hobbies, buying any new clothing, new toys for our pets, subscriptions, and more. But if we want some avocados, we get them. If I can't take joy from doing one of the things my body needs to live, why bother?"
14. "One multi-purpose outfit I feel really good in. I like to have one go-to I can wear when I want to be a little dressed up. I have no shame in being an outfit repeater, especially when money is tight. But I definitely think it’s important to have something to wear that makes you feel great. Look good, feel good."
15. "Fresh fruit. My parents never purchased it when I was a kid (either couldn’t afford it, or didn’t see the value in feeding it to us). We ate fruit in corn syrup cups or cans. My kids don’t understand how lucky they are to have eaten a yellow watermelon, dragon fruit, or even an apple!"
16. "Insurance on my cellphone. I'm carrying a piece of equipment that is over a thousand dollars. It can so easily be broken or lost, so you bet I'm going to have and keep insurance on it through my carrier."
17. "I live about three hours away from my parents, and I don't have a car, so I take the train or bus to see them. The train is about twice the price of the bus, but has so much more leg room, and the views through the countryside are amazing. It's always worth the money to see my parents."
Are there any small luxuries you always make room for in your budget, no matter what? Tell us in the comments below! You responses could be featured in another BuzzFeed Community post.
Responses have been edited for length/clarity.