I am also very frugal-minded and prone to feeling like I can’t afford “frivolous” things (aka anything other than bills and groceries). It’s a very common problem with people who are Savers.

One way I’ve found to combat feelings around money is to counter negativity with facts and truth. For example, I always FEEL like I can never eat out, it’s excessive and unnecessary. But when I track my spending on a day to day basis, I can see that I’m actually under budget at the end of the month and there IS money to spend on something as simple as a delicious burger or stir-fry.

Another thing I’d suggest to formally budget in a “Things Tiffany Wants” category in your budget. Put aside a set amount of money every month, just $5-10 if you want, and after 6 months you spend the saved up money on all the things you don’t think you could afford.

I automatically contribute part of my salary to a Planned Spending account that is set aside for expensive things I want/need… new smartphone, dance classes, a TV stand, tropical vacations, etc. It’s important to save money and be prepared for the future, but not at the expense of the present!