I'm Obsessed With Saving Money, Here's How I Learned To Treat Myself

Do you know that feeling when you peel the thin film off a new gadget?

That feeling when you finally see the food you ordered that felt like nine years ago? That joy you feel when you flip to the cool side of your pillow?

Let's just say that's how I feel when I update my savings Excel sheet. (Yes, I have a spreadsheet just for my savings, and yes, it's updated on a daily basis.)

As much as I'm obsessed with saving money, I'm not living in some extreme, cheapskate life. I learned how to balance my spendings and savings to the point when I get to enjoy the money I worked hard for.

After all, you spend all your waking hours busting your ass, stop feeling guilty about treating yourself.

Here's how I learned to love myself and wallet back:

1. Treat yourself once a month.

Don't feel bad about taking that massage or that night out with your friends.

You deserve to splurge on some cash, but instead of doing this very often, limit it to just once a month.

Plan a monthly schedule of your spendings. Create a routine wherein you stop cashing out frequently so when you experience it again, it feels extra special.

I work full-time at a branding agency by day and transform into a ninja mom by night. My once a month splurge is date night with my husband.

It's the only day I get to treat myself after a month's work, and I will happily splurge it on food.

2. Anticipating expenses is a smart move.

They say writing your feelings in a journal is therapeutic. Think of this, but instead of feelings, you put down your expenses into figures.

Aside from being up to date with your savings and spendings, you'll get a sense of control over your money.

When you have control over your money, you will start to appreciate its worth. When you see the breakdown and realize you spend more money on shoes than your rent, you'll realize what's necessary and what's not.

Start by listing your monthly expenses like food, bills and transportation, and dedicate a spot for your savings. Whatever's left I allocate to “miscellaneous.”

This serves as my emergency funds for the month.

3. At the end of the day, be accountable of your own money.

This is probably the most important thing I learned over the course of my money-saving obsession. Simply put, every day you should know how much money you spent and how much is left.

If you think a spreadsheet is overboard, I keep it updated at the end of the day. It's not much work and takes only a couple of minutes, but it has helped me save and spend money wisely.

I'm now aware of how exactly I spent my money instead of a bemused state a week later.

I used to ask myself, “Where did my paycheck go?” Not anymore.

We have this tendency of spending money we think we have. If you're accountable of your own money, you'll know your purchasing capacity.

4. Living your life comes before saving money.

For whatever reasons, we're saving money. Whether it's for a house, a new car, or retirement plans, don't forget to take a pause and enjoy life.

Take a vacation, spend a fancy dinner with your significant other, buy that bag you've been eyeing for months or simply light up a candle and take a long, hot bath.

Reward yourself once in a while. You're only sure of this present moment, so like money, spend it wisely.