As I’ve been thinking about when it’s worth it to spend a little extra money, I can’t help but think about one of my greatest frugality-fueled regrets. While I was studying abroad in England, I had the opportunity to attend a professional soccer (football) match. I really fell in love with English soccer while I was over there because it consumes the entire culture and they have such a passion for it. It’s very easy to get caught up in it all. Anyway, the opportunity came up to attend a match, but let me tell you, it was going to be expensive! I was already spending money like crazy because I was in Europe for four months and Europe isn’t cheap.
So I ended up passing on the chance. When my classmates returned from the game and reported back on the atmosphere and the crazy hooligans, I knew I had passed up a chance that might not come again anytime soon and really regretted it.
Fortunately, I don’t think my frugality has kept me from many great experiences in life. This one story just came back to me as I sat around this weekend and watched the Euro 2008 tournament and thought about when spending a little extra money is worth it. I’ve still never been to a professional European soccer game (though I did watch David Beckham play with the LA Galaxy here in MN).
Somewhere down the road, when I achieve the financial freedom I’m shooting for, I’d love to attend the World Cup in some far away land.
Has your frugality led to any regrets?
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Most definitely…especially in college. For a while I was pretty bummed about money so I’d pass out on going out with friends (and friends of friends) so I think I missed out on the chance to meet all sorts of new people. Maybe it wouldn’t have mattered much since I moved to another state after college, and much of us don’t talk anymore, but still. I’m sure there are other chances I’ve missed because I was too hung up on saving money.
My regret is similar to QL girl’s: While in college I never once went on a trip during Spring Break. I just always convinced myself I should spend my money on other things. But now that I am an adult, I realize that it would have been a fun experience to have. My college friends don’t have time or money to spend on vacays now and honestly, neither do I. I wish I had coughed up the money to go to Miami for at least one Spring Break…
I guess it’s sort of like, lesson learned, and now I hope I know better. I’m still not throwing money around, but I hope I’m learning to be discerning as to whether something or not is going to be worth it.