I am by nature a saver. I don’t like to spend money if I can help it. I like learning about saving and investing (which is why I highly recommend this free financial newsletter for women by Daily Worth) and I like learning about keeping a nice budget (which is why I also highly recommend Craig Ford’s ebook The Secret to a Successful Budget).

As far as I can remember, I’ve always had a hard time parting with my money. I remember saving my hard earned babysitting money all summer long, then going school shopping with my mom. We always had a blast, but I do remember my mom actually getting a little frustrated with me because I was hesitant to buy a new shirt for $10. I didn’t want to spend ten of my dollars on just one shirt…I wanted to keep looking until I found a cute shirt on sale for $4! I wanted the best deal possible. I had changed many a diaper to earn that money, after all!

Being a saver is mostly and almost always good. But sometimes it causes stress because good grief…(and I know this is shocking) sometimes we need to spend money. Sometimes things break and have to be replaced. Sometimes there’s no choice but to stay in a hotel. Sometimes I must buy paper plates that get used once and then are thrown away (gasp!!).

I’ve come a long way through the years in regard to saving and spending…learning that it’s okay to spend money on good food and other things that are important. I’ve learned that giving money (and time and food and whatever) to others is an awesome and right thing to do.

I’ve even come to the point that, if I have to, I can spend $10 on a shirt. :)  My mom would be so proud.

My husband is also a saver, which has helped us to avoid money arguments in our home. I’m so thankful that we are on the same page when it comes to finances. I know it is a struggle for those who aren’t.

My question for you today is…are you a spender or a saver? Is it hard for you to part with money, or does it burn a hole in your pocket?