My sister called my budget 'scary' and it made me think
We were talking about our tax returns and I told her I put the whole $1,200 into my car repair fund. She said, 'That's scary, you should treat yourself.' I realized my 'scary' budget is what keeps me from stressing about a flat tire. Do you ever get pushback for being too strict with your money?
Totally get where your sister is coming from, but she's got it backwards. That kind of planning is the opposite of scary, it's what gives you peace of mind. I've had friends say similar things when I skip a night out to save, but they're the same ones panicking over an unexpected bill. Putting that money toward your car fund is a treat for your future self, it's just a quiet kind of reward. The real stress comes from not being ready when things go wrong.