Stop Spending Money Project - The benefits

I thought that I should take a moment to write out some of the benefits that I am experiencing from my STOP SPENDING MONEY project.

Where as I am kind of bored, and having to learn new things to do with this project, there are many good benefits that I would like to share.

PEACE OF MIND
Already having my level 1 and level 2 cash reserves in place, I already enjoy "6 months+ peace of mind". This means that If I was disabled from working at my business here, I would be covered for six months and more expense wise. That is a huge relief and something that I don't have to worry about.

I am already debt free and mortgage free. These are huge items I don't have to worry about. ( I DO use my credit cards for business, but clear them off each month.)

I am not constantly worried about creditors calling, or collection agencies calling.

This allows me the flexibility to live the life style that I prefer. I work when I want, and don't work when I don't want. (Being a recovering workaholic, I usually work more than I should! :) )

My debt free status has not always been the case. In previous times, I have carried credit card debt that would scare most people. My health was affected by the amount of debt that I was carrying. It's important to note that these debts were business related.

Eventually my wife and I, resolved all of these debts and they are paid in full!!

I tell this story as I don't want people to think that I am magically debt free, or that I've always been debt free. That's certainly not the case.

These days I want to remain debt free as I LOVE the peace of mind that comes along with it.

THE OTHER BENEFITS OF STOP SPENDING MONEY
I am currently slowing down my lifestyle so that I can get control of how I spend my money.

In previous times I would go and buy an item from say Canadian Tire. The item would be faulty and I would just throw it away instead of properly returning it for a refund or replacement.

These days I'm pretty diligent about getting my refund or replacement.

I am also spending time shopping for bargains or value.
In past times I would buy what ever was the most convenient regardless of the cost. My logic is, my time is worth the money that I'm spending looking for these bargains. That's pretty pathetic logic.

These days, I am getting better looking for bargains. I will buy items at a discount and will find the right times and places to buy things. This is when I am shopping for groceries, and household supplies.

MY ENJOYMENT OF PURCHASING ITEMS IS INCREASING
Because I am taking some time to price things out and look for bargains for groceries and household goods, I am actually enjoying the purchasing process much more than I used to. I challenge myself to get the best deals at the grocery store each day. (I shop daily as it gets me out of the house, and the store is within close walking distance.)

I find also that shopping daily means that I cook that food daily. I am buying fresh fruits and vegetables which have a quicker expiry date and are marked down. This works for me, as I usually use up these vegetables and meats daily.

GOOD BENEFITS FROM THE STOP SPENDING MONEY PROJECT
The above benefits that I have started enjoying in the last few months. Peace of mind from being debt free and having cash reserves in the bank.

Also, I am enjoying taking more time with grocery and household purchases giving me a higher enjoyment level. I am also taking time to looking for bargains and thus am saving more money than before.

The time that I am saving from NOT SPENDING MONEY is translating into other very enjoyable benefits.

It's not exciting to stop spending money, however, I am feeling better for it, and am getting a much higher level of satisfaction in some cases.