If you want something, you HAVE to give something up to get it – whether that’s time, money, effort, etc. You have to make sacrifices…you can do anything if you set your mind to it, but you can’t do everything. You will have to pick and choose what is most important to you because by saying yes to one thing, you are inherently saying no to something else. It’s opportunity cost.
For example, if you want an expensive new car, you have to give up money to get it. To earn enough money, you have to work for it (trading time and effort for dollars). You’ll also have to save up for it (also costing time, because it won’t happen over night, and effort, because you might be tempted to spend money on other things). So if you also want to go on vacation, go out to eat all the time, go on a shopping spree, etc., but you don’t make enough money, by saying yes to those other things, you are saying no to getting that dream car.
You can’t have all of the toys and live the “rich” life without PAYING for it. What you need to do is redefine what is a rich life for you (it’s different for everyone). Living a rich life doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend a lot of money. It does mean that you’re allowed to spend money on things that matter most to you though. Life is meant to be enjoyed. When you die, you can’t take that money with you.
But the problem for most people isn’t having too much money leftover when they die, it’s not having enough for their later years. Most people mindlessly spend money on things they don’t really get enjoyment out of. They do this all of their lives. Stop doing this! If it’s not something you truly care about, cut it out of your life or buy off-brand. Save money for the things that matter most to you and when you do spend on something you’ve been saving for, don’t feel regret.