I want to thank everyone who commented on last week’s post Struggling to Spend Money on Myself. I’ve taken a lot of time over the past few days to consider my options. I thought long and hard about what I like to do, what I don’t like to do and everything in between. Although I need things like new clothes or new shoes from time to time I’m really not a big shopper. I also hate to have clutter in my house so the idea of buying new stuff to fill our home doesn’t really thrill me.
I quickly realized that I’d prefer to spend money on experiences and services rather than objects. I sat on the couch, closed my eyes and asked myself a question. What do I want this money to bring me? My first thought: relaxation. I want the money to ease my stress and worries. I want it to make me a happier, well rested, relaxed individual.
So in response to the feedback and my own desire for change I’ve decided to hire a cleaning crew to dust, mop, vacuum, scrub the tile in my bathrooms and do whatever else it takes to make my home shine. Given the fact that I am a stay-at-home mom who spends the majority of her waking hours in and around the house this is certainly not the frugal decision, but it is nonetheless the decision I’ve chosen to make.
While I love to organize and declutter I absolutely hate to clean it. I’ve splurged on a cleaning crew a handful of times over the past few years, (usually buying discounted service through Groupon or Living Social), but I’ve never consistently hired anyone to clean our house.
I’m not sure it fits the bill for ‘fun money’, but it will definitely help me feel more at ease and relaxed. While I don’t mind cleaning the dishes and wiping down the counter-tops I absolutely hate cleaning bathroom tiles and scrubbing toilets. We may keep our 1950s bathroom decor for the rest of our lives, but at least the grout won’t be dirty and the tub will be sparkly and white. My husband and I aren’t particularly messy people, but let’s face it dust and dirt accumulate pretty quickly in a house and I haven’t been happy playing with my son in a dirty, dusty house.
I’ve hired a cleaning crew to clean the main two levels of our house every three weeks. I thought about using them monthly, but I think things will get pretty dirty in a month.
Since house cleaning benefits the entire family and not just me, I also plan to schedule one massage a month and I’ll use the money I earn from this blog, eBay sales and other random forms of income to pay for it. (Thanks commenters for that great suggestion!)
It’s not a frugal decision, but it sure feels good to make it. What do you think?
I think it’s great…. I think we have similar ideas about how we would like our money to benefit us.
I couldn’t agree with this more. If/when we can afford it, I plan to hire my own housekeepers for once/month cleaning. It’s so nice to not have to worry about cleaning! As for the massage, I have desperately wanted another one recently but can’t justify the cost. I do, however, get an hour and a half massage each time we travel to the Caribbean (every Spring)! Enjoy!
I actually just posted something today about how I hired a cleaning lady! I think it’s awesome that you’re doing something that will help alleviate so much stress for you! And I LOVE the massage idea!
The wife I have a cleaning lay come every two weeks. We both work, save and invest, so we prefer not to spend our weekends cleaning. It’s worth every penny.
Lady. Sorry can’t type.
Good for you One Frugal Girl! I applaud your decision. My husband had suggested hiring a professional cleaner or maid a few months ago and I intially scoffed at the idea (I couldn’t fathom spending money on something I could do myself) but working full-time and having an active baby has made me reconsider. I now see the value in paying someone to scrub the bathroom and kitchen while I get a massage. Time is money!
Part of being frugal is allocating your money to things that make you happy and not spending money on unnecessary things that don’t make you happy. If this is what makes you happy, you are making the right choice for you and your family.
A lot of frugal tips say to avoid spending money on cable. My husband and I have cable plus tivo and netflix. And we use all of them daily and a TON on the weekends. It is our only source of entertainment most months and money well spent for our lifestyles. It’s the right choice for us.
Time is money and hiring a cleaning lady not only frees up your time but like you mentioned helps to relieve stress. You will have more time to benefit yourself or others without having to worry about cleaning up. I would still be on the lookout though for groupon deals in order to save a few bucks.
I’m glad you all think it’s a wise use of my money. The cleaners came this week and I immediately felt better about the state of things. Our bathrooms have never looked cleaner and I even paid a little extra to have them clean out our stove! That thing hadn’t been cleaned in years! I will keep searching for discounted cleaner rates on collective buying sites though. Maybe I’ll luck out and find a few in our area. If not I’m willing to pay full price to let someone else scrub our toilets š
OFG, I’m thrilled for you.
Why do you think this is not a frugal decision?? IT is not free or inexpensive.. but i cannot say its not a frugal decision.
Frugal means spending money exactly where you want to, by saving elsewhere.
Enjoy your newfound time and clean relaxing environment, guilt free!! š