The Fun Fund: Why You Deserve to Enjoy Life Without Guilt
Life’s Not Just About Bills and Savings
Let’s face it: most of us have been there. You splurge on a night out, a new gadget, or a spontaneous weekend away, and suddenly, a wave of guilt crashes over you. “Should I have spent that money? Shouldn’t I be saving instead?” It’s like there’s a little voice inside telling us that every spare pound needs to go towards our mortgage, bills, or savings accounts. Well, it’s time to tell that voice to take a break.
Welcome to the concept of the Fun Fund. It’s the antidote to all that spending guilt—a planned, guilt-free pot of money set aside for pure enjoyment. No spreadsheets, no second thoughts, just joy.
We often underestimate the importance of allowing ourselves some freedom with our finances. We work hard, and it’s important to feel the rewards of that work—not just in the long term, but right now. Life isn’t meant to be an endless cycle of working, saving, and denying ourselves any of the things that make it truly worth living. A Fun Fund is about balance—it’s about allowing yourself to truly live and enjoy the fruits of your labour.
What Is a Fun Fund?
A Fun Fund is simple: it’s a portion of your budget that you allocate specifically for things that make you happy. Think of it as a special stash for life’s pleasures—those things that make you feel alive and bring a smile to your face. Whether it’s a trip to see your favourite band, a fancy dinner with friends, or that painting class you’ve always wanted to try, the Fun Fund is about making room for joy in your financial plan.
Importantly, this isn’t about reckless spending. It’s about planning to treat yourself because, let’s be honest, what’s the point of working so hard if you never get to enjoy it?
By designating a portion of your income specifically for fun, you create an environment where joy is not just a nice-to-have, but an essential element of your lifestyle. When you consciously put aside money for fun, you reduce the risk of financial resentment—the feeling that all your income goes into responsibilities with nothing left for you. It’s a way to consciously reward yourself and give your future self the message: “I am worth it.”
Why You Deserve It: The Emotional and Psychological Benefits
Setting aside money to enjoy yourself isn’t just nice; it’s essential for your emotional wellbeing. Money should be a tool to live a rich, fulfilling life—not just something we hoard for a rainy day. Creating positive experiences has genuine benefits:
- Less Stress: Planning for fun reduces stress. Knowing you’ve got money set aside means you can enjoy your splurges without the panic of dipping into savings. Instead of spontaneous, guilt-ridden purchases, you’re making intentional choices that bring you happiness.
- Increased Motivation: Giving yourself permission to have fun helps prevent burnout. Those little treats can keep you motivated to stick to your financial goals. They serve as a reminder that all your hard work pays off in both the long and short term.
Behavioural finance—the study of how emotions impact our financial decisions—tells us that people who indulge occasionally tend to be happier and more disciplined with their overall finances. It’s the “balance” part of work-life balance. When we plan for enjoyment, we maintain a healthier attitude towards budgeting, making it easier to stick to our financial goals without feeling deprived.
Debunking the Guilt Around Enjoyment Spending
We’ve all heard the internal chatter: “I should save every penny” or “I shouldn’t be spending if I have debt.” But here’s the thing: if you constantly deprive yourself, you’re setting yourself up for resentment and, ultimately, burnout. Treating yourself isn’t irresponsible—it’s an act of self-care.
Think about it: the healthiest financial plans aren’t the ones that deprive you but the ones that keep you engaged and motivated. If you deny yourself all the little joys, the odds of falling off the financial discipline wagon increase. The Fun Fund acts as a pressure release valve. It helps you enjoy life in a way that’s planned, measured, and completely guilt-free.
This is where values-based spending comes into play. Spend your money on what truly matters to you, what aligns with your values, and what makes you happy. If spending on a pottery class or a weekend hike with friends makes you feel alive, that’s money well spent. Your financial plan should support the life you want today, not just the life you’re saving for tomorrow.
It’s important to realise that enjoyment spending doesn’t mean reckless abandon. When you plan your Fun Fund, you’re actually introducing a new level of discipline into your finances. You’re telling yourself, “I deserve enjoyment, and I’m going to do it in a way that makes sense.” This deliberate and mindful approach to spending is the key to sustaining financial wellbeing over the long haul.
How to Create Your Fun Fund Without Sacrificing Your Goals
Here’s how you can set up your very own Fun Fund in three simple steps:
- Determine an Amount: Start by choosing a comfortable percentage of your income—let’s say 5-10%. This could vary depending on your circumstances, but the key is to make it an amount you’re happy with. Remember, this is about creating a balance that feels right for you. If you’re new to budgeting for fun, start with a small amount and adjust as you grow more comfortable.
- Automate It: Consider setting up a separate bank account or even just an envelope at home. Automate a small transfer each payday so you don’t have to think about it. That way, the money is always there, ready for your next adventure. Automation is your friend here—it removes the temptation to skip a month and ensures that fun remains a priority.
- Prioritise Joyful Spending: Spend on experiences or items that genuinely make you feel good. This isn’t about buying things to impress others—it’s about authentic joy. Ask yourself, “What have I always wanted to do but never made time for?” Use your Fun Fund to explore your interests and enrich your life in ways that go beyond the material.
Remember, this is about balance. Your Fun Fund doesn’t mean you ignore bills or neglect savings; it means you give yourself permission to enjoy your hard-earned money along the way. You can still be financially responsible and save for the future while making sure you enjoy your present. It’s about finding that sweet spot where financial responsibility and happiness meet.
The Positive Impact on Your Overall Financial Life
The beauty of the Fun Fund is that it positively impacts your entire financial picture. Knowing you have money for enjoyment can reduce impulse spending. Why? Because you’re not feeling deprived. Instead of a spontaneous splurge driven by frustration, you can plan for something that brings lasting happiness.
A planned Fun Fund also provides structure for your enjoyment. By giving your fun a budget, you make sure it doesn’t derail your other financial goals. It’s easier to feel satisfied with your spending when it’s already part of the plan. You’re free to enjoy without any guilt, knowing that it’s all been accounted for.
It’s a mindset shift—budgeting doesn’t have to be restrictive; it can be empowering. Instead of thinking about what you can’t do, a Fun Fund focuses on what you can do. This fits perfectly into the “Fulfilment” pillar of the Financially Happy Blueprint. The Fun Fund helps you ensure your money supports the life you love today, not just someday far off.
Real-Life Examples: The Fun Fund in Action
Let’s bring this concept to life. Meet Sarah. Sarah had always put herself last. It was bills, then savings, then if anything was left over, maybe a small treat. After setting up a Fun Fund, she saved for a dream cooking class she’d been thinking about for years. Not only did she learn a new skill, but she found a new hobby that now gives her immense joy—and even saves her money on fancy dinners!
Or take Tom, who started using his Fun Fund for weekend trips with his kids. Those little family getaways have created priceless memories, and they didn’t derail his finances because they were planned. This is about experiences that enrich your life now, not just someday far in the future.
Another example is Jane, who used her Fun Fund to reconnect with her passion for painting. She bought supplies and signed up for an art class she had always dreamed of attending. Not only did it give her a creative outlet, but it also introduced her to a new community of like-minded people, expanding her social circle and boosting her sense of well-being.
Enjoy Today, Plan for Tomorrow
Life is short, and it’s meant to be enjoyed. Your Fun Fund is a way to make that happen without the guilt. It’s about giving yourself permission to enjoy life now while still planning for a secure future. The two can coexist—and they should.
So, what would you put in your Fun Fund? Whether it’s travel, learning a new skill, or just the occasional fancy coffee, start small but make it meaningful. Your financial journey is about creating a life you love—today and every day after.
Give yourself the freedom to enjoy today, because every day you spend worrying about money is a day you can’t get back. A Fun Fund is a simple, powerful way to remind yourself that your life is worth living, and your happiness is worth investing in. Start today, and watch how this small, meaningful change can transform not just your finances, but your whole outlook on life.
