Spend or Save? The Single Woman’s Guide to Living Fully and Planning for the Future

The delicate balancing act of enjoying the finer things in life now vs. later.

It’s a constant juggling act to balance living into the fullness of the present and still saving for the future. This article explores how to do this through intentional planning and spending.

You’ve probably heard both of these pieces of advice before:

💸 “Life is short—enjoy it while you can!”

💰 “Save every penny! Future you is counting on it.”

So… which one is it? Should you be jetting off to Paris and splurging on spontaneous weekend getaways? Or should you be hoarding every dollar, eating sad desk salads, and skipping fun so that retirement you can finally breathe easy?

If you’re a single woman, this balancing act feels especially tricky. You’re managing life, finances, and the future all on your own—so the decisions you make today really do impact your future security. But guess what? You can live life fully and be financially smart. The key is intentionality. Let’s break it down.

1. Define What "Living Fully" Means to You

Before you start feeling guilty about every dollar spent (or saved), ask yourself: What does “enjoying life” actually mean to me?

For some, it’s travel. For others, it’s dining at amazing restaurants, pursuing creative passions, or just having the freedom to work less and breathe more. Define it for yourself, because when you do, you can spend with purpose instead of just swiping your card aimlessly.

✨ Hack: Create a “fun fund” in your budget! Allocating a set amount for joy (without sabotaging savings) gives you freedom to enjoy life guilt-free.

2. Save Smart, Not Miserably

You don’t have to choose between “live now” or “save for later.” Instead, get strategic with your savings:

✔️ Automate retirement contributions – If you have to think about saving, it’s too easy to skip it. Set up automatic transfers so Future You is taken care of before Present You starts making plans.

✔️ Use a bucket system – Separate your savings into different accounts:

• Short-term joy (travel, hobbies, experiences)

• Emergency fund (because life happens)

• Retirement/long-term security

Seeing money grow in different areas helps you feel secure AND free.

3. Play the Long Game (Without Feeling Deprived)

You don’t need to sacrifice everything today for some distant version of yourself decades from now. Instead of extremes, aim for progress over perfection.

💡 80/20 Rule: Prioritize savings 80% of the time, but leave 20% for fun—because life is meant to be lived, not just planned.

💡 Make your money work for you: Investing doesn’t mean not spending—it means spending later with more money in your pocket.

💡 Upgrade, don’t impulse buy: If you love shopping, challenge yourself to spend on quality over quantity. A $300 timeless coat that lasts 10 years beats 10 fast-fashion impulse buys that end up in donation bins.

4. Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy (Without Guilt)

Here’s the thing: Being responsible with money doesn’t mean depriving yourself of joy. It means you get to spend with intention—on what actually matters to you.

And guess what? You don’t have to splurge on big-ticket items to enjoy life. There are so many activities that bring joy, connection, and fulfillment without draining your bank account. Here are some ideas to help you enjoy today without guilt or regret:

🌿 Take a nature walk or hike – Fresh air, beautiful views, and a little exercise. All at no cost. Nature has this magical ability to help you reset, think clearly, and feel more grounded. Plus, you might just discover a new trail or hidden park near you.

📚 Get lost in a book or audiobook – A good book can take you places you’ve never been, all from the comfort of your couch (or local coffee shop). Many libraries offer free access to audiobooks and e-books, making it a budget-friendly escape.

🎨 Embrace a creative hobby – Whether it’s painting, knitting, journaling, or photography, exploring your creative side doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Local art supply stores or online tutorials are full of budget-friendly ideas to get started. Plus, creating something with your hands can feel incredibly satisfying.

🍳 Host a potluck dinner or picnic – It doesn’t take a lot of money to gather your friends and share good food. Potlucks and picnics are a great way to socialize and enjoy a homemade meal without overspending at restaurants. Plus, it’s fun to contribute your signature dish!

🎤 Sing your heart out (karaoke-style) – You don’t need a bar to have a karaoke night. Grab a mic (or your hairbrush), blast some tunes, and belt it out in the comfort of your own home. Invite friends for a night of music, laughter, and maybe a little wine. It’s free, and it’s an awesome way to feel carefree.

🎥 Movie marathon or binge-watch a series – Skip the theater ticket and turn your living room into a cozy cinema. Stream movies or binge-watch a new series you’ve been meaning to check out. You can make popcorn, snuggle up in blankets, and enjoy a movie night without spending anything extra.

🚴‍♀️ Explore your city on a bike or by foot – Play tourist in your own town! Take a bike ride or go for a walk to explore local art galleries, hidden gems, or cool neighborhoods you’ve never checked out. You might be surprised at what’s right under your nose.

🌟 Volunteer or give back – Doing something good for others doesn’t cost a dime but can bring so much fulfillment. Whether it’s helping out at a local food bank, walking dogs at the shelter, or tutoring kids, giving your time to others can feel incredibly rewarding—and you’re making a difference in someone else’s life.

Now, if none of those suggestions fit the bill, then I say, book the trip—but plan for it. Buy the nice dinner—but don’t swipe your credit card blindly. Invest in your future—but don’t forget to enjoy the ride.

Because at the end of the day, financial security isn’t just about numbers in a bank account. It’s about freedom, choices, and having the life you truly want—today and tomorrow.

By focusing on what truly matters to you—and tapping into affordable or free ways to enjoy those things—you can enjoy today without sacrificing your long-term financial goals. After all, financial security is about giving you more freedom to enjoy the life you want, both now and in the future!