For months I have wanted to go and get a manicure/pedicure – but never did because I didn’t want to spend the money. I was being fiscally responsible and not spending my money on frivolous things.

You see - as part of a financial makeover - I am much more frugal than I was even a year ago.  Back then, I would have gone to get my nails done at the first urge. I would have had to charge it because money was tight and my day of pampering would have ended in guilt.

But that was then. For months – I have been strategic shopping, saving my family hundreds of dollars. I’ve also been doing my daughter’s clothes shopping at consignment and trying to pack my lunch on most days. I have even given up my $50 haircut in exchange for a $15 do.

Saving money does feel great. But, then it hit me – what is the point of saving a bunch of money, if I don’t take the time to spoil myself every now again? Isn’t that the point of pinching pennies in some areas, so I can afford the small pleasures in life – without having to turn to my fair-weather friends, Visa and Mastercard?

So with this new revelation, over the weekend I put my daughter to nap, kissed my husband goodbye and went to the salon. I got that mani and pedi. I even sprung for an eyebrow wax. And you know what, for the first time in years, I didn’t feel guilty about it one bit.