Most people start saving and investing with noble intentions such as retirement, children’s education, buying a home or building generational wealth. These long term goals form the backbone of a secure financial future and rightly so. But in the race to secure tomorrow many unknowingly deprive themselves of today.

It’s surprisingly common individuals diligently set aside money for a future 20 or 30 years away yet hesitate to spend on a short trip that could refresh them a hobby that could bring joy or an experience they have always wanted to try. The result is a financially disciplined life but not necessarily a fulfilled one.

This is where the idea of financial balance comes into play. A well-structured financial plan should not only safeguard your future but also ensure you enjoy the journey along the way.

The Problem Over Indexing on the Future

In India especially most people grow up watching their parents prioritise sacrifice over spending. The idea of “save now enjoy later” has been deeply embedded for generations. While the intent is good life rarely moves in straight lines. Health family responsibilities and personal energy change with age.

• A Europe trip at 30 feels different from a Europe trip at 60.
• Learning guitar at 28 sparks a different excitement than learning it at 68.
• A scuba diving course at 35 matches your energy levels better than at 55.

Certain experiences are age dependent. If you postpone everything to a distant “someday” you may find that someday never arrives in the way you imagined.

The Counterbalance Intentional Enjoyment

Enjoying life today does not mean being careless with money. It simply means being intentional about the expenses that enhance your well-being.

The key questions to ask yourself are –

• What truly brings me joy outside my work and responsibilities
• Which experiences if not pursued now may not remain feasible later
• What does a fulfilling life look like for me financially emotionally and physically

The answers lead you to your personal definition of balance.

Why Enjoying Today Matters

1. Mental Health and Burnout Prevention – A life driven purely by long term goals risks burnout. Breaks creative hobbies and small indulgences act as mental recharge points. They make you more productive calmer and emotionally resilient.

2. Strengthening Relationships – Many life experiences such as family vacations dinner dates and spontaneous weekend trips create memories that last longer than material purchases. They strengthen bonds and enrich relationships.

3. Better Motivation to Pursue Long Term Goals – Oddly enough allowing yourself joy today increases your willingness to stick to long term commitments. You no longer feel deprived. Instead you feel balanced and motivated.

4. Life’s Unpredictability – Not everything can be postponed. Good health mobility curiosity and passion evolve with time. A balanced plan respects this reality.

How to Maintain This Balance

1. Build a Joy Fund or Experience Fund – Just like you allocate SIPs for retirement, allocate a monthly amount towards experiences such as vacations, hobbies and celebrations. It does not have to be huge, even ₹2000 to ₹5000 monthly can grow into something meaningful.

2. Categorise Your Goals – Break your goals into –

   • Short term joy goals like vacations courses hobbies
   • Medium term lifestyle goals like car upgrades or home improvements
   • Long term security goals like retirement or education
   This categorisation ensures every stage of life has something to look forward to.

3. Follow the 50-30-20 Rule with Tweaks – Traditionally

   • 50% needs
   • 30% wants
   • 20% savings
   If your savings exceed 20 percent consider rebalancing so that your “wants” category includes meaningful experiences not just shopping or impulsive spends.

4. Review Annually – Life changes and aspirations evolve. Review your financial plan every year to adjust goals increase your experience fund or shift priorities.

5. Give Yourself Permission – Many people feel guilty spending on themselves. But joy is not a luxury. It is part of a life well lived. Your financial plan should empower you not restrict you.

Conclusion

A secure future is important but so is a fulfilling present. The goal of financial planning is not to accumulate money for the sake of it. The goal is to enable a life rich in health memories confidence and peace.

• You deserve to take that trip
• You deserve to pursue that hobby
• You deserve to enjoy this stage of life with intention not guilt

Because in the end true wealth is not just about what you save for tomorrow. It is about the life you live today.