This is an iHeart Podcast.
Hey, listeners.
If you're on the go all the time, and I know you are, you know how important it is to stay hydrated.
So why not reach for the pure, crisp taste of smart water?
Smart water is the smart way to hydrate, no matter the scenario.
You can bring elevated hydration to every part of your day, with added electrolytes for taste and a bottle that looks good too.
It's everything you want from a bottled water.
Purity you taste, hydration you feel.
Visit drinksmartwater.com to learn more.
Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of iHeartRadio.
Good morning.
This is Laura.
Welcome to the Before Breakfast podcast.
Today's tip is to think through when to make do and when not to.
There is no point buying new things when the old things work just as well.
On the other hand, there is no point being constantly unhappy with little things either.
A little contemplation might help you figure out the right balance.
So as long-time listeners know, I am a fairly frugal sort.
I come down strongly on the side of making do.
I am driving a 12-year-old car because it still works.
I find it incredibly annoying when I have to buy things like new socks and new underwear, because in my mind, these things should last forever.
Now, there are some upsides to being willing to make do.
I can and have lived on very little money when that's been necessary.
I am not upset by mediocre accommodations when I'm traveling.
I am generally content because I am not thinking about what's wrong with what I have.
On the other hand, I have lived with things that it turns out are easily solved for a long time.
I spent a year recording this podcast while sitting on the ground in my closet.
It turns out that they make chairs.
So the question becomes when to make do and when not to make do.
This should somewhat be shaped by what anyone can afford.
If not making do means taking on debt, then it is probably a bad idea.
If not making due means not having a robust emergency fund and being fully on track for funding your retirement, then again, no.
But once we reach the place of having some discretionary income, then I think there are a few questions to ask.
First, if it is possible to make do, how much joy would something new bring to your life?
Since I am reasonably happy with my car and don't derive much of my self-concept from my car, I don't think a new car would bring me particular joy.
Now, that equation would change a lot if my car didn't start half the time.
Then a new car would bring me tremendous joy, as I would be less stressed and I wouldn't be late everywhere.
Second, even if something would bring joy, what else could you do with the money?
Money is fungible, so money spent on one thing is money not spent on something else.
And it is possible that that something else might bring even more joy.
So, for instance, you might think it would be fun to upgrade your kitchen.
But if that would cost the same as a trip to Europe and you think about it and realize you'd rather take a trip to Europe, then maybe it's worth making do with your counters and cabinets and enjoying your vacation instead.
These answers are going to be different for everyone.
Maybe you have no intention of traveling to Europe, so those counters and cabinets would actually make you happier.
Or maybe you have so much cash that there is no trade-off.
There is nothing else you would do with the cash, because you are already doing everything that you want to.
If so, have at it.
With the caveat that avoiding waste is a good in its own right.
So if you are redoing your kitchen before it falls apart, it is worth seeing if you can recycle or donate the materials.
Maybe it will be possible and maybe it won't be.
But on the other hand, I guess flying internationally creates a lot of waste too.
It's just always something to keep in mind.
Sometimes it's good to make do and sometimes it's better not to.
It is always just a question of how much joy the choice would bring to you.
And if it would bring joy, if there is another choice, that might bring even more joy.
Optimizing in that way can help us create a good balance and spend limited resources as wisely as possible.
In the meantime, this is Laura.
Thanks for listening.
And here's to making the most of our time.
That's B-E, the number four, then breakfast, P-O-D.
You can also shoot me an email at beforebreakfastpodcast at iheartmedia.com.
That before breakfast is spelled out with all the letters.
Thanks so much.
I look forward to staying in touch.
Before Breakfast is a production of iHeart Radio.
For more podcasts from iHeart Radio, visit the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Hey listeners, today's tip is powered by National University.
You know my goal is to help you make the most of your day without sacrificing work or family time.
That's why I'm so happy to introduce an institution that shares the same values.
If you are thinking about going back to school, you're probably wondering how to fit it all in.
National's flexible online formats, four- and eight-week courses and monthly class starts help you begin your degree sooner, finish faster and do it all on your own schedule.
So you have more options for managing work, family and school.
With over 150 degrees, credentials and certificates to choose from, they have a program that fits your career goals.
Learn more today at nu.edu.
Hey, listeners.
FedEx Office understands that running a small business can feel like navigating uncharted waters each decision a bear of a task, and finding the best way to build your business a tough nut to crack.
So let their in-store team members make packing and shipping a piece of cake with on-site pack and ship.
And roll with the punches with custom printing.
Because helping you achieve your business goals is just another day at the office.
Get started at office.fedex.com.
This is an iHeart Podcast.
