This is Optimal Finance Daily, episode 1091, The Urge to Splurge by Sam Lustgarden with

Becoming Minimalist.com.

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But since you're here, let's get right to our post as we start optimizing your life. The urge to splurge by Sam Lustgarden with Becoming Minimalist.com.

Quote, all ads do the same, create an anxiety relivable by purchase.

David Foster Wallace

Over the last year and a half, I've worked to reduce expenses, increase income, and refrain from consumeristic rewards,

for instance shopping sprees and dinners.

I've opted for more empowered life directions of self-reflection and growth. My methods have been

rather boring, focusing on the important and refraining from buying wants.

These aren't ingenious ideas and you've probably read them countless times

before.

Despite my methodical approach, I'm imperfect,

and one aspect of my life continuously challenges these efforts.

Dating.

As a single graduate student in a small midwestern town, it's been difficult to find relationships.

Both my schedule and avenues for meeting people are severely restricted, at least during academic semesters.

Additionally, my budget is tight every month.

...