I’ve always tried to be smart with money, but I’ve learned that sometimes being too frugal can backfire, affecting not just your wallet but your health and happiness too. Here’s a personal story that really put things into perspective for me.
Recently, my family and I planned to go to Monster Jam, a thrilling event with monster trucks. We had a few options for getting there: bus, train, Uber, or driving ourselves. Uber seemed like the easiest choice for our group of four, costing about $27 each way for a 30-minute ride. However, my wife and kids were excited about the train experience. Despite it being cheaper, this choice meant driving to the station, parking, and then catching the train, adding an extra 25 minutes each way to our journey. The whole process was less direct and more cumbersome than I would have liked.
After the event, we quickly made our way back to avoid the crowds, only to wait for the train and then face a 45-minute ride home. I wore a high-grade mask the entire time on the train due to a spike in COVID cases and typical winter illnesses. It wasn’t the most comfortable experience, especially since I hadn’t worn one in a long time.
The real trouble began after we got home. I started sneezing, which I initially thought was just allergies. However, the next day, the sneezing continued, and by the evening, I was shivering with chills. This was just the beginning. Two nights later, I was hit with severe chills and sweats, leaving me so drained that I couldn’t even drive my son to school. My wife had to step in, adding an hour to her day.
The sickness took a toll on my productivity too. I couldn’t manage my usual activities, like recording for my blog or responding to emails, which meant a whole day of work lost. My illness also meant I had to miss a tennis match, letting my team down.
Looking back, the decision to save $42-$50 by taking the train instead of Uber was clearly a mistake. The total cost of this decision wasn’t just financial—it was physical and emotional too. My wife now spends extra time each day on the road due to my inability to drive, and I risked spreading my illness to my entire family.
Despite the ordeal, there were a few silver linings. I saved a bit of money, which is always a plus, and the experience gave my wife valuable driving practice. It also made my family more appreciative of other transport options like driving or taking an Uber, which seem luxurious in comparison to public transport. The kids even learned a bit about patience, which is always a valuable lesson.
I wrote this post because I wanted to share how what seemed like a simple decision to save a little money ended up being quite costly in other ways. It’s made me rethink how I approach being frugal. It’s important to spend wisely, but not at the cost of your well-being. Sometimes, the best choice is the one that costs a little more but gives you peace of mind and keeps you healthy.
