<prompt> Human: Ive been struggling for a while with this and I started to wonder if anyone else feels similarly andor has ways to combat it.I have a good job with a pension and contribute about 15 of my gross pay towards retirement additional pension contribution457Roth IRA. My emergency fund is fully funded and I have significant equity in my home. So suffice to say Im in a pretty good place financially, I could probably afford to put away more, but thats where my problem lies.As a family we make sure to live within our means. I pack a lunch every day, my wife takes pride in cooking healthy low budget meals, we drive used cars, etc, etc.Despite or maybe because of all of this, I cant help but feel unfulfilled. I see people driving nice cars, with bigger houses, going on extravagant trips etc and I get jealous and a little depressed. The rational part of my brain knows that my chosen career means that, while Ill be comfortable, Ill never be rich and that Im making the correct responsible choices right now. The emotional part of my brain is telling me that this sucks, I deserve nice things and you only live once. Putting money into my Roth IRA just doesnt feel as good as when I albeit extremely rarely treat myself to a new sweaterphonewhatever.So my question is how do I reconcile the two? What do you do when doing the right thing doesnt feel as good as the wrong thing?Assistant: If you never save anything at all, you might live to be 90 years old and end up being homeless because your health doesnt allow you to work.If you save every penny possible and never spend on today, you might die before you are able to enjoy your retirement.Everyone has to choose somewhere in the middle. Decide where you want that to be, and then dont feel guilty about spending the money you allocated for today. Give yourself permission to be selfish once in a while, as long as you are still making progress on your long-term goals.Human: Yeah I definitely agree with you, and like I said the logical part of my brain is telling me that Im doing the right thing, its just difficult. I guess if it was easy everyone would do it.  <response>: Go on a trip this year. Treat yourself to a new sweater or phone. You are meeting your financial obligations so budget in spending money.I budget fun money and travel money but live within my means. Meal prepping means I can save and afford to travel. 