The Spend Out Attitude Adjustment

This month’s Happiness Project theme—money—has already brought me face-to-face with some interesting aspects of how we think about spending. In the first post, I wrestled with the idea of whether money can buy happiness. Then I dug into Gretchen Rubin’s concept of “Spend Out,” which is all about not hoarding the “good stuff” for some undefined special occasion that never comes. Today, I’m continuing that thread by veering a little off topic.

I want to share a story that’s not directly about tennis. A few months ago, I made a purchase that I have been thinking about for years. I finally bought a 3D printer.

Rubin defines this kind of spending as a “modest splurge,” which is a purchase that’s not strictly necessary, but one that brings joy or serves a purpose beyond pure utility. For me, the 3D printer fell squarely into that category. I could afford it, but I kept putting it off, waiting for the “right” moment. Eventually, I had one of those internal attitude adjustments that the “Spend Out” philosophy is meant to provoke: If not now, then when?

I didn’t buy the cheapest model, either. Anticipating that I’d eventually be printing items destined for my tennis racquet bag, I needed a printer that could handle tougher composite materials that can withstand being left in a car during the Texas summer heat. Additionally, I opted for some high-end upgrades. Even though I could have pieced together advanced capabilities myself as less expensive after-market add-ons, I chose a higher-end model with built-in features like multi-filament support and a built-in camera for remote monitoring. That was also a part of the “Spend Out” shift. I got exactly what I wanted.

I didn’t know what was coming at the time. Roughly a month after the printer arrived, the Trophy Husband was diagnosed with what we now know is Grade 4 brain cancer. Since then, life has been turned upside down. If I had known that the coming diagnosis, along with the fact that we would be blowing through our family’s out-of-pocket maximum medical costs, was coming, I absolutely would have talked myself out of the purchase. There is simply no way I would have considered buying something frivolous and non-essential at that time.

However, my new 3D printer has been an unexpected source of comfort and joy during the past few incredibly difficult months.

Our new life rhythm means that I’m spending much more time at home than what was previously “normal.” That means I’ve started noticing numerous things around the house that need fixing or organizing. As it turns out, designing and printing small custom storage solutions is my new personality. This hands-on, creative distraction has provided me with a sense of agency and control, as many other aspects of my life have felt completely the opposite.

It’s strange to say, but I look back on that “Spend Out” moment with pure gratitude. The printer was a modest splurge that turned out to be exactly what I needed, even though I couldn’t possibly have known that at the time. I’m sure not every “Spend Out” decision will work out this well. It was a risk that paid off in peace of mind. Sometimes spending out isn’t just about using what you have, but rather about giving yourself permission and the tools to pursue joy, even in uncomfortable times.

Have you ever taken a chance on a “modest splurge” that turned out to be just what you needed? I’d love to hear your stories.

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