The Art of Spending Money
People approach money in very different ways. Some find it hard to save; others find it hard to spend. For some who are more pressed for free cash, the choice doesn’t exist at all. Money can be a tool for happiness or a source of stress depending on how it’s managed, or how much power you allow it to hold over you.
The Art of Spending feels like a natural successor to Morgan Housel’s earlier works, which focused more on accumulation, saving, and sensible financial behaviour. This time, the focus shifts to considerations and thoughts about how to spend money in a way that leads to overall improved happiness in life. The title captures the consistent theme of the book perfectly. There’s no exact science to spending, and what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another. Housel frames it as an art precisely because it’s personal and shaped by a person’s individual circumstances, interests, and temperament.
Many of the lessons serve as timely reminders of things we probably already know but too often forget, sprinkled with new insights and thoughtful anecdotes. At just over 200 pages, it’s a relatively light read, with Housel bringing his trademark clarity and storytelling , making it easy to digest.
It can be read as a standalone, but I’d suggest probably sits best alongside The Psychology of Money, which remains probably one of my more gifted books. Depending on where you are in life, The Psychology of Money might help you first build the foundations of financial discipline, while The Art of Spending explores how to enjoy and manage the results of that discipline.
Who’s it for?
Anyone still defining their relationship with money will find this insightful. As someone who leans toward a similar path of Housel in being a disciplined saver, I found the reflections on learning to spend without guilt especially relevant. Whether you’re working to improve your financial habits or simply seeking a better balance between prudence and enjoyment, The Art of Spending is a worthwhile addition to your shelf, ideally read alongside The Psychology of Money.