Do you have to settle for something that you don’t really want, all because you want to save money? Of course not. There is a difference between making do and living with something you hate.
I’ve always told my husband that unless something was an absolute necessity, I would often choose to do without rather than deal with something that I didn’t like. For example, I would be happy to look at a half empty living room instead of filling it with Aunt Ida’s putrid green couch. At the same time, if the washing machine broke down, I really won’t complain about the looks of a new one, since going weeks without being able to do laundry trumps looking at an ugly washer.
It is good to know where you stand, so if certain situations come up, you know how to react and, maybe more importantly, you know how your spouse or other family members will react. If my husband came through the door with Aunt Ida’s couch, I would probably throw them both out, or at least try (he is a bit stronger than I, although I’ve got some moves).
Often, when you don’t settle, the right thing does come along later. The universe is funny that way. If you jump the gun, so to speak, you may wind up losing out. If you spend your money or your time acquiring a certain kitchen appliance that is just so-so, it is almost guaranteed that the one you really want will go on sale or become available used and in pristine shape. Sounds like I am speaking from experience, doesn’t it? It is true.
My point is, you have to walk a fine line between saving money and settling. If it doesn’t make you happy, it might not matter how much money you saved.