I feel virtuous when I choose the cheaper option at restaurants but then I don't enjoy my meal and wonder why I'm making myself miserable to save three dollars.
More people experience this than they realize.
Micro-level financial discipline that diminishes present experience raises questions about whether optimization is worth the cost to joy.
“Where Are You with Saving and the psychology of deferred gratification?”
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.