Today, there were more FIFA celebrations around the Vancouver area, including a march by New Zealand fans. People were out in full force, excited to support their team. As I walked by, I overheard many saying this is a once-in-a-lifetime event and that it’ll probably never happen again, so they wanted to experience it while they could.
That got me thinking about how often people justify expensive spending by calling something “once in a lifetime.” Weddings are a classic example—couples sometimes spend enormous amounts of money that could have gone toward a down payment on a home or a new car. It makes you wonder: when something truly is a rare opportunity, should you stop caring so much about the cost? Personally, I think there’s a responsible middle ground. If it’s free or low-cost—like attending public fan screenings or watching the game at a restaurant with friends—that’s completely reasonable. You’re stepping out of your normal routine to join the atmosphere without hurting your finances.
But dropping something like ten thousand dollars on tickets when you’re on a tight budget? That crosses the line. The fun of one day isn’t worth the stress of debt the next morning. The same logic applies to weddings. More people nowadays seem to be thinking ahead. They’d rather save their money for building a life together than blow it all on one party. Having a paid-off home feels far more valuable than struggling with debt while staring at wedding photos.
With big events like the FIFA celebrations, I believe you should try to experience them if they’re truly once-in-a-lifetime—but do it responsibly. What’s the point of earning money if you never enjoy it? At the same time, you shouldn’t put yourself in a tough financial spot. Live below your means, even when celebrating. On the flip side, many successful people later say they regret not traveling more or creating memories when they were younger.
They realized money can always be earned back, but those experiences can’t. So it’s about finding balance: don’t blow your savings, but don’t completely rob yourself of meaningful moments either. Find frugal ways to participate and enjoy life without regret.