Have you ever had the “want vs. need” battle? You know you want it … but … your little inner voice says, “Do you need it?”

Sometimes the little inner voice even says things like: “you should be saving for retirement, or for a house, or for the future in general,” but in that moment, you can’t seem to silence your inner spender.

How do you find the right balance? Is it even possible to reconcile two sides that are so at odds with each other? Melissa and Curtis found out that it was possible to appease both voices if they had a financial plan in place first.

Although Melissa and Curtis may have secret lives as a detective and an undercover nerd respectively, it’s no secret that managing their money more efficiently has been a game changer! They have figured out the right path for them, and are still able to enjoy their favourite splurges and live the life they want.

Check out their answers below to hear from the couple who seems to have figured out the answer to having your cake, and eating it too.

What is your occupation?

Curtis: Strategy & Corporate Reporting for Farm Credit Canada.

Melissa: X-Ray Technologist at Regina General Hospital.

Where do you live?

Regina, Saskatchewan.

Where are you from originally?

Curtis: I grew up on a farm just south west of Regina, Saskatchewan.

Melissa: Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

Curtis: Despite being a very athletic and outdoorsy person, I am secretly a nerd at heart (I love Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and puzzles)!

Melissa: I am a crime show and documentary junkie. In another life, I would be a wonderful detective.

What is your favourite quote?

Curtis: “Actions speak louder than words.”

Melissa: “That which does not kill you, makes you stronger.”

My proudest money moment:

Curtis: When I knew for sure that we were on the right track for our retirement – knowing that we were saving enough now, that we had a good plan in place, and could still do fun things!

Melissa: Being able to purchase our first home and knowing we were financially comfortable enough to start a family.

What is your top money frustration?

Curtis: The frustration that as our salaries increase, it never feels like we have more money. The more you make, the more you seem to spend.

Melissa: Trying to stay disciplined with my spending – just because I want something, doesn’t mean that it’s financially responsible. Being aware of our needs first and wants only when it’s possible.

Financial security to me means . . .

Curtis: Knowing you have enough money to save for retirement and your future goals but also that you are able to live a comfortable life now.

Melissa: Being able to support our family, but still be able to do fun things and have wonderful experiences.

What is your favourite splurge?

Curtis: Making large purchases for our house – new furniture, or finishing our basement!

Melissa: Going on a vacation!

If you had a chance for one do-over in life, what would you do differently?

Curtis: Instead of taking a few years off to work, I would have gone to university much sooner.

Melissa: Sticking it out in university and getting a degree. I love what I do now and am proud of my academic journey thus far but having a degree, and that accomplishment, is something I feel I could have obtained.

What is the best piece of financial advice that you have ever been given?

Curtis: Don’t spend money you don’t have!

Melissa: You don’t have to be rich to invest – or to get financial advice! I used to think that I didn’t make enough money to invest or that it would be something I would worry about later. Thanks to some wonderful advice, I realize the little bit that I can do now, will help in the long run. I feel more comfortable that we are prepared for our future and that we are doing the right things for our family.