One of my favorite sayings perfectly sums up my experiences with money. On the surface, I might seem like I have my finances all sorted out, but I’ve had more slip-ups than I’d care to admit. The most recent one? I ended up spending over $1,500 on a flight to Europe because I missed out on a $150 deal, all because I wanted to take a spontaneous trip. Did it sting? Absolutely! Especially considering I live in Guatemala, where $1,500 could cover a couple of months’ expenses. But you know what?

It’s just money.

Unlike time, you can always earn more money. You can work harder, save up again, and eventually recover from the financial hiccup. In a month, or even a year, you’ll be back to where you were. Despite the mistakes, money has the power to solve many problems. Frustrated with the crooked politicians in my village? A hefty check could make those issues disappear. Hiring a full-time maid could bring more peace at home. Money can buy comfort, like taking a cab when you’re too tired to hop on the bus, or convenience, like ordering takeout instead of cooking.

Should you indulge every day? Probably not, especially if you want to build wealth and get ahead. But every now and then, treating yourself won’t lead to financial ruin.

Moving on with your life.

I still remember losing a significant amount of money in online trading a few years back. Even though it was the largest amount I’ve ever lost, it hurt less than losing cash. Strange, isn’t it? Watching the numbers drop online felt different; there was nothing tangible to hold onto or act upon. It’s similar to the overwhelming loss one might feel if their house lost almost all its value. But you can’t dwell on it; you have to move forward. Rip off the bandage and keep going. If you lose 50% of $100 in trading, you’ll need a 100% return just to break even. It’s harder, but not impossible.

Although I highly value smart financial decisions, I’m not overly concerned about losing money or possessions because I trust in my ability to earn it back. I prefer living freely rather than letting material things occupy my mind, even if it means occasionally needing to replace items like my cellphone or passport.

A few years ago, I had a company sponsor a high-end video camera worth about $2,000. My friend, who had paid for an older model himself, had his camera in my backpack, which unfortunately got stolen during a hike. I felt responsible and offered him my newer camera, thinking it would make things right. To my surprise, he was angry, explaining how much effort he had put into saving for his camera—simply giving him a better one didn’t resolve his disappointment.

In my view, money can fix most things. It can’t cure terminal illnesses or bring back lost loved ones, but it can address many other problems, even buying time when necessary. That’s why it’s crucial to have a good savings cushion to quickly overcome any issues that arise.

I’m not suggesting we just throw money at every problem, but consider this: before you stress for weeks over a minor financial mistake, try letting it go once in a while. Your peace of mind is worth more than that.

How long does it take you to recover from your money mistakes?