Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
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Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
First, let me say I'm a relatively newbie as you can see by my count. Second I am learning a ton of stuff especially about taking charge of my retirement.
But....... lol
Does anyone ever make a "fun" purchase.
Let me explain, maybe we simply don't mention it. Now I'm definitely the type that works better under the "reward" type of system, always have been. For example, If you tell me "save for retirement so you can get the apartment in Paris you always dreamed of" is a huge motivator for me. telling me "save for retirement because you will need long term care when your 90" unfortunately will not do a darn thing.
That being said, I am decorating my brand new townhouse and found absolutely gorgeous curtains that will run me about 5K. I love them, can afford them but the decision was met with derision. One person told me that I must be trying to elevate my status with them (?????)
Main points seem to be that 1) I could get curtains cheaper and 2) I would do better saving the money.
Now of course home decorations may not be every ones thing...I admit to having an unhealthy obsession with Chintz but that's for my therapist to work on, but do bogleheads ever make a purchase because they 'love" some thing or is every thing through the lens of what could be saved?
But....... lol
Does anyone ever make a "fun" purchase.
Let me explain, maybe we simply don't mention it. Now I'm definitely the type that works better under the "reward" type of system, always have been. For example, If you tell me "save for retirement so you can get the apartment in Paris you always dreamed of" is a huge motivator for me. telling me "save for retirement because you will need long term care when your 90" unfortunately will not do a darn thing.
That being said, I am decorating my brand new townhouse and found absolutely gorgeous curtains that will run me about 5K. I love them, can afford them but the decision was met with derision. One person told me that I must be trying to elevate my status with them (?????)
Main points seem to be that 1) I could get curtains cheaper and 2) I would do better saving the money.
Now of course home decorations may not be every ones thing...I admit to having an unhealthy obsession with Chintz but that's for my therapist to work on, but do bogleheads ever make a purchase because they 'love" some thing or is every thing through the lens of what could be saved?
"He who dies with the most toys is still, nonetheless dead"
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
Yes, quite often. People aren't one-dimensional cartoons. Tying this post to a story about $5K curtains sounds like a rationalization though.camptalcott wrote:First, let me say I'm a relatively newbie as you can see by my count. Second I am learning a ton of stuff especially about taking charge of my retirement.
But....... lol
Does anyone ever make a "fun" purchase.
Let me explain, maybe we simply don't mention it. Now I'm definitely the type that works better under the "reward" type of system, always have been. For example, If you tell me "save for retirement so you can get the apartment in Paris you always dreamed of" is a huge motivator for me. telling me "save for retirement because you will need long term care when your 90" unfortunately will not do a darn thing.
That being said, I am decorating my brand new townhouse and found absolutely gorgeous curtains that will run me about 5K. I love them, can afford them but the decision was met with derision. One person told me that I must be trying to elevate my status with them (?????)
Main points seem to be that 1) I could get curtains cheaper and 2) I would do better saving the money.
Now of course home decorations may not be every ones thing...I admit to having an unhealthy obsession with Chintz but that's for my therapist to work on, but do bogleheads ever make a purchase because they 'love" some thing or is every thing through the lens of what could be saved?
- ResearchMed
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I hate to make this pun, but I can't not...
Many people on this Forum are Frugal, but IMHO, too many are downright CHINTZY.
Sorry, couldn't help myself!
There are several other threads about "spending vs saving", and "when spending is 'okay'".
Obviously, the first issue is... how far along are you in saving for retirement/medical care/etc.?
If that's well along the way, and especially if one is almost there (rather than "assuming I've got plenty of time to get there"), then IF it is something that will give you great pleasure, that's what money is for.
We prefer cruises.
You want curtains. Actually, your curtains will last far longer than our cruise
Others want a BMW.
I'm writing elsewhere about MIL who has scrimped and lived ultra-frugally (and I mean *really* frugal, to point of doing without in many cases).
She is mid-90's, and balking at spending her savings on a safe and comfortable assisted living facility.
If that money isn't for *that*, I'm not sure WHAT it's for.
(She says it's for another relative who will *need* it, but we now think that's a cover for refusing to spend, given that the other relative IS taken care of and she now knows that.)
And then there are others who are going to have trouble making it on just minimal SS benefits and not much else...
The answer, for YOU, is judging where you are on financial goals, and how important something is for YOU (not what WE think of the particular choice).
IMHO, of course.
Enjoy the new curtains, every day!
RM
Many people on this Forum are Frugal, but IMHO, too many are downright CHINTZY.
Sorry, couldn't help myself!
There are several other threads about "spending vs saving", and "when spending is 'okay'".
Obviously, the first issue is... how far along are you in saving for retirement/medical care/etc.?
If that's well along the way, and especially if one is almost there (rather than "assuming I've got plenty of time to get there"), then IF it is something that will give you great pleasure, that's what money is for.
We prefer cruises.
You want curtains. Actually, your curtains will last far longer than our cruise
Others want a BMW.
I'm writing elsewhere about MIL who has scrimped and lived ultra-frugally (and I mean *really* frugal, to point of doing without in many cases).
She is mid-90's, and balking at spending her savings on a safe and comfortable assisted living facility.
If that money isn't for *that*, I'm not sure WHAT it's for.
(She says it's for another relative who will *need* it, but we now think that's a cover for refusing to spend, given that the other relative IS taken care of and she now knows that.)
And then there are others who are going to have trouble making it on just minimal SS benefits and not much else...
The answer, for YOU, is judging where you are on financial goals, and how important something is for YOU (not what WE think of the particular choice).
IMHO, of course.
Enjoy the new curtains, every day!
RM
This signature is a placebo. You are in the control group.
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I make fun purchases but they are truly things I value outside of money. Normally they are experiences and not necessarily material.
Example - last year I went to see a college bowl game at the last minute and paid for a flight for my dad (who lives in Michigan) and myself to meet in Arizona. I grew up watching a certain team, went to school there and my dad has season tickets there. It was a big part of my life as a child to watch that game on tv with him every Saturday.
Last year around Christmas, I read an article about how this particular bowl game decided to sell "partial" suite tickets. I.e., you did not buy the suite, you just bought 1/18th of the cost. Anyway, total ticket cost was $250 per person and I thought this would be a great event. I called my dad, bought two first class plane tickets round trip, met him at the airport as we arrived within 1 hour of each other, and spent a great weekend together. We enjoyed all the festivities and bowl experience. This year, it is all he can talk about - he is now pushing 80 years old. It is great that we can share that moment together and we can talk about it. It will certainly be one of the things I will remember for a long time. Was it cost effective - no - we could have had a similar experience with 2 regular seats, 2 coach airline tickets, or a not so similar experience with me just flying home and watching it on the big screen with him for much less cost. But sometimes, these fun purchases accomplish more than the money value spent - that is how I justify spending on these for myself - to each their own...
Example - last year I went to see a college bowl game at the last minute and paid for a flight for my dad (who lives in Michigan) and myself to meet in Arizona. I grew up watching a certain team, went to school there and my dad has season tickets there. It was a big part of my life as a child to watch that game on tv with him every Saturday.
Last year around Christmas, I read an article about how this particular bowl game decided to sell "partial" suite tickets. I.e., you did not buy the suite, you just bought 1/18th of the cost. Anyway, total ticket cost was $250 per person and I thought this would be a great event. I called my dad, bought two first class plane tickets round trip, met him at the airport as we arrived within 1 hour of each other, and spent a great weekend together. We enjoyed all the festivities and bowl experience. This year, it is all he can talk about - he is now pushing 80 years old. It is great that we can share that moment together and we can talk about it. It will certainly be one of the things I will remember for a long time. Was it cost effective - no - we could have had a similar experience with 2 regular seats, 2 coach airline tickets, or a not so similar experience with me just flying home and watching it on the big screen with him for much less cost. But sometimes, these fun purchases accomplish more than the money value spent - that is how I justify spending on these for myself - to each their own...
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I have found that I can have just as much fun and fulfillment spending much less than I used to. I have tried to focus my finances on the areas that bring me the most fulfillment. So I guess to answer your question, my "fun" purchases usually involve spending money on travel to see family or friends. I have realized that the happiness I get out of most things (objects) is fleeting and generally does not raise my quality of life.
However, your hierarchy of fulfillment may look very different from mine. I imagine most people have a different experience with what brings them fulfillment and/or happiness. Also this will most definitely change as each person ages. If you value having items like this, there is nothing wrong with that. If you can afford it and it fits in with your financial plan, by all means, buy it.
I just find that when we have to be truly honest with ourselves about what brings us happiness before we can get at the root of how we should be spending our money.
However, your hierarchy of fulfillment may look very different from mine. I imagine most people have a different experience with what brings them fulfillment and/or happiness. Also this will most definitely change as each person ages. If you value having items like this, there is nothing wrong with that. If you can afford it and it fits in with your financial plan, by all means, buy it.
I just find that when we have to be truly honest with ourselves about what brings us happiness before we can get at the root of how we should be spending our money.
**Insert witty and/or insightful quote here**
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I don't pay for frivolous purchases. I do spend a lot on experiences. This is based on my life philosophy and supported by behavioral economics' findings that experiences are more rewarding than material possessions.
Victoria
Victoria
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
Louis Winthorpe III wrote:Yes, quite often. People aren't one-dimensional cartoons. Tying this post to a story about $5K curtains sounds like a rationalization though.camptalcott wrote:First, let me say I'm a relatively newbie as you can see by my count. Second I am learning a ton of stuff especially about taking charge of my retirement.
But....... lol
Does anyone ever make a "fun" purchase.
Let me explain, maybe we simply don't mention it. Now I'm definitely the type that works better under the "reward" type of system, always have been. For example, If you tell me "save for retirement so you can get the apartment in Paris you always dreamed of" is a huge motivator for me. telling me "save for retirement because you will need long term care when your 90" unfortunately will not do a darn thing.
That being said, I am decorating my brand new townhouse and found absolutely gorgeous curtains that will run me about 5K. I love them, can afford them but the decision was met with derision. One person told me that I must be trying to elevate my status with them (?????)
Main points seem to be that 1) I could get curtains cheaper and 2) I would do better saving the money.
Now of course home decorations may not be every ones thing...I admit to having an unhealthy obsession with Chintz but that's for my therapist to work on, but do bogleheads ever make a purchase because they 'love" some thing or is every thing through the lens of what could be saved?
Not so much as a rationalization since I pretty much fell in love with them at first sight and every thing else I looked at didn't compare so I had already made up my mind on getting them.
Things like the conversation I had about them often lead my brain to wandering, a very dangerous thing lol for me.
I've always thought that if I had it to do all over again I would have went into the "social sciences" psychology or social psychology instead of Chemistry because I'm always wondering about what makes folks "tick". I'm sure I drive many a person nuts with it.
"He who dies with the most toys is still, nonetheless dead"
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
regarding your draperies: Take a picture and see if you can find what you want a little cheaper. I had mine made by a woman who owned her own drapery business. I got just what I wanted for a lot less than 5k. I picked the material and she made my draperies which a lined and gorgeous and about 12 years old now. She said to never clean them, just put them in the dryer on cool for 10 minutes and rehang.
LynnC
LynnC
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
My fun purchases are usually "all you can eat" seafood Buffett. $45 per person and I eat until I can no longer walk. I'm under 90 pounds and over 200 pounds guy can't even eat as much as I can.
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
Once you have your expenses covered, and that includes savings, you should spend the rest. That's what money is for. Hoarding is a fear reaction, IMO, and not healthy. But if you are going to spend, get the highest quality you can find. Lots of cheap stuff is just another form of hoarding.
"My bond allocation is the amount of money that I cannot afford to lose." -- Taylor Larimore
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
just chiming in. What is frivolous to someone else doesn't matter. We all just hope your retirement saving is up to snuff, and you pay cash for the drapes.
The mightiest Oak is just a nut who stayed the course.
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
LeeMKE wrote:just chiming in. What is frivolous to someone else doesn't matter. We all just hope your retirement saving is up to snuff, and you pay cash for the drapes.
Oh definitely. I think I'm pretty lucky, that when I grew up credit cards really were not the "thing". I remember when my mom got her first "Montgomery ward" card (ok, old heads anyone remember that store. ) and all the aunts came over to talk about it. So my husband and I just never got bitten by credit card trap.
My kids get mad at me because when they were teens they always wanted to go to the "mall" to hang out. Never understood that? what the heck is there to do in the mall fi you don't have cash? .
oh well, I'm a dinosaur.
"He who dies with the most toys is still, nonetheless dead"
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I'm in Victoria's camp - I tend to spend my money doing things.
I just spent $8500ish on a 4 month thru hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. It's over, and I don't have anything tangible to show for it but I'd far, far rather have that experience than to have spent it on say, drapes or new flooring.
But, if you want the drapes - buy the drapes. It's not like you're buying crack or playing slots.
I just spent $8500ish on a 4 month thru hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. It's over, and I don't have anything tangible to show for it but I'd far, far rather have that experience than to have spent it on say, drapes or new flooring.
But, if you want the drapes - buy the drapes. It's not like you're buying crack or playing slots.
- Clearly_Irrational
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
Apparently you make a lot more than we do, if my wife suggested we buy $5k curtains I'd laugh myself sick. That said, as long as your bills are paid, retirement is on track, etc. why shouldn't you spend your money on things that make you happy? Isn't that the whole point?
- pennstater2005
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I'm assuming most of us are adults. You see something you want and you either buy it or you don't. My gut usually tells me which.
“If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.” – Earl Wilson
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
Buying stuff for "fun" and "enjoyment" is fine. There's a fine line though. 5k curtains, fine... You going to put a $500 couch next to those curtains, now? Or is everything else in your "new townhome" (another expensive purchase) going to need updated furniture?camptalcott wrote:That being said, I am decorating my brand new townhouse and found absolutely gorgeous curtains that will run me about 5K. I love them, can afford them but the decision was met with derision. One person told me that I must be trying to elevate my status with them (?????)
Main points seem to be that 1) I could get curtains cheaper and 2) I would do better saving the money.
Now of course home decorations may not be every ones thing...I admit to having an unhealthy obsession with Chintz but that's for my therapist to work on, but do bogleheads ever make a purchase because they 'love" some thing or is every thing through the lens of what could be saved?
If you're still saving a ton (good), or have a ton already saved (better), then yeah you can splurge a little..
My wife and I bought a condo at the lake, and a boat last year... That was a huge splurge, but we paid cash for both, and we're still on track to retire in 10 years when I'm 55. It would have been really foolish to have bought that stuff ten years ago when we didn't have the money...
Last edited by HomerJ on Fri Nov 14, 2014 11:27 am, edited 2 times in total.
- Crimsontide
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
How many curtains (total windows covered) can you get for $5K? Sounds kind of high to me, but then again I've never bought window treatments from anywhere other than Home Depot I haven't made any "fun" purchases in many years, been too busy with the nose to the grindstone, unless you count the new fridge I have coming today.
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
There is no way that I would pay $5,000 for a set of curtains.
However, it is unlikely that you and I have the same tastes in "fun".
You probably wouldn't pay $680 for a new Inox Beretta 92 Compact or ~$1,200 for a gold coin. (Both things I am contemplating now)
Neither one of us really "need" these things but it makes us happy and (I assume) we are both maxing out our retirement savings and have very little debt.
That being said, while I don't know a lot about curtains, I am pretty sure you can get them cheaper than that for similar performance.
However, it is unlikely that you and I have the same tastes in "fun".
You probably wouldn't pay $680 for a new Inox Beretta 92 Compact or ~$1,200 for a gold coin. (Both things I am contemplating now)
Neither one of us really "need" these things but it makes us happy and (I assume) we are both maxing out our retirement savings and have very little debt.
That being said, while I don't know a lot about curtains, I am pretty sure you can get them cheaper than that for similar performance.
- pennstater2005
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
Crimsontide,
The fridge would definitely count
The fridge would definitely count
“If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.” – Earl Wilson
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
If you ain't living on the edge, you're taking up too much room. I spend money for fun stuff...it's called living an excellent life. I don't consider curtains fun though.
- BrandonBogle
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I'm in a similar boat. On Wednesday I fly to Houston (and from there drive to Austin and San Antonio) for a week with some friends for the sole reason of "I've never been there and would like to experience it".VictoriaF wrote:I don't pay for frivolous purchases. I do spend a lot on experiences. This is based on my life philosophy and supported by behavioral economics' findings that experiences are more rewarding than material possessions.
Victoria
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I agree as well. We travel a lot, and I think that is money very well spent. See e.g. http://www.theatlantic.com/business/arc ... es/381132/ for a summary of some of the research on happiness & experiences.VictoriaF wrote:I don't pay for frivolous purchases. I do spend a lot on experiences. This is based on my life philosophy and supported by behavioral economics' findings that experiences are more rewarding than material possessions.
Victoria
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I assume this means you have maxed out your 401k, IRA, emergency funds, have paid at least 20% down on your mortgage, and have no other debts, and have the cash available.I love them, can afford them but the decision was met with derision.
Could you buy the fabric and sew them yourself?
I would never spend that except for cars, travel, education, & gifts to kids, but you see people spending on all kinds of hobbies and interests. I like the expression "you can afford anything you want, just not everything you want".
Why are you telling everyone what they cost?
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I am assuming that OP would pay for the curtains out of her assets rather than income.Clearly_Irrational wrote:Apparently you make a lot more than we do, if my wife suggested we buy $5k curtains I'd laugh myself sick
Victoria
Last edited by VictoriaF on Fri Nov 14, 2014 11:44 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I make fun purchases all the time: VTI, BND, VXUS.
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
Do it!, if you're not going to run out next day or next week or next month and make another "fun" purchase. It's fun because you did it once, it will provide you with immense enjoyment over the next 5 or 10 years or more and you aren't going to make a habit of it. It becomes less fun when you are constantly spending, then it becomes a big chore and retail therapy cures nothing except to successfully deplete your resources and make the sellers rich. My last fun purchase was an overpriced Thomas wooden railway car ---> for someone a lot younger than me.
"One should invest based on their need, ability and willingness to take risk - Larry Swedroe" Asking Portfolio Questions
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I get to experience the fun twice there; once when I submit the order and a second time when I receive the text that my order executed.VirginiaBob wrote:I make fun purchases all the time: VTI, BND, VXUS.
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
My frivolous purchase story: Last year I did an "exotic car tour." It cost $1000 and entailed spending a day driving through the mountains in a series of 8 exotic cars. Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, Lotus, etc. It was fantastic and I would totally do it again. It's a story I will tell my kids one day.
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
This may deserve a separate thread, have not seen retirement savings is such a context.camptalcott wrote: For example, If you tell me "save for retirement so you can get the apartment in Paris you always dreamed of" is a huge motivator for me. telling me "save for retirement because you will need long term care when your 90" unfortunately will not do a darn thing.
Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him. |
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- Clearly_Irrational
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
Once you're past living paycheck to paycheck there isn't really much difference. Lifestyle expenses generally need to be matched to how well off you are which is determined by a combination of your current assets and future anticipated income.VictoriaF wrote:I am assuming that OP would pay for the curtains out of her assets rather than income.Clearly_Irrational wrote:Apparently you make a lot more than we do, if my wife suggested we buy $5k curtains I'd laugh myself sick
Victoria
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
We spend a lot of money on trips, eating out and other things as well. However, I am constantly working to ensure that our spending doesn't cause us to sacrifice our savings. Right now we make enough money that we can spend a decent amount and still save quite a bit. I personally like spending money on short trips (a lot of times to see family), and maintenance/upgrades for my house.
We currently spend around
$200 a month on house cleaning
$100 a month on coffee outside the house (starbucks)
$17 a week for lawn mowing (during the summer)
^ These are a couple things that I could cut out tomorrow if needed but currently live with. We also have a small baby and both work full-time.
I will say if my wife wanted to spend 5k on curtains I would probably choke. =)
We currently spend around
$200 a month on house cleaning
$100 a month on coffee outside the house (starbucks)
$17 a week for lawn mowing (during the summer)
^ These are a couple things that I could cut out tomorrow if needed but currently live with. We also have a small baby and both work full-time.
I will say if my wife wanted to spend 5k on curtains I would probably choke. =)
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I buy mtself gifts occasionally during the year, rarely spending over $500. I really enjoy buying guns and shooting.
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I buy cruises.
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- BrandonBogle
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
That sounds absolutely amazing!!! Could you share a link to the site (if the service has a webpage). I would be interested in this!Afty wrote:My frivolous purchase story: Last year I did an "exotic car tour." It cost $1000 and entailed spending a day driving through the mountains in a series of 8 exotic cars. Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, Lotus, etc. It was fantastic and I would totally do it again. It's a story I will tell my kids one day.
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
My "fun" purchases are experiences, not things. Over the decades it has been my experience that the initial glow of the purchase of a thing dims rather quickly (there are exceptions.)
There is an old saying that might be applicable here"
"There are two best days for owning a car, the day you buy it and the day you sell it."
There is an old saying that might be applicable here"
"There are two best days for owning a car, the day you buy it and the day you sell it."
"Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race." H.G. Wells
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I do make fun purchases, everyone does. It's just the items/experiences will be as varied as the posters on this forum.
For a purchase of that amount, I'd seriously consider, for at least a month, whether I really want those particular curtains that bad. If after that amount time the answer is still yes, then go nuts.
For a purchase of that amount, I'd seriously consider, for at least a month, whether I really want those particular curtains that bad. If after that amount time the answer is still yes, then go nuts.
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
If it's a townhouse I can't imagine how you could spend $5K for curtains. I'd be cautious about spending that much for something that might be too trendy or too you. The end result could be money down the drain if you sell in a couple of years. I'd suggest more generic window coverings and spending (if you must) on furniture and stuff you can take with you.
That said, I can appreciate that you want to make the new place snazzy. But if you have visitors hopefully they'll be more interested in you then looking at the walls and out the windows.
That said, I can appreciate that you want to make the new place snazzy. But if you have visitors hopefully they'll be more interested in you then looking at the walls and out the windows.
The closest helping hand is at the end of your own arm.
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
That sounds incredibly fabulous! I'd be interested in the link, too.BrandonBogle wrote:That sounds absolutely amazing!!! Could you share a link to the site (if the service has a webpage). I would be interested in this!Afty wrote:My frivolous purchase story: Last year I did an "exotic car tour." It cost $1000 and entailed spending a day driving through the mountains in a series of 8 exotic cars. Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, Lotus, etc. It was fantastic and I would totally do it again. It's a story I will tell my kids one day.
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I attend about 20 or so professional hockey games per year and about 4 professional football games (or as professional as it gets in STL these days).
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I make "fun" purchases on travel and food.
Although, there is one "material" thing that I want. I would like a Rolex watch. Will I purchase this watch in the near future? Probably not.
Other than that, I could care less about clothes, cars, the latest phone, etc.
Although, there is one "material" thing that I want. I would like a Rolex watch. Will I purchase this watch in the near future? Probably not.
Other than that, I could care less about clothes, cars, the latest phone, etc.
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
How much time do you get to spend in each of these cars? Driving them in the mountains is a particularly exciting experience.jay22 wrote:That sounds incredibly fabulous! I'd be interested in the link, too.BrandonBogle wrote:That sounds absolutely amazing!!! Could you share a link to the site (if the service has a webpage). I would be interested in this!Afty wrote:My frivolous purchase story: Last year I did an "exotic car tour." It cost $1000 and entailed spending a day driving through the mountains in a series of 8 exotic cars. Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, Lotus, etc. It was fantastic and I would totally do it again. It's a story I will tell my kids one day.
Victoria
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I just purchased a guitar for around $1200.00. I was looking at a comparable different make/model for $875.00 which actually had a few other features
but didn't play quite as smoothly. There are a few other instruments I think I need because of the difference in playing and tone but I am going to limit
and stretch out my purchases, most likely one every two years.
but didn't play quite as smoothly. There are a few other instruments I think I need because of the difference in playing and tone but I am going to limit
and stretch out my purchases, most likely one every two years.
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
This is often advice I give my friends who sometimes rush in "feet first". I tell them that if this is the smart and right decision for you today, it will still be the smart and right decision for you next week/month. Then you know it wasn't impatience that clouded your judgement.Cottons wrote: For a purchase of that amount, I'd seriously consider, for at least a month, whether I really want those particular curtains that bad. If after that amount time the answer is still yes, then go nuts.
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I will be the first to say $5K for curtains is not necessarily a bad purchase, if they are a classic color and design that will not go out of style. Does that include all the hardware also? Is it for every window in your home?
If I didn't have a kitchen remodel coming up... I would love to have some really nice curtains in the house, since fine home furnishings greatly increase the quality of my life more than spending $5k on a vacation.
But, I'd rather have a vacation somewhere that costs 5k than having 5K worth of dumb material purchases.
Curtains are expensive.
If I didn't have a kitchen remodel coming up... I would love to have some really nice curtains in the house, since fine home furnishings greatly increase the quality of my life more than spending $5k on a vacation.
But, I'd rather have a vacation somewhere that costs 5k than having 5K worth of dumb material purchases.
Curtains are expensive.
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
I'm with the "experiences" -equal-happiness crowd here, but it got me thinking about what we mean by "experiences." Googled around and came up with this interesting study (link follows), although I'm not sure how it might apply to the OP's drapes:
"Contribution Statement
Although prior research has found that people enjoy greater happiness from experiences than possessions, limited empirical work has examined which experiences are associated with greater happiness. The current research is one of the first to categorize types of experiences, and it identifies the extent to which an experience is extraordinary (uncommon and infrequent) versus ordinary (common and frequent) as a meaningful dimension along which experiences vary. The current findings reconcile literatures that separately address the benefits of attaining extraordinary experiences and savoring ordinary experiences, highlighting the important role of age in determining the relative impact of these experience types on happiness.
2Prior research indicates that experiences lead to greater happiness than material possessions, but which experiences result in the greatest happiness?"
Link: http://brown.edu/academics/philosophy/e ... iences.pdf
"Contribution Statement
Although prior research has found that people enjoy greater happiness from experiences than possessions, limited empirical work has examined which experiences are associated with greater happiness. The current research is one of the first to categorize types of experiences, and it identifies the extent to which an experience is extraordinary (uncommon and infrequent) versus ordinary (common and frequent) as a meaningful dimension along which experiences vary. The current findings reconcile literatures that separately address the benefits of attaining extraordinary experiences and savoring ordinary experiences, highlighting the important role of age in determining the relative impact of these experience types on happiness.
2Prior research indicates that experiences lead to greater happiness than material possessions, but which experiences result in the greatest happiness?"
Link: http://brown.edu/academics/philosophy/e ... iences.pdf
"Yes, investing is simple. But it is not easy, for it requires discipline, patience, steadfastness, and that most uncommon of all gifts, common sense." ~Jack Bogle
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Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
This being primarily a finance/investing forum, the posts we'll get/post will mostly slant to being frugal/careful etc - however don't forget this is just one facet of our lives that we see here.ResearchMed wrote:I hate to make this pun, but I can't not...
Many people on this Forum are Frugal, but IMHO, too many are downright CHINTZY.
Sorry, couldn't help myself!
There are several other threads about "spending vs saving", and "when spending is 'okay'".
Obviously, the first issue is... how far along are you in saving for retirement/medical care/etc.?
If that's well along the way, and especially if one is almost there (rather than "assuming I've got plenty of time to get there"), then IF it is something that will give you great pleasure, that's what money is for.
We prefer cruises.
You want curtains. Actually, your curtains will last far longer than our cruise
Others want a BMW.
I'm writing elsewhere about MIL who has scrimped and lived ultra-frugally (and I mean *really* frugal, to point of doing without in many cases).
She is mid-90's, and balking at spending her savings on a safe and comfortable assisted living facility.
If that money isn't for *that*, I'm not sure WHAT it's for.
(She says it's for another relative who will *need* it, but we now think that's a cover for refusing to spend, given that the other relative IS taken care of and she now knows that.)
And then there are others who are going to have trouble making it on just minimal SS benefits and not much else...
The answer, for YOU, is judging where you are on financial goals, and how important something is for YOU (not what WE think of the particular choice).
IMHO, of course.
Enjoy the new curtains, every day!
RM
I'd take posts with a grain of salt - for example my from my handle (?) & posts you may concur that I have only one goal.
However, there is always balance! We've spent the equivalent of a new car on just two family trips this calendar year. Spain & UK (done). Dubai & India (coming up soon). Those are what we enjoy spending $$$ on. However, I'm hoping to use the mini-van more next year - lol
“At some point you are trading time you will never get back for money you will never spend.“ |
“How do you want to spend the best remaining year of your life?“
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
"One does not accumulate but eliminate. It is not daily increase but daily decrease. The height of cultivation always runs to simplicity" –Bruce Lee
Re: Does anyone here make "fun" purchases.
Who are these people to whom you are mentioning the pricetag?camptalcott wrote: That being said, I am decorating my brand new townhouse and found absolutely gorgeous curtains that will run me about 5K. I love them, can afford them but the decision was met with derision. One person told me that I must be trying to elevate my status with them (?????)
Main points seem to be that 1) I could get curtains cheaper and 2) I would do better saving the money.
That is also worth considering.
If I could truly afford it (and this is where varying definitions come into play) I would buy it and not look back--or tell anyone what it cost. It is really nobody else's business and of course the value may be different to others, so that it is enough to say that I like and want the thing. And let them be joyful for me, that I found something that brings me pleasure, without being distracted by the issue of price.