What do you splurge on?

[n_vizion]

Hi everyone. I just joined the forum and noticed that everyone has great ideas on saving. What is your special "guilty pleasure" that you do spend on occassionally?

[tabbycat31]

mine is high quality toiletries (ie not found in the grocery store). However I used to work for Bath and Body WOrks, so I still have a stash from then

[Fern]

Organic produce

[yugugelizer]

Just found this thread because sometimes I feel a little out of place on this forum; maybe it's just me. I work really hard to save as much as a can, while trying not to over-think every dollar spent, so here goes:

2007 RX-8 (6 year loan - $370/month)
Eating out ($700/month)
1-2 trips a year (500-$1,000)

This year I have managed over $6,000 contributed to my Roth IRA - $3,750 for 2011 contribution
Also added $1,000 to EF, and over $3,000 to taxable mutual fund

I feel like I save enough, and make enough at my age to have a few of the "finer" things, any thoughts? Should I be putting away more? I know that money put away now, will increase significantly over the years, but I also feel that this is my last semester before "real" responsibilities.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by yugugelizer

2007 RX-8 (6 year loan - $370/month)
Eating out ($700/month)
1-2 trips a year (500-$1,000)

This year I have managed over $6,000 contributed to my Roth IRA - $3,750 for 2011 contribution
Also added $1,000 to EF, and over $3,000 to taxable mutual fund

I feel like I save enough, and make enough at my age to have a few of the "finer" things, any thoughts? Should I be putting away more? I know that money put away now, will increase significantly over the years, but I also feel that this is my last semester before "real" responsibilities.

The answer to your question really depends on your income and overall budget. Without that info, however, I'd venture to say that $700/month on eating out is quite extreme. Also, if you needed a 6-year loan to afford your car, you couldn't really afford it. But again, we need to know how much you earn to give a better answer.

[akonobi]

Bakery items like pastries and donuts

[JustBill]

Charmin

[97guns]

organic medicines

[photo]

Originally Posted by 97guns

organic medicines

Is this the same as homeopathic? I'm confused because many prescription medicines are synthetic or semi-synthetic.

[Mr Nice Guy]

Drinks at the watering hole and eating out

[Emerald]

Coffee. I splurge on freshly roasted coffee from my local coffee house.

[GREENBACK]

A good meal out (especially a good steak). This is only a very few times a year.

[treeguy]

My special tea.

[yugugelizer]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

The answer to your question really depends on your income and overall budget. Without that info, however, I'd venture to say that $700/month on eating out is quite extreme. Also, if you needed a 6-year loan to afford your car, you couldn't really afford it. But again, we need to know how much you earn to give a better answer.

Looked at my 2011 stats

After-tax income: $35,000
Emergency Fund Savings: $700
Roth IRA Contributions: $6,500
Taxable Savings: $2,050
Saving over 20%

The car was purchased almost 5 years ago, when I really couldn't afford it (making $20K). Although I understand the 3-year rule, my car is a splurge item and the payments are easily manageable. I think it would bother me more if I couldn't sane the amount that I wanted. Same with the $700 eating out (I only eat out).

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by yugugelizer

After-tax income: $35,000

Same with the $700 eating out (I only eat out).

So you bring home $2,916/month and spend $700 eating out. That's 24% of your income. And you have almost no emergency fund. Yes, I think the eating out should be cut back sharply. Besides, it is lousy for you anyway. Cooking from scratch is far cheaper and better for you. What good is saving all the money if you aren't healthy enough (or don't live long enough) to enjoy it?

[cypher1]

Coca-Cola and Better Cheddars (not daily). And eating out for lunch. Before a mortgage it was movies, drinks, cars, PCs, gambling. Now its mainly tools, car stuff, home projects, and home theater.

[marvholly]

Splurge on self papering - manicures, pedicures, wine and a 1-2x/month meal out.

This year I am upping the number of mani/pedi I get BUT I joined a new online survey company that pays REAL cash. That is where it is going. The meal(s) out is in my budget as is wine.

[Shaabenanizer]

Fine bedding linens from Restoration Hardware! My excuse is you spend 1/3 of your life in bed.... In my defense I brought them using employee discount through a friend who worked there, but it was still over $200 total for duvet cover and pillow cases. It still hasn't stopped me and I'm eyeing the fitted and top sheets.

[JoshuaHeckathorn]

Travel, travel, and more travel. It's expensive, but the experiences make it all worth it!

[Brownstone]

Manicures and eating out. I used to spend aLOT on food ($600-700 for groceries and dining out for my daughter and I). I'm down to about $350 a month.