Three Biggest Vices

[alternateme]

I know that this forum is abut saving money and I try to do it in mosr phases of my life, but I still do have my vices. Even though i know these cost me money, i still do them because the extra cost is worth it to me. These are my three big vices:

1. Chocolate
2. Long, hot showers
3. Shoes

Do you think that it is OK to have vices that cost you money, or should I be working to eliminate them even though they bring me a lot of happiness? What are your vices and how do you balance these vices with your finances?

[snshijuptr]

Well are these "vices" or "wants". I include in my budget money for "wants" which includes going out to eat, buying girl scout cookies, buying video games, and other items that I want. If I overspend on things I "need" I take away money from things that I "want". I think something counts s a vice if:

1) It is miscategorized as a Need.
2) Either through debt or affordable overspending, it takes away from wants and savings.

[BlackDiamond]

I know that this forum is abut saving money and I try to do it in mosr phases of my life, but I still do have my vices. Even though i know these cost me money, i still do them because the extra cost is worth it to me. These are my three big vices:

1. Chocolate
2. Long, hot showers
3. Shoes

Do you think that it is OK to have vices that cost you money, or should I be working to eliminate them even though they bring me a lot of happiness? What are your vices and how do you balance these vices with your finances?

Yes, it is okay to have things you want that cost money that bring you happiness as long as you aren't going into debt to obtain them. If you didn't ever use your money to buy things that make you happy, you'd go insane and saving for a good life wouldn't matter because you'd stop enjoying life anyway.

My vices?

Horrifically HOT salsa (like 5 alarm death salsa that most grown men can't even smell, let alone eat... this gal eats like it's nothing!). I work it into my food budget. But I buy it in lieu of other snacks.

Music. I put about $5-$10 a month aside to just go shopping on iTunes for new stuff. I do this instead of going out to movies etc.

[maat55]

As long as you are debtfree and investing at least 10% for retirement, IMO.

[nmboone]

I think that if those three minor things are your vices then you probably are ok as long as the shoes are not breaking you. Crack, Heroin, and a gallon of whiskey everyday might be a different story.

[cschin4]

1. Heat in my house (not going to turn the stat down 55).
2. Time - I could be working more than I am but I choose to live more frugally so I don't have to run the rat race at full speed ahead.
3. Coffee - Gotta have it. But, I brew my own and take with me.