Something you've splurged on...

**MonkeyMama** · 03-14-2013, 07:05 AM

We splurge on a lot of things, but usually buy used or think outside the box so pay less than average. I am having a hard time thinking of anything we spend "more than average" on. We have a very nice home in our low cost haven, with lots of low cost upgrades, a home theater, my spouse likes his TVs and video games but lord knows we did not pay retail for all that ($$$$$). The home theater set up is infinitely cheaper than a super large TV, for example.

The one fiscal splurge we do have is hiring a gardener (to do all yard work). I think it makes life heavenly. I think that is the one thing I get a lot of snotty comments about (especially from our frugal friends and family). *shrugs* My dh loves his electronics and I love freeing up my time.

**kork13** · 03-14-2013, 07:06 AM

Oh man.... This is an embarrassing question around here. hahaha

Defining a "splurge" as things you bought but didn't need or didn't need to spend as much as you did, I'd have to admit that most of my big purchases ($500+) would probably classify as splurging... Mostly on the "over-buying" side versus the "buying unnecessary stuff".

But let's see...
- House (spent $180k vs. $130k-$150k would have been suitable)
- Car (spent $28k vs. $10k-$15k would have sufficed)
- Furniture & home appliances (no idea how to say what I've spent here, but I could definitely have spent less)
- Computer & laptop (Apple... need I say more?)
- Piano (easily could have done without this $4k expense, but I love it anyway)
- Let's not talk about eating out... I love trying new (non-chain) restaurants, which tend to be more expensive. Thankfully, I don't eat out very often, only about 5x/mo.
That's just some of what comes to mind. In general, on things that are expensive, I go for quality, which inevitably means more expensive (as we're discussing elsewhere).

If I can salvage any part of my "frugal saver street cred", I also try to be as reasonable in my purchases as possible, and I rarely buy useless stuff or shop on impulse. Plus, alot of the "things" that I have were given to me -- some of my furniture from family, and won my TV at a work Christmas party. I also try to hand-make some of the "nice things" that I have to save the cost of buying something similar. For example, I built myself a remarkably nice (IMO) book case, both of my beds (my own & guest) use hand-made quilts from my mother, and I have personally taken & framed over a dozen of my own photos which now decorate my home.

I guess in the end, I see it all as a balance. If I don't waste my money on meaningless and superfluous junk, I can spend (splurge) a bit more on buying quality stuff when I do buy things. Not to mention, I can afford it and I'm saving aggressively in spite of any purchases I may make. So while a bit embarrassing to admit that I'm a heavy spender at times, if you can easily afford an occasional splurge, I say enjoy (within reason) the life that you can.

**JoeP** · 03-14-2013, 07:24 AM

I splurge about once every other year on an $80 bottle of single malt scotch, which ends up lasting me about 3 years. I take a very small sample about once every 2 months as a "me time" splurge. The complexity of aroma and taste puts me in heaven!

Besides that, nothing of significance. In fact, we're trying to sell a car we won as a prize, and have earmarked $1k each as splurge money. I am 100% honest when I say I will have a very hard time finding something to splurge on. Rather, I'll probably keep it in an envelope and buy many smaller things over time (I take a lot of time researching).

**anthai.lu** · 03-14-2013, 07:38 AM

Definitely my watch...spent way too much money on it but I love it. Can't make those types of purchases often though haha

My wife has a weakness for handbags.

**theduc** · 03-14-2013, 08:19 AM

Does mortgage principal count? I'm pretty sure we spend more than the average person on that... we currently add an additional $1,200/month in principal to our payment.

Other than that, I paid $6K cash for a motorcycle last year and have put less than 200 miles on it since... last week I put gas in it for the second time since I purchased it! I'm currently looking forward to riding weather!!!

I've also been looking at buying a second motorcycle from a friend of mine (after we take care of a couple other debts first).

**lorraineb** · 03-14-2013, 08:27 AM

My bed -- a comfortable good night's sleep is worth paying extra for many times over

**Bades** · 03-14-2013, 09:04 AM

Originally posted by lorraineb View Post

My bed -- a comfortable good night's sleep is worth paying extra for many times over

ah ha! I've looked at purchasing one of those sleep number beds, they can be pretty expensive $5-8k. But if you think about it, an air bed doesn't wear down like a traditional spring mattress would. And how can you put a price on better sleep!? I feel like so many health issues can be related to how well someone can sleep. I don't have any issue at all with spending a lot on a very high quality bed.

**bjl584** · 03-14-2013, 09:09 AM

Probably the computer that I just bought. I definitely over-bought. And I upgraded the graphics card for another $100.

**disneysteve** · 03-14-2013, 12:45 PM

First thing that came to mind was our Calphalon cookware. We spent somewhere in the $350-400 range for it. We both love to cook and since getting married 20 years ago, we had gone through 3 or 4 more average sets. We finally got fed up with having to replace them every few years and splurged on the Calphalon. I think it's been about 5 years now and they still look brand new. We'll probably never have to buy cookware again so I think it was well worth the cost.

**Wino** · 03-14-2013, 01:08 PM

DW and I moved in to a "resort" apartment while here in Dubai. I hope our landlord lets us stay on for the remainder of our time here. Rental rules are strange here. My understanding is that it would take him over two years to cancel our one-year lease, and he can still only increase it by 5% per year, even if he changes tenants. His only option would be to move in himself, which I don't see happening.

I bought Calphalon, too, Steve. I wouldn't trade it for the world. It's still in brand-new condition, as well. As long as you don't "nest" the pans, I think they'll last basically forever. I don't really consider it a splurge. Just like hard-wood furniture, paying a lot once for saving a lot more over time isn't a splurge; it's a shrewd investment.

**twest** · 03-14-2013, 01:19 PM

My husband and I won a trip to New York in which WWE (wrestling) is footing the bill for 2 nights hotel and our airline tickets. In order for us to stay in the same hotel we booked 2 additional nights at $350 per night. Usually we spend maybe 120/night or even much less so this was a major splurge for us. However I justify it cause a lot of the trip expense is being covered and I didn't want to change hotels and worry a lot about transprtation. It has been a little embarassing admitting to friends and family that know how frugal we are but I say if we can afford we are going to do it. It isn't like we just get to go to New York all the time.

**grumpter** · 03-14-2013, 07:01 PM

Golf. Damn, I spend a lot of money on golf. Then again I make sure I save a large percentage of my income so I am still much better off than the average Joe. I consider golf as 'living'. I honestly don't know how I would survive if I could no longer golf (unless maybe I found myself a good/great woman).

**dawnwes** · 08-16-2013, 06:30 AM

You and my husband both. He is a former pro golfer.

Our local golf clubs have a membership that includes about 8 local locations and then they have a list of locations outside of our immediate area.

Normally membership is about $3,500 per year for a family (this is not a country club as it has no other amenities other than golf.)

Anyway, about 2 years ago they ran a special, only for the first 10 people. He found out about it was there first thing in the morning! He got a 5 year membership for the entire family for $5,500 as long as he paid up front. It includes all range balls, a golf cart every time if he wants it, and full golf privileges.

I don't know what we will do once it expires!

He and the boys go pretty often.

Dawn

Originally posted by grumpter View Post

Golf. Damn, I spend a lot of money on golf. Then again I make sure I save a large percentage of my income so I am still much better off than the average Joe. I consider golf as 'living'. I honestly don't know how I would survive if I could no longer golf (unless maybe I found myself a good/great woman).

**shaggy** · 08-16-2013, 03:28 PM

Glad to see this older thread revived.

My hot categories:

Jewelry -- Especially my diamond ring.

Handbags -- I have a bag that cost $2500. I don't think I'd spend that much again, but I have a few others in the $1k range. I really love them and use them all the time.

Silk scarves -- I wear a scarf every day and I typically spend about $300 for a scarf. I've slowed down and have been selling off quite a few; the high-end ones hold their value.

China -- I only have one set of china, but it's fine china and I eat on it every day.

Airfare -- I fly first class, even on short trips. I need the comfort, otherwise my arms/neck/hands will be paralyzed when I get off due to congenital spine issues (no exaggeration).

Something you've splurged on...