Do you feel guilty when spending money on discretionary items?

[spiritedaway]

I'll admit that I actually feel a little guilty when I spend $ on leisure stuff. Can anyone relate?

I'm not saying I splurge on things (in fact, I rarely do; I don't even shop a lot or buy a lot of things), and I have been working and saving over the years (starting with minimum wage job in high school). I've been working since to pay for school, car (to get to work), a small budget for charitable donations, taxes, and travel, among other things.

I'm not rich by any means, but I have a steady income (at least while I'm still employed at the moment, though I'm not sure about the long term given that layoffs are still hanging over everyone's heads at work).

I'm not saying I feel guilty anytime I buy anything discretionary either. I have a iPhone that is costing me $ every month (and there are cheaper phone plans I could have stuck with), but even so, I still thought it's a worthwhile investment. I use it all the time - for leisure and work.

On the other hand, I booked a train and picked the leisure class (it comes with meal) because I wanted to try it (I tried the standard already) and because there's a great deal for a family trip. Still, it's extra $ spent when I know that I didn't need to. I don't know why I feel so guilty about splurging just a bit when all I've done is to work hard over these years to save. I'm not sure if I'm feeling uneasy because I'm splurging on myself (which I don't usually usually do) or if it's because it feels kind of wrong to splurge during a recession.

Does anyone feel this way when they spend $ on discretionary items?

[vinsanity]

No reason for anyone to feel guilty about spending their own money within their own means as they see fit.

If it's something I enjoy, like going out on a date, then there's no reason to feel bad about it if I'm still able to cover my personal necessities. But I end up spending $80 bucks to have an independent shop recharge the a/c in my car only to find out that the car has been connivingly engineered to require a stupid dealership to "unlock" the a/c compressor to re-engage, then yeah, I'm gonna get pissed about it.

[wordsmith]

Guilty, no.

Foolish, at times, yes.

Like when some larger scale unforeseen expense comes up that serves a need (an appliance goes out, a car repair is required, etc.), and I realize that the $$ I spent on something I really didn't need would have been available for such an expenditure and I wouldn't have to dip, or dip so deeply, into savings to deal. So I try to be smart about my spending and try to keep the discretionary spending to a minimum.

I also find that if I spend on things I actually get some real use or meaningfulness out of, versus stuff that's purchased on a whim and forgotten, it prevents any buyer's remorse. "Throwaway," or "empty" purchases are the things that really make me kick myself, so I try to avoid them.

[Empressallie]

I often feel guilty about "unnecessary" spending, splurging, etc. I think a lot of that comes from how you were brought up. As kids we only got gifts (including CD's, movies, "fun" clothes, etc) on major holidays, so now when I buy myself something I don't really need in a non-holiday month, even as an adult, I often feel bad about it. It's especially weird now with everything that's going on with the economy.

I don't buy many unneeded items now, mostly due to my hatred of malls (when i don't see stuff I don't tend to want or need much it seems...) and dealing with LA traffic more than I have to already.

I would say right now I feel most guilty about going out to eat. My bf and I spent $50 on sushi friday night and I left feeling like that $50 could have been put to better use in so many ways. But you have to have a life, and the sushi place needs business, so I try and justify it that way!:0

[steph78]

I often feel guilty about "unnecessary" spending, splurging, etc. I think a lot of that comes from how you were brought up. As kids we only got gifts (including CD's, movies, "fun" clothes, etc) on major holidays, so now when I buy myself something I don't really need in a non-holiday month, even as an adult, I often feel bad about it. It's especially weird now with everything that's going on with the economy.
This describes me perfectly - same exact childhood scenario with fun gifts coming only at birthday and Christmas, so it's harder for me to feel okay about making these types of purchases more frequently now that I'm an adult.

One thing that has really helped me is that my husband and I took a financial planning class last fall where we were forced to make a really really detailed monthly budget to plan how all our income will be spent. Once we made sure we had the necessities accounted for (mortgage/taxes, insurance, utilities, groceries, transportation, etc.) and then addressed savings (retirement, kid's college fund, emergency fund, short-term savings for new car/vacations, etc.), we got to decide together how to break up what money was left over into categories like clothing, entertainment, eating out, etc. It makes it a lot easier when we've both agreed that it's OKAY within our budget to spend X amount on clothing or eating out each month - it's something that's been decided ahead of time so as long as I don't go over that budgeted amount in whatever category, I can make a few impulse purchases without feeling guilty like I used to before we had the budget.

[redav]

Great question!

Guilt is associated with doing something wrong. Having guilt for spending money that didn't need to be spent (e.g., on luxuries instead of necessities) means that there must be something wrong with it. While I would argue that irresponsible spending is wrong, it is interested why any unnecessary spending would be seen that way.

When I was in college, I was dirt poor. I didn't buy any luxuries or fun stuff because I simply couldn't afford it. When I got a real job, I found that I continued on like that out of habit. I felt uncomfortable buying things, not because I thought it was wrong--just that it was weird. I'm still frugal, but I've loosened up. I have goals and know what I can afford, and so I keep spending in check. I also like the simplicity of not constantly chasing the Jones'. Now, I typically feel bad about purchases when afterward, I realize I didn't get the enjoyment I expected or wanted--then I feel that I wasted the money.

But why would the feeling of it being wrong come into play? I think it's actually common to teach kids an extreme form of good/bad. It is good to do your job, and if you goof off, you may not be able to do your job, and so the message that gets taught is "Having fun is bad." Parents don't want their kids having sex, so they teach them that sex is bad and dirty, and that may work to get them not to do it for a while, it typically leads to other issues down the road. Likewise, I know some people who feel that having money somehow makes you a bad person, and so they live like they don't, even when there is no need for it.

One problem with teaching things like this is that when kids find out that "fun" is, well, fun, and isn't a bad thing (so long as it doesn't interfere with getting one's job done), or that sex is great and uplifting (when respected and done in the correct situations) it causes internal conflict--you have to face the reality that what you believed (that those things were 'bad') is not accurate. It also limits how much good you can potentially get out of them, because of those feelings of guilt.

Luxuries are something special to be enjoyed. They can make our lives better, like a vacation. So long as the necessities are covered (and IMO, that includes saving & preparing for the future), an occasional luxury is a good thing. However, when they are enjoyed too often, they become a necessity, and other more important things get neglected--just like taking too much vacation. Then it becomes a negative.

[Tayl405]

I just bought clothes (that I need) with money I don't really have and I feel guilty because I don't really much in savings and if anything happens.... :0

[spiritedaway]

Hmmm, that's an interesting way of explaining/rationalizing the idea behind feeling guility. I didn't really think about it in terms of right/wrong, but I guess I can see how conditioning or learning could lead people to that "disconnect". That's definitely a different way of looking at it. (You break things down in a very systematic way; are you an engineer of sorts by any chance? Based on your response, I'm certain you're a T on the Myers-Brigg test) :)

I think I've budgeted well enough for this trip (including my parents' portion as it is a gift to them). They are getting older and never really got the chance to travel because they made only enough to cover the bills. I guess if I need to break down the reasons why I feel somewhat guilty (in a rational way), I guess it just seemed so strange to spend so much when it was only some years ago when I was so broke I'm not even going to give specific examples. Leisure trips were so foreign to me back in those days that I thought it was wasteful when people spend a few hundred, let alone a few thousand for trips. It definitely seemed like a lot when you don't make much, and I guess the conditioning rationale makes a lot of sense.

I don't think my guilt will overwhelm my enjoyment of the trip, since I think good trips are always well worth it (assuming it doesn't interfere with other budgets). I think I felt a little guilty about it (only because I'm seeing the charges on my statement) and worse, I couldn't put my finger on it the way you just did. Very interesting.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone!

Guilt is associated with doing something wrong. Having guilt for spending money that didn't need to be spent (e.g., on luxuries instead of necessities) means that there must be something wrong with it. While I would argue that irresponsible spending is wrong, it is interested why any unnecessary spending would be seen that way.

[larry52]

I rarely purchase discretionary items because I would get that guilty feeling.

My situation is that I never progressed past the living "poor" stage even though I now earn an excellent income. For example I still drive a 15 year old car, watch a 24" tube television, sleep on an air mattress, and my eating out involves the dollar menu among other things.

For some reason I feel like I don't deserve additional luxuries. I don't feel successful enough to justify purchasing them, and I'm afraid of not having enough money saved. I would definitely be classified as a miser.

[wordsmith]

I grew up with a parent who is very, very, very anti-spending outside of needs. My mom will at times rope him into doing something that comes with a cost, and he'll begrudgingly go along with it, but not especially happily, and sometimes he does dig in his heels. He was pretty much indoctrinated into this mindset while being raised by Depression era parents, and running a business that didn't come with a regular payday served to continue the practice. I actually can respect penury when it's being done as a matter of staying inside your budget. But my dad will refuse to spend on things when he can, in fact, afford to, just as a matter of principle.

As a result, I am very, very conscious of not spending wastefully. But I also really resented the attitude that deprivation is a fact of life that I grew up with. I don't hold with that mentality. I may analyze my expenditures carefully and determine if they're things that will be good investments/pay for themselves in the long run, but I won't go without something that is a smart purchase just to avoid the expenditure (unless it's out of my budget). My dad would, just to avoid spending the money. I think one can make very wise financial choices without putting the brakes on all non-mandatory spending. My dad doesn't agree, but he and I differ in that way.

[vinsanity]

I definitely believe that one should be able to enjoy your money as much as they'd like, albeit wisely. Because if God forbid you randomly die alone, then all that saving will be for naught.

[1977]

to the principles-based misers - don't blame you as there is so much over-priced over-marketed CRAP everywhere! However being an extreme miser just like being an out of control spender is highly undesirable.

[ebruening]

I still feel guilty about spending money on discretionary items - mostly because I have a somewhat irrational fear that the bottom really will fall out, someday. I think it has been called the "bag lady" mindset :redface: My husband, however, used to be a spender, while I'm definitely a saver. We've balanced each other out in many respects, but especially financially. Granted, we don't spend a lot on discretionary spending (because we don't have much extra to spend), but I've also learned to not feel as guilty about discretionary spending, provided that we have the money to cover it. My husband has really started putting money toward his debt, instead of blowing whatever extra he had in his account on discretionary items at the end of each pay period.

My guilt over spending certainly isn't the result of my upbringing - my parents regularly spent fair amounts of money on discretionary items, or so it seemed. We went out to movies nearly every week, and certainly ate out every Friday.

[wordsmith]

My SO, by contrast to me, was raised in an environment where money was absolutely no object, and his income is much higher than mine is (our debt load's about the same, though, and is student loan stuff), yet he's even more thrifty than I am on day to day stuff.

When he does weigh the options and choose to spend, though, he doesn't bat an eye at a large pricetag, as long as the quality is there or the ROI. He's not conditioned, like I am, more or less, to cringe at a huge pricetag. And because he drops a chunk of cash like that so rarely and so carefully, and tracks and analyzes his finances so precisely, it's never a panicky, buyer's remorse situation. He's very deliberate and fearless about the spending he does do, he just does it sparingly.

Between the two of us, we have slightly different approaches at our approaches to smart spending, but both work. For me, I simply won't buy or spend on anything expensive...for him, he'll make the bigger investment, but far more rarely. I'm the bargain shopper, he's the one who will save and save and save and them make a significant purchase.

[redav]

You break things down in a very systematic way; are you an engineer of sorts by any chance? Based on your response, I'm certain you're a T on the Myers-Brigg test :)
Yes, I am an engineer, but usually I'm accused of being a lawyer. :)

[winneythepooh7]

I have a certain amount budgeted each week for "things I don't really need" and a certain amount budgeted each week for savings. What bothers me though is taking $$$ out of our savings, even if it is for something that we need to pay (like a huge bill) or some kind of emergency expense or just basic home repairs/renovations.

It feels good to not have to use credit cards all the time for things (although once in awhile I still will if I KNOW I can pay it off pretty much right away or within a couple of months).

I also am married to someone without a regular paycheck so that can be hard, although he is more about "just take it out of savings" vs. "don't spend it at all".

[analogman]

I don't feel bad about discretionary spending because we save a good percentage of our income and live below our means. We've actually started spending more lately to do our part and keep the economy going because we are fortunate enough to be able to do so.

[redav]

I don't feel bad about discretionary spending because we save a good percentage of our income and live below our means. We've actually started spending more lately to do our part and keep the economy going because we are fortunate enough to be able to do so.
I've also been spending more. There are good deals to be had during a down-turn.

[pisces2473]

I have a certain amount budgeted each week for "things I don't really need" and a certain amount budgeted each week for savings. What bothers me though is taking $$$ out of our savings, even if it is for something that we need to pay (like a huge bill) or some kind of emergency expense or just basic home repairs/renovations.

It feels good to not have to use credit cards all the time for things (although once in awhile I still will if I KNOW I can pay it off pretty much right away or within a couple of months).

I also am married to someone without a regular paycheck so that can be hard, although he is more about "just take it out of savings" vs. "don't spend it at all".
Are we married to the same man? LOL I feel the same way too about taking $$ out of savings...it's like, "will we ever put it back?"

[NewMrs.]

My SO, by contrast to me, was raised in an environment where money was absolutely no object, and his income is much higher than mine is (our debt load's about the same, though, and is student loan stuff), yet he's even more thrifty than I am on day to day stuff.

When he does weigh the options and choose to spend, though, he doesn't bat an eye at a large pricetag, as long as the quality is there or the ROI. He's not conditioned, like I am, more or less, to cringe at a huge pricetag. And because he drops a chunk of cash like that so rarely and so carefully, and tracks and analyzes his finances so precisely, it's never a panicky, buyer's remorse situation. He's very deliberate and fearless about the spending he does do, he just does it sparingly.

Between the two of us, we have slightly different approaches at our approaches to smart spending, but both work. For me, I simply won't buy or spend on anything expensive...for him, he'll make the bigger investment, but far more rarely. I'm the bargain shopper, he's the one who will save and save and save and them make a significant purchase.


My husband grew up in a household where money was tight (his own father lost his job when my husband was a kid), but now he is really big on paying for quality and return on investment. He does his research before he buys a lot of things, but he tends to not buy the least expensive item if a more-expensive and better-made item is available.

I was always the frugal one who tended to buy the least expensive thing. However, I have started to get disgusted with how quickly things have worn out after I bought it, so I have started to follow his example. For instance, I used to buy $20 shoes at Payless Shoes and Famous Footwear a lot. My husband his convinced me to splurge a little for more-expensive shoes that last longer and don't hurt my feet.

[vinsanity]

My situation is that I never progressed past the living "poor" stage even though I now earn an excellent income. For example I still drive a 15 year old car, watch a 24" tube television, sleep on an air mattress, and my eating out involves the dollar menu among other things.


I tried some of those things too. I tore a hole in my air mattress and my $4,000 car eventually needed a $1,000 repair. Some things are worth the investment.

It was a good excuse to upgrade to a newer car and a bigger bed anyways.

[wordsmith]

Yep, New Mrs. I don't like to bargain shop for something and think I've gotten a good deal and then have it immediately break or wear out or be uncomfortable.

But then, I feel even worse when I've spent the money on the supposedly more high quality one and it breaks (is uncomfortable, etc).

My SO is FAR more appearance-conscious than I am when it comes to home furnishings. I will get the Target wood composite/veneer, self-assemble TV stand that's $80, he'll save for the admittedly nicer looking real wood preassembled one that's in the $500-$1,000 at the upscale home furnishings place (regardless of the fact that the cheapo veneer one I've had since 1999 still looks brand new, no quality problems). I have no problem with saving for stuff like that if he wants to, but for my money, the one that's basically plywood with oak veneer over it works fine for my purposes.

And, to illustrate the "spending the money on the supposedly more high quality one that immediately breaks," I sent my BF to go get a kitchen garbage can when we moved into our new rental house (thinking in my head, your basic $12-20 dollar plastic lidded model, typical for kitchen trash). He comes back with one that's brushed stainless steel, bells and whistles, complex interlocking bag release system, etc. that cost upwards of $60. I'm thinking, $60 for a kitchen trash can? REALLY? His rationale: "It looks really good[because style is very, very important to me in a receptacle that holds refuse...or NOT], and it's obviously higher quality, with that price tag." Oh, okay. Less than one month later, the $60 designer trash can breaks. The whole complex opening, interlocking bag release mechanism, the whole thing. Just being used normally. I went out and replaced it with a garbage can from Dollar General, works great (although admittedly not a High Fashion Trash Can). Whoot.

Also, before I moved in with him, I owned, for years, an offbrand queen size mattress from a discount furniture outlet that I got for $200. He has a much more costly Sealy that feels, to me, exactly the same as my bed. Exactly.

It's only worth the investment if it actually IS better, or WORKS better. So many things just plain DON'T.

[ebruening]

I don't cheap out on certain things, like my car. It has to last me another 3 years - until May 2012, when I'm finished with my doctoral program. If the mechanic says to do a transmission flush, I'm going to do that, even with the $$ price tag. I've also found that you can go to quality places (like car dealerships) and bargain with them - especially now.

I did buy what I thought would be a quality leather couch a few years ago. It was certainly more than I would normally spend on a couch, but I thought it would last a long time. It has been sagging in the middle for the past year :eek: I specifically bought it because I thought it would be high quality, and would offer a good return on my investment, in that it would last for a long time - boy, was I wrong! We're going to have to go out and buy a new couch probably at some point in the next year, because our current couch won't last much longer :mad: Speaking of buying a "new" couch, a cloth couch is one thing I won't buy used. At least with leather couches, you can be reasonably sure that there aren't any unseemly stains or spills on it. With a cloth couch, you never know exactly what has seeped into that fabric. I also refuse to buy a used mattress...I just won't do it. Everything else, pretty much, I'll buy used...but personally, I'm uncomfortable with the thought that I'm sleeping, or sitting, on somebody else's used fabric...

[Empressallie]

Less than one month later, the $60 designer trash can breaks. The whole complex opening, interlocking bag release mechanism, the whole thing. Just being used normally. I went out and replaced it with a garbage can from Dollar General, works great (although admittedly not a High Fashion Trash Can). Whoot.

I feel the same way about my SO's 50Euro pepper grinder. It broke 3 weeks after we moved in.

[gemma-dahl]

In general, during this downturn, I don't feel comfortable spending money on items that I don't need for work or for the house. I usually cut items from my entertainment budget first. My partner is interested in decorating the house, which is fine, if we can wait and see if we can find cheaper furnishings. Even the "bargain" lamps and end tables from national retailers cost a lot for what you get.

[yankeeyosh]

I do feel guilty, although not as much as I have in the past. I am a crazy saver...saving nearly half my paycheck every month (and it's not like I make a ton of money, so I tend to live on the cheap). My original reason was for buying a condo, but I don't see that in the cards anytime soon, so there's no need to save as much, but out of reflex, I still do. I guess lately I've been spending a lot on my girlfriend (and she has with me as well), so that's all good.

[Tayl405]

I do feel guilty, although not as much as I have in the past. I am a crazy saver...saving nearly half my paycheck every month (and it's not like I make a ton of money, so I tend to live on the cheap). My original reason was for buying a condo, but I don't see that in the cards anytime soon, so there's no need to save as much, but out of reflex, I still do. I guess lately I've been spending a lot on my girlfriend (and she has with me as well), so that's all good.


Just out of curiosity, how do you manage to do that? I admit that I go out a lot and spend money on food and drinks, but that doesn't add up to half my paycheck. Is the cost of living low where you live?

[yankeeyosh]

Just out of curiosity, how do you manage to do that? I admit that I go out a lot and spend money on food and drinks, but that doesn't add up to half my paycheck. Is the cost of living low where you live?

The cost of living is VERY HIGH where I live. I just suck it up and live with a roommate in a relatively inexpensive town for the area...I pay only $700 a month for rent, which includes everything. I was also blessed with few student loans, and I have minimal monthly expenses beyond that (including no car payment). I think I want to get my own place this summer though...at 31, I am really tired of roommates. Outside a few hundred more for rent, my basic monthly expenses have not changed much since I was a full time grad student living on a stipend.

Not everyone can do this, though. I think my girlfriend makes about as much as I do, if not somewhat more, but her basic monthly expenses are a lot higher, and can't save nearly as much as me.

[Tayl405]

I'm really jealous (with the exception of the roommate).

I work for the company that owns my apt. complex and I get a super discounted rent, but I get paid almost nothing. It's probably my fault I can't save money though. I love vacations!

[yankeeyosh]

I'm really jealous (with the exception of the roommate).

I work for the company that owns my apt. complex and I get a super discounted rent, but I get paid almost nothing. It's probably my fault I can't save money though. I love vacations!

Nothing to be jealous about...I have just always been a very cheap person.

[mahlerssecond]

Since I have had my hours cut at my employer, I have put a lot more thought into what "discretionary" items I purchase. I feel more guilty than ever about purchasing things I don't really need. As an example, there are a couple of books that I would like to buy. I am waiting for the local used book store to get them in, instead of just buying them at the local Barnes and Noble. I have also noticed, that since I don't have the money, optional things don't appeal to me like they used to.

[winneythepooh7]

Since I have had my hours cut at my employer, I have put a lot more thought into what "discretionary" items I purchase. I feel more guilty than ever about purchasing things I don't really need. As an example, there are a couple of books that I would like to buy. I am waiting for the local used book store to get them in, instead of just buying them at the local Barnes and Noble. I have also noticed, that since I don't have the money, optional things don't appeal to me like they used to.

What about the library? You can take them out for FREE that way ;).

[mahlerssecond]

What about the library? You can take them out for FREE that way ;).

The library has always been one of my favorite places.:) I checked both of these books out from there, and fell in love with them. Sadly, we had a major flood in our city last year and we don't have much of a public library left. :cry:

[wordsmith]

I use the library a lot, but I find I really prefer owning books, both because I reread and loan out a lot, and also because our bookcases and their contents are a big part of our home decor.

I don't really cut out book purchases when I'm strapped. I just spread them out more, and buy one at a time, versus several.

[pisces2473]

The library has always been one of my favorite places.:) I checked both of these books out from there, and fell in love with them. Sadly, we had a major flood in our city last year and we don't have much of a public library left. :cry:
I thought you guys reopened in a mall? I read something in Library Journal about that...but yes, it was so sad.

[mahlerssecond]

I thought you guys reopened in a mall? I read something in Library Journal about that...but yes, it was so sad.

We did reopen our library by remodeling a few storefronts in a dead mall. They are very slowly rebuilding their collection (they lost 2/3 of the books that they had). I worked at our public library when I was in high school and college. It is so sad to walk in there now, and see the big holes in their collection.
One of the few good things to come out of this is that they have built partnerships with a couple of the local college libraries.

[roulettefanatic]

i feel guilty almost every weekend because in the process of going out to the mall or to eat, i get the sense that i really don't need to be doing these things but then again, i want to get out of the house and have some fun after being stuck in a cubicle for five days straight....

i try to budget myself but this weekend i bought a new game for my xbox, the purchase of which i defended by saying that the system is new and i do need some games to play.....i guess i find a way to feel less guilty about it by reminding myself that i have saved a good amount and i have no student loans so it's not all bad.....

i don't squander money on cell phones or a fancy car, so these smaller purchases are my own way of enjoying some "luxuries" if you will......

[drummer]

I use the library a lot, but I find I really prefer owning books, both because I reread and loan out a lot, and also because our bookcases and their contents are a big part of our home decor.

I don't really cut out book purchases when I'm strapped. I just spread them out more, and buy one at a time, versus several.

I am a lot like you. Owning books is a big deal. I definitely take advantage of the library, but when it's a book I really love, I want to own it. One time when I was ranting to my parents' about my sister and her husband's house, I said, "And they have no visible bookshelves. No books!" (They do actually have a small bookshelf in one room, but come on, that's not the same!)

[wordsmith]

My boyfriend was talking today about getting a Kindle. I'm so not interested in that.

[vinsanity]

i don't squander money on cell phones or a fancy car, so these smaller purchases are my own way of enjoying some "luxuries" if you will......

That's interesting, because I've adopted the mentality that the bigger ticket items like cars and furniture, and often-used items like cell phones are worth spending the extra money for a quality product with features that you will find useful. Of course, this means doing alot of consumer research as opposed to dropping a ton of money on any old overpriced item.

[ebruening]

My boyfriend was talking today about getting a Kindle. I'm so not interested in that.

My husband - the non-reader - wants a Kindle. I'm like, "Dude, I read tons more than you do...I'd probably hijack your Kindle and read 8 books on it by the time you're finally done reading that one sci-fi novel you started back in August 2008." This is also coming from the man who bought a $60 ergonomic pillow, and then decided that he didn't like the feel of it after trying it for 5 minutes...so now, it's mine :evil: I'm notorious for appropriating things he buys, and then doesn't want...at least someone will get some use out of it, at least that's what I tell myself...

[roulettefanatic]

vinsanity, i see what you're saying....my take on it is that i'd rather have a phone that works when i need it vs. an iphone that has countless applications or i'd rather buy a honda that's reliable vs. a juiced up lexus, at least until i have a job and/or a career that can support those expenses.....no offense to anyone who thinks the aforementioned things are important, certainly many people will sacrifice to drive a nicer car, but i just don't think it's something i need right now, especially since i'm saving money to go back to school.....

furniture is a much rarer purchase compared to making car payments and keeping a cell phone but when i got my bedroom set, i got a decent one (i wouldn't consider it a cheap purchase by any means) and now i have something of my own that i can bring with me when i move out (still living with my parents).....

[roulettefanatic]

My husband - the non-reader - wants a Kindle. I'm like, "Dude, I read tons more than you do...I'd probably hijack your Kindle and read 8 books on it by the time you're finally done reading that one sci-fi novel you started back in August 2008." This is also coming from the man who bought a $60 ergonomic pillow, and then decided that he didn't like the feel of it after trying it for 5 minutes...so now, it's mine :evil: I'm notorious for appropriating things he buys, and then doesn't want...at least someone will get some use out of it, at least that's what I tell myself...

lol, if i were you, i'd push him to get it so that eventually you will be able to enjoy it (just kidding)......on a serious note though my parents got me one for christmas and i've been addicted ever since (huge book nerd here).....i think it's one of those things that once you experience and learn how to use, you're drawn to it.....and it's not just for novel readers, it has every genre you could think of and blogs as well.....whew, ok, amazon advertisement done for today....

[Tayl405]

lol, if i were you, i'd push him to get it so that eventually you will be able to enjoy it (just kidding)......on a serious note though my parents got me one for christmas and i've been addicted ever since (huge book nerd here).....i think it's one of those things that once you experience and learn how to use, you're drawn to it.....and it's not just for novel readers, it has every genre you could think of and blogs as well.....whew, ok, amazon advertisement done for today....


I got one for Christmas as well and I haven't had much of a chance to use it, but what I have used of it I love. It's just like reading a real book, just easier to carry around. The only thing that sucks about it is I don't have the book to add to my bookshelf (and I get some sick sort of satisfaction when I add a book to my collection!).

[drummer]

My boyfriend was talking today about getting a Kindle. I'm so not interested in that.

Me too. I'm actually kind of mad that was invented, but yeah, if people like it, that's fine. Not for me.

[wordsmith]

Yeah,it will just join the ranks of things like game systems, PDAs, etc., that exist but that I don't have really any use for.

[steph78]

I just bought a maternity dress today. I have a function that I need to wear a dress to tomorrow BUT I've got less than six weeks until the due date and the plan is for this to be my last pregnancy...so I am probably going to wear it a handful of times before the end of May, and then never be able to wear it again. I do feel totally guilty when I spend money on clothing that I don't feel that I'm going to get good use out of. Oh well. I will try to sell it at a consignment sale after the baby is born. At least I scored it on sale.

[wordsmith]

I hate HAVING to buy something like that. I had to buy black pants for my recent choir concert, and it really went against the grain.

[steph78]

Yes, but aren't black pants a wardrobe staple that you would use again and again? That is something that seems like a good purchase to me because it's so versatile. And at least you know they'll probably fit you longer than 6 weeks. :)

[analogman]

I LOVE paper and own a ton of books, but I am trying to cut down on paper consumption for environmental reasons. We are considering a Kindle but it's pretty expensive so we haven't bought one yet.

I read a lot of newspapers and look forward to reading without getting my hands dirty. It'll also help clear my conscience of all the used newspapers I generate.

[spiritedaway]

I'm a huge news junkie myself and I usually get my sources online. (It's partly why the iPhone was a justifiable expense, though there were a few practical reasons why I got it.)

I generally don't prefer to read "books" on computers (i.e. ebooks and Kindle?) simply because I like to stay away from having to stare at a screen. I prefer books in the "book-format"... as long that they don't weigh a ton. :D


I read a lot of newspapers and look forward to reading without getting my hands dirty. It'll also help clear my conscience of all the used newspapers I generate.

[wordsmith]

Yes, but aren't black pants a wardrobe staple that you would use again and again? That is something that seems like a good purchase to me because it's so versatile. And at least you know they'll probably fit you longer than 6 weeks. :)

For most people, yes, but not for me. I wear jeans 99% of the time to work (required as well as preferred), and on the rare occasions I do have to dress up, it's a dress or skirt. I've actually never had to own dress pants, and I don't prefer dress pants.

[steph78]

Well hopefully you'll at least be using them again for concerts/performances similar to the one you were required to buy them for in the first place. Maybe you can think of it as a "uniform". :)

[pepsi91307]

I'm a bit strange in the sense that, when I have steady income and a good amount of money saved and coming in, I feel stressed when I spend.

When I have no income, and am in a more difficult situation financially, I spend more freely out of my savings and do what makes me happy.

No logic there, I know.

[Four Seasons]

One thing that has really helped me is that my husband and I took a financial planning class last fall where we were forced to make a really really detailed monthly budget to plan how all our income will be spent. Once we made sure we had the necessities accounted for (mortgage/taxes, insurance, utilities, groceries, transportation, etc.) and then addressed savings (retirement, kid's college fund, emergency fund, short-term savings for new car/vacations, etc.), we got to decide together how to break up what money was left over into categories like clothing, entertainment, eating out, etc. It makes it a lot easier when we've both agreed that it's OKAY within our budget to spend X amount on clothing or eating out each month - it's something that's been decided ahead of time so as long as I don't go over that budgeted amount in whatever category, I can make a few impulse purchases without feeling guilty like I used to before we had the budget.

I agree. I divide my income into four categories: mortgage, bills, savings, spending. The spending amount is the smallest, but I allow myself to buy whatever I like with it. As long as I don't go over my allocated amount for the month, I don't feel guilty if I buy something I don't really need.