Three Splurges That Are Totally Worth It
Yesterday’s post on oversaving at Get Rich Slowly really hit home for me. My husband and I definitely fall into the category of hyperopic, as defined by the New York Times. We worry about enjoying life in the future far more than we worry about enjoying life now. And apparently, as we age, there’s a good chance we’ll regret some of our *cough*cheap*cough* ways. Now that’s a scary realization!
In the spirit of finding balance, I’m asking you for three splurges that are totally worth it. In a time of tightening belts, splurges need to be pretty awesome to be worth your money. So what indulgences are worth it for you?
For me:
1. White chocolate mochas from Starbucks. They’re delicious, they bring back a lot of good memories of when B and I were first dating (check out The Simple Dollar for interesting take on trying to buy back memories), and they feel seriously indulgent. Mmmmm.
2. Cute fabric. What I love about buying fabric is that it’s such an experience. I get to enjoy the possibilities of an uncut piece of shantung for months, before I ever wear the end product.
3. Taco truck nights. Oh, the sweet, sweet satisfaction of coming around the corner and seeing that the town taco truck is parked in its regular spot! I don’t love it enough to try lengua or anything, but the delicious goodness of a few shredded chicken tacos is worth it. Every. Single. Penny.
What about you? What splurges and indulgences are worthwhile for you? I’m very curious to see what the blend of big ticket and small ticket items are, so don’t let me cheapskate tendencies color your thinking. 
photo credit: Leonid Mamchenkov
Similar Posts:
- Feeling Good About Feeling Old
- Are You Wasting the Best Moments of Your Life with Simple Living?
- The Pleasures of Unplugging
- Keep Boredom at Bay by Starting Simple Traditions
- Three Simple Ways to Be Thrifty
This post has 45 comments
March 25th, 2009
I read and starred that post of JDs yesterday in my reader. I am afraid I fall into the same category. I think even the word “splurge” doesn’t really count and I know that I think far far far too much about saving and spending less and even when I try to splurge, I think about it too much. But here are mine:
White chocolate mochas – we have good taste, Sara
Jeans – I always find them at good prices but I am not afraid to have 10 pairs of jeans and buy another.
date nights – I have two people that I date right now, hubby and my daughter, and while it’s almost always under $20, it’s fun to just go and not think about how much it costs.
I would love fabric more if I knew how to sew clothes. I do love my craft supplies.
Emily@remodelingthislifes last blog post..Letting Go Of Perfection
March 25th, 2009
I also read JD’s post.
My favorite splurge is Starbuck’s Signature Hot Chocolates. I’m not a coffee drinker and I recently discovered these while on vacation.
Roger – A Content Lifes last blog post..30 Days of Mindful Eating – Day 22
March 25th, 2009
When I can’t find it at the library or a used book sale, a good new book is a wonderful splurge for me and my husband. We enjoy reading some of the same materials, so we get to share what we thought of the book when we’re both finished.
A DVD my movie-loving sons want after it’s been out a while. We may even rent it and watch it together before the prices drop at the stores!
Does a 20 ounce Diet Mountain Dew count? Sometimes that purchase can make my day.
March 25th, 2009
My husband and I are planning our first trip without our daughter since she was born. We will be celebrating our wedding anniversary and attending a friend’s wedding. That weekend will be splurge for us; we’re staying at a nicer hotel than we would usually book and we’ve scheduled massages at the hotel spa!
I try to focus on small indulgences at home that aren’t actually splurges so that we can truly splurge from time to time.
March 25th, 2009
1. Extra dark chocolate. Makes regular chocolate pale in comparision(although the regular is still good).
2. A nice glass of wine.
3. Buying some new music. Either from someone I’ve listened to for years of from someone I’ve just discovered.
March 25th, 2009
Delurking for the first time (BTW love the blog)
The only splurge for me right now is a new camera. I love taking pictures of our life. Yes it’s quite boring but it’s our life and fun and exciting and different from everyone else. Taking photos helps me live in the now and remember later on. So while it can be an expensive choice it’s value added benefit overrides it’s price tag.
karens last blog post..A sign of Spring…or not?
March 25th, 2009
Hi Sara,
I am a Starbucks person too. My drink of choice is the Chocolate Soy Banana Vivanno Smoothie. I am a well-known customer at all the local Starbucks in the area. It is kind of funny when I walk in and everyone knows me by my first name.
My other two splurges are music from ITunes, skincare products from Sephora and books/magazines.
Nadia-Happy Lotuss last blog post..Love Yourself, Baby!
March 25th, 2009
You know, my (fabulous) in-laws were super frugal for years. The most extreme example? Their sons were only allowed to participate in track because it was the one high school sport with minimal equipment purchases!
Watching them discover the joys of spending a little bit of money keeps me from going overboard. Here are my Big Three:
1. We stay on property at Disney World when we go. Yes, it costs a fortune. That’s why we can only go every three years, maybe four. But our “frugal” Disney trip led to so many hassles with parking and such that it wasn’t worth it, either.
2. I buy my son Appaman tee shirts. They’re pricey – $30 a pop – but they’re high quality. He wears them for an average of two years – we buy them big and layer. They never fade or shrink, and it would take some doing to tear them. Plus, it is all he wants to wear.
3. I paid (what feels like) a fortune for custom closets. We live in a small house, near the urban center so my husband can take the train to work. (I’m lucky enough to walk. Our kids walk to school, too.) But the trade-off was very little storage, and not much floor space for dressers, etc. $6,000 later – ouch! – we have neat closets that store tons. Of course, it was an investment – our pantry lets me stock up on sales, and our $2,000 bedroom closet redesign was cheaper than buying a new bedroom set. (When your house is small, buying second-hand can be a little more challenging.)
I was tempted to write down my occasional Snickers bar, but the truth is, all my coupon-cutting and such does support a handful of serious indulgences.
March 25th, 2009
Great question! And much harder to think about in the current economy, especially after my husband was just laid off recently – its something you really have to think about – for us it’s been:
1. our netflix account – keeps us at home, cheaper than going out
2. greek yogurt – maybe we don’t need it but we love it and use it a lot
3. gas to visit friends and family
Jen E @ mommablogsalots last blog post..WW: Father and Son
March 25th, 2009
HI Sara -
It’s bee a loooong while since I commented but this post brought me out of the woodwork.
My three splurges are:
1. Good paper and pens. Although I use my computer for most writing these days, there’s still something ultra special about writing with a good pen on fine paper.
2. Vanilla latte. I love good coffee too, though I’m not so hot on Starbucks (and I know that’s a sin being from Seattle) but there’s a coffee shop about a mile from our house that I just love. The latte’s are smooth and creamy. Fabulous!
3. Books/music. Getting a new book or a new CD is always a special treat. Sometimes it’s just nice to escape into another world for a while.
Annie Andersons last blog post..The drawback to tile in the dining room
March 25th, 2009
Splurges for me:
1. Dr. Pepper. It has to be the real thing and it has to be around.
2. Moleskine notebooks. There is just no substitute.
3. date nights. Every week. They save us so much stress. It’s in the budget, but it’s wonderful.
March 25th, 2009
A simple life needs simple pleasures.
1. Dough Egberts dark coffee
2. A good computer programming book
3. Some nice plants for the garden
Which reminds me, time for a quick peruse on Amazon.
Garry – thisimprovedlifes last blog post..Loose weight…by thinking about food
March 25th, 2009
Only three? Then I may have to cluster.
1. Good whole bean coffee and dark chocolate. The two are fantastic together.
2. Yarn — where you sew, I knit. Color and texture are what it is all about.
3. Books. Buy enough and you can line your home with them. Think insulating properties!
–SueBE
March 25th, 2009
For us it’s travel. We love to travel and spend a lot each year on vacations. We think it’s completely worth the cost. It makes life fun and interesting and creates amazing memories.
Vered – MomGrinds last blog post..Stay At Home Mom? Protect Yourself Financially
March 25th, 2009
1. Books, books, books…
2. High quality, artisanal cheeses
3. Organic meat
PS I’m also with you on the Starbucks, but for me it’s a simple Grande Dry Capuccino
Adam Steer – Better Is Betters last blog post..Bodyweight Beach Workout – Impromptu and Effective
March 25th, 2009
Is number 3 available anywhere other than the states haha? That sounds amazing.
Glen Allsopps last blog post..14 Things I Strive to Do in this Lifetime
March 25th, 2009
Great question. I don’t mind to splurge on…
1. Fage Greek yogurt. Expensive but so thick and delicious. Good for digestion too.
2. Any drink from Starbuck is a splurge for me. However, I always ask for gift cards for Christmas.
3. Nice cheese – a good manchego or gorgonzola please!
Funny all of mine are food related…
March 25th, 2009
1 – bi-weekly house cleaning
(it’s cheaper than marriage counciling…)
2 – nice cheese
3 – drinks out with friends
March 25th, 2009
1. Yarn, I’m a knitter!
2. Computer, I’m a gamer/programmer!
3. Car, I like to DRIVE!
I guess mine are kind of expensive, but I go more for occasional big splurges than everyday indulgences. Cars are a once a decade at most thing, computers are one part (I build and upgrade my own) every couple years, and yarn is all the time, rules permitting. You have to have yarn rules or you just end up with a giant stash of stuff that you can’t find a good pattern for!
Slinkys last blog post..Optimism vs Pessimism
March 25th, 2009
1. Dunn Bros. coffee
2. Extra dark chocolate
3. eMusic account
March 25th, 2009
1. Books. Books. Books. although, since so many are read and re-read, lent out, given as gifts, not sure it’s really a splurge, per se. And many are purchased via swapping, from the salvation army, library and yard sales, so a lot are well below retail or even retail sale prices.
2. Not very often (because the price per pound was always high, but now it’s just obscene), Teuscher Champagne dark chocolate truffles from Switzerland. To. Die. For. (and fortunately, you can buy as few as three pieces. But seriously, they are soooooo rich, the taste of one is plenty. You can stretch those three out for weeks.)
3. Quality spices and condiments. (Can you say Penzey’s?) We stock up happily on Trader Joe’s olive oil and balsamic vinegar. But on occasion, we splurge for a special olive oil and/or really good balsamic vinegar. And the investment in good spices: Well, it makes “cheap” meals taste great. (You think you know cinnamon? Try Penzey’s Vietnamese cinnamon. Oh. My. Goodness. Mix some of that and a bit of honey with your greek yogurt. Best simple desert.)
4. Fresh Lychee Sugar Bath Gel. It’s like being transported to a tropical paradise. It’s my special occasion stuff.
5. The potpourri from the Pharmacia de Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy. You’ll either love or hate the smell, but we love it. Thank goodness we can now get it in NYC (although it’d be lovely to be buying it in Firenze!). We’re no longer dependent on begging friends to bring it back.
I’ll never forget the first time I stepped back in time (or so it seemed) in the beautiful old-world, European Pharmacia and smelled this. It was a coup de foudre for sure.
When we smell it in the apartment, it’s like being back in Florence. Deep sigh.
6. Once a year, one 4 ounce tube of Dr. Hiosous Quince hand lotion. Fresh. Light. Nongreasy. Nothing else quite like it.
The biggest “splurge”? Still being able to live in New York city. Although don’t know how much longer we’ll be able to do that.
March 25th, 2009
Books! Although I get them used on Amazon when ever possible now.
A good magazine in the airport. We travel a lot like Vared.
A nice white t-shirt or top.
Starbucks makes a fortune on us. I gave them up Jan 1 so if I have one it’s so much guilt it’s hardly worth it.
I love the line we worry so much about the future we forget to live today. Guilty!
Because I’m so guilty of this I put a new affirmation on an index card that reads:
“I can think about something different. There are other ways of looking at this. It’s possible that my worries are wrong.”
Great post!
Tess The Bold Lifes last blog post..10 Rules for a Bold & Daring Life
March 25th, 2009
1. Magazine subscriptions. Love getting something new to read all the time.
2. Ice cream for me and my ladies. Taking my daughters to fill up on desserts makes all of our days.
3. Shoes. Sounds materialistic. But there is something that makes me feel good in a new pair of shoes.
Christophers last blog post..News Anchors Dance During Commercials
March 25th, 2009
1. High flow, full force shower heads….I have long thick hair, have 3 daughters with long thick hair, and there is nothing more frustrating than a wimpy shower that won’t let you rinse out all the conditioner.
2. Blockbuster Online membership. I get to pick out the ones that come in the mail, husband gets to pick out the free ones we can trade for at the store, both are happy.
3. Scrapbooking supplies. I do everything possible to by on sale, but since scrapbooking is nearly my only creative outlet these days, it’s vital to my emotional well-being.
March 25th, 2009
Fresh-cut flowers. They make me feel cheery, which we all need these days. And if you buy them from a street vendor as I do, you can remind yourself that you are helping to support a small business owner.
March 25th, 2009
My splurges are good quality food in general- the healthiest stuff I can find! It might be expensive, but it’s totally worth it.
Sagans last blog post..Product Review: POM Juice
March 25th, 2009
Books are my addiction.
I’m not so much into things in general, but I like experiences. I don’t mind spending money on vacations.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..4 Stages of Market Maturity
March 26th, 2009
Well, I have a few:
a) A good Flat White Coffee (at home at the moment as my hubby gave me a KitchenAid Artisian Coffee Machine)
b) Books, Books, Books – Books for the kids, books for cooking, novels and self help (mostly on simplicity/simple living)
c) Juicy Bear/Rosemonde T’s and Henley Style Tops
d) Christian Dior Lipsticks
All these things make my heart sing. I love having my flat white (aka cappuccino w no choc top), once I tried to give it up but it made me sad and cranky. I only have one good coffee a day.
March 26th, 2009
We have cut back in major ways during the last year or so, as we work to pay off a home equity loan and bolster our paltry emergency fund. Even so, I cannot bear to part with my every-other-week cleaning ladies. With 4 kids, a huge dog, 2 cats and other assorted critters, it is very calming to know that at least 2 times a month, my house will get really and truly cleaned. Almost daily, I calculate our budget without that expense, and I imagine how good it would feel to put that extra money towards our debt. But then I think about how cranky and out of sorts I get when the house is a wreck, and I realize I would rather give up just about anything else – Starbucks, a new pair of sandals, anything – than give up the cleaning. I think it actually makes me a better wife and mom – cheaper than therapy, too.
Kate
March 26th, 2009
1) Cello lessons. I’ve been playing the cello for about 5 years (started at 36!), and every time I go to a lesson, I think, “Why didn’t I do this earlier in my life?”
2) Locally raised, organic meats and good quality cheese.
3) Clothes and shoes that fit well.
March 26th, 2009
1. fresh berries and other fruit
2. haircuts at Vidal Sassoon
3. Shiseido facial products
Sara, I linked to your blog today from my blog as part of a meme. One of the rules is I let you know. So, done and done! ; )
Shanel Yangs last blog post..What’s in a Meme?
March 26th, 2009
I loved this post….
3 indulgences for us…
1. nice hiking, outdoorsy equipment. We do shop REI garage sales but we make sure that we have what we need to enjoy the outdoors with confidence and without a lot of hassle.
2. concert tickets once each summer for a band that we just love. this year…u2. We budget for this but it’s still certainly an indulgence.
3. Chipotle guacamole. Both a diet indulgence and a finance indulgence. Totally worth it!
March 26th, 2009
Splurges that work for me:
1) Soaks in the hot tub with a glass of Two Buck Chuck. Just has luxury and indulgence written all over it.
2) Freshly baked ginger snaps and a cold glass of milk. Liked this so much as a kid, I took to baking my own ginger snaps at 7 years old.
3) Pilgrimages to Half Price Books or Powell’s Books. There’s something about wandering through a used book store that feeds the mind in ways I can’t even begin to describe.
4) Pillaging and Plundering stores that feature old computer hardware and software. You never can tell what goodies you’ll find for pennies on the dollar. Found a fully licensed version of PhotoShop 6.0 for $5. Picked up Paint Shop Pro 7.04 for $0.50. Still fully functional software, legal and cheap.
March 26th, 2009
Sadly my splurges are things like a load of good compost for my garden.
Although we do not cheap out on things like buying delicious freshly roasted coffee beans and raw milk. We have an expensive espreso maker and grinder and fully enjoy delicious lattes every morning.
We also splurged on a great car that we love to take driving vacations in (a MINI Cooper).
We do save more than we spend, but we have found that a lot of things in life that bring us joy are actually free.
Chiot’s Runs last blog post..Busy Busy Bees
March 26th, 2009
My special splurges are :
Books whether new or not…
White chocolate cheesecake at 4.75 a slice YUMMM
Trapp brand Patchouli candles…
Those three things with my cats and some jazz music and life is rich indeed.
March 26th, 2009
Hey Sara,
Thank you for the link a while back. I have just been buried, but I love the post I have come back to ….
I will not give up small and big experiences with my kids…little trips to the park, cotton candy and such – they cost more in time than in money as of now
I love travel too – and we do not think much when we buy books
Mayas last blog post..Creating powerful micro-experiences
March 26th, 2009
Mexican food at restaurants, travel, books by the dozens, wine
Jennies last blog post..The Hat Trick
March 26th, 2009
1. Really good fair trade organic coffee — I drink one cup of this made in my French Press instead of 3 cups of regular coffee from a coffee maker and it feels indulgent.
2. fabric — I am a quilter, so I know I’m going to use every scrap.
3. Well fitting pants. I can make cute tops for myself, but pants are best left to the experts.
jills last blog post..
March 28th, 2009
I think everyone’s going to mention coffee:
1) Second Cup chocolate mint latte, with extra, extra, extra (real) whipped cream, caramel sauce and chocolate sprinkles.
2) Big screen MP3 players (Not the Ipod) that make everyone ask: “what’s that?” and that you can actually see pictures on. I broke mine last two
so I’m on the market shopping for another one.
3) And I’m with @Shanel:
BERRIES!!! Or just going to the farmer’s market in general. I can buy just about any yummy veggie / fruit and call it a treat
April 9th, 2009
1) Brie and any kind of berry
2)well-fitting bras, shoes, pants (okay, all clothes)
3) Golf cart (I enjoy walking but miss out on the chit chat that occurs when riding with someone
April 9th, 2009
My main ones are things I CAN’T do when I’m much older. One big one is travel. Specifically spending a week in some country, visiting a different city every day, spending nights on trains or hostels, and running around on foot exploring places tourist companies don’t show you. Basically anything that has to do with physical/stamina exertion (although mostly vacation-related things I guess)
April 21st, 2009
Mmmmm. A white chocolate mocha from Starbucks. I think I’ll treat myself to some of that tomorrow!
It’s a little pricey but I enjoy it and it puts a little extra pep in my step.
SingleGuyMoneys last blog post..High Yield Checking – Should I Choose Rate or Location?
May 21st, 2009
My top 3 splurges:
1. Salon shampoo and trim every two months
2. Gourmet ice cream
3. Exotic fruits (gives the feeling of staying at some posh hotel)
September 30th, 2009
My biggest “splurges” are top-quality fruit and vegetables, music CDs, and cable television. Can’t live without any of them. On the other hand, I don’t wear makeup (at all), have a hairdresser visit my house and do a $16 cut (instead of an $80/130/300 job at a salon), and I buy the smallest number of new clothes possible once every two or three years.
September 30th, 2009
PS I agree with Kate in NY above, about the cleaner. I have a cleaner too, and it makes such a difference to the quality of my life that I don’t for one minute consider it a “splurge”. Somethings, if you can afford them, are essential. I get freed up to do what I need to do; someone else gets a job. Win-win.
Trackbacks
Add a comment