Over the past few months, I’ve been diving into older posts here on Making Sense of Cents to clean them up, add images, and so on.
While doing this I came across a post I published on splurges and I realized that it was time for an update. While I haven’t changed significantly in the past few years, my spending behaviors have changed at least somewhat.
Lately, we have been much more frugal, more minimalist, and we have been analyzing nearly everything that we spend money on. Over the past year we have realized that we have been rather wasteful and we are trying to change that.
While we are still aiming to be frugal, there are still many things in life that we splurge on.
They may make life better, easier, or a little more fun. While I am all about saving money, I do believe that money can be enjoyed as well as long as you are still saving for what is important in life (such as retirement, paying off debt, etc.).
This is something that has taken me quite some time to fully grasp. For many years, I was all about saving every last penny and not enjoying anything. I would second guess every purchase and I had a bad relationship with money.
Things are much different now though. I now know how to control money instead of it controlling me. I also have learned how to use it to better my life instead of it holding me back. Due to this, I have realized that not all splurges are bad, as long as you are realistic about them.
Below are nine things we don’t mind splurging on.
1. A new car.
Okay, many probably will not agree with me since this is a personal finance blog after all, but I do not mind splurging on our car.
We have changed a little in this area though. We are now a one car family, so our car costs were recently slashed in half. It was a definite splurge having two cars, and it was wasteful as well.
The reason for our new car is that we drive A LOT. Between May, June, and July, we will log slightly over 225 hours just from long road trips. That just includes going to and from our main destinations.
Yes, I just said 225 HOURS!
Having something dependable that we know will make it on a long trip is extremely important to us. We also want something comfortable, something safe, a car that gets good gas mileage, and more. Also, since Wes used to be a new car salesman, we know how to get a new car for cheap and they are usually cheaper than or similar to a car that is just a few years old (yes, this is true), so that’s why we usually go new. Lastly, we are also able to fit a new car into our budget, so we are being realistic about the cost as well.
Due to the reasons above, we have no problem with splurging on our car.
2. Travel.
Travel is something that I will never mind splurging on.
While we do go on many affordable trips by using credit card rewards to our advantage, travel is something that we enjoy and we do spend money on it as well.
Related article: How To Use Credit Cards To Earn Cheap/Free Vacations
3. Outdoor gear.
We have spent a good amount of money on outdoor gear (bikes, rock climbing gear, camping items, hiking gear, etc.) in the past few years. We try to only buy high quality items that we know will last and will be useful, so the costs can quickly add up.
There’s nothing much else for us to buy now that the large upfront costs are over, so this means that we can do many fun things outside for free. Yes, we will have to replace and maintain certain items eventually, but for the most part everything should last a long time.
4. Dogs.
My blog receives a lot of odd search engine hits, such as:
- how much is a dog worth;
- how much to spend on a sick dog;
- how much is too much to spend on your dog;
- why do people pay money to keep their dogs alive;
- spending $200 on my dog’s surgery, is it worth it?;
- thousand dollar vet bill or put dog to sleep.
I personally know someone who put their dog to sleep due to just a $150 vet bill (I can’t remember if it was $50 or $150), and that really makes me sad to even think about.
To me, our dogs are well worth it.
They are a part of our family and if I knew that just a little bit of money would make them all better, I would do it.
5. Rock climbing gym memberships.
We spend exactly $99 a month on our rock climbing gym memberships altogether. This includes unlimited climbing, discounted classes, unlimited yoga, a “normal” gym, and more.
While just a year ago I probably would have believed that spending $99 would be crazy, it brings us a lot of entertainment each month (we go multiple times each week) and we also get a great workout in.
6. A comfy mattress.
We used to sleep on a super cheap mattress that we bought when we first bought our house and were on a budget.
Our old mattress was something that we would complain about All. The. Time. In fact, when we recently went back to St. Louis and stayed in our old house, we had to sleep on that mattress and we could not believe that we slept on that for so many years. It felt impossible to even go to sleep in the first place because it felt like the mattress springs were jabbing us.
Late last year though, we got a new mattress. I love sleeping on it and you pretty much have to tear me away from my bed. I never wake up in pain anymore and I actually get a deep sleep in now.
A good mattress is well worth the cost. They aren’t even that expensive either!
Related article: How To Not Break Your Budget When Mattress Shopping
7. Lawn maintenance.
After multiple lawn mowers breaking after the first use (extreme bad luck) and companies never once honoring their warranty (or even their return policy), we started to get our lawn professionally mowed. Our home in St. Louis had grass that grew very slowly so it was always cheap there.
Here in Colorado, we’ve been hit with over 100 degree temperatures EVERY SINGLE DAY for the past 26 days so mowing would be fairly miserable.
We also just don’t like mowing the lawn. We want sand at our next place for this very reason.
Due to these reasons, we pay for someone to mow our lawn. It’s a task we dislike, so outsourcing it makes sense to us.
Related article: Should You Outsource Tasks To Make Life Easier?
8. Internet.
This isn’t exactly a splurge, but I have been told time after time that I could just get free internet at a library, a cafe, and so on.
Having internet is a need for me though, so I do not see this changing any time soon. I need it to run my business and without it I would be wasting a ton of time running over to the library whenever I need to get something done.
9. Dental care.
Around every 6-7 months, we go to the dentist for a regular cleaning. I also floss and use mouthwash once a day, and I brush twice a day.
My dad would always say that teeth were extremely important and if there was one thing that he was going to pay for, that it would be teeth.
Haha, that has just always stuck with me. I would much rather pay for affordable preventative care now then for something extremely expensive to come up later.
We also don’t have dental insurance, so making sure that our teeth are healthy is extremely important. It will save us money and teeth in the long run by doing this.
What do you splurge on? How much does your splurge cost you?
Petrish @ Debt Free Martini says
I have only bought 3 mattresses in my lifetime, but splurged big time on 2 of them because I believe your bed needs to be comfortable, and I refuse to sleep below my privilege.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Mattresses are so important, and they really aren’t all that expensive either.
Vanessa D. says
I have things I like to splurge on, but one of the main one is shoes. I would rather have one pair of good comfortable shoes than twenty pairs of not so good ones. When I was working a job that had me on my feet for 12-16 hours a day, a good pair of shoes was money well spent.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Awesome Vanessa!
Talaat @ His and Her Money says
Most definitely agree with splurging on the right mattress. If your sleep is messed up, your whole day is messed up. No bootleg mattresses lol. We also don’t mind splurging on a good meal every now and then. We schedule out date nights periodically and let our hair down when those times come around.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Awesome!
Amy @ DebtGal says
I think of dental care as more of a necessity than a splurge, and along the same lines, I’d add vision care. I have HORRIBLE vision, and my contacts are quite pricey because I have astigmatism, but I’m not going to skimp on my vision. I also get eye exams once a year.
While I understand that people in truly difficult financial positions sometimes have to make a choice between paying the rent and paying vet bills, I would never deny my pet anything needed for their health. We’ve had some pricey bills ($1,200 endoscopic biopsy!) that I’ve had to partially charge, but I take seriously the commitment I made when I adopted my animals. They’re a part of my family. (And I also would hope that vets would work with clients who are faced with the kind of choice you described.)
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Sadly, the person who only had to pay that small amount above that I talked about had their dog put to sleep. I couldn’t believe it, especially since she spent so much money on everything else in her life.
Holly@ClubThrifty says
My splurges – a house cleaner once per month, travel, a pretty nice house. Those are the things I don’t mind paying for!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Awesome!
Chonce says
We splurged a little bit on our mattress too. To the tune of $3,000 for a tempurpedic bed (but that’s with a 10 year warranty). I have really bad back pains so it was worth it to me because I sleep soooo much better now. And I agree with you on wanting a reliable car. I depend on my car a lot since I don’t live in an urban area with lots of reliable buses and the train would cost just as much as gas and car maintenance these days.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Yes, definitely sounds worth it to get a good mattress for you.
Kathy says
We have lawn service also and don’t regret if for a second. I’ve put in thousands of hours doing our own lawn care when we lived in the country of 5 acres. I splurge on books. I ask for nice clothes for Christmas. According to most people the money we spend on Christmas is a huge splurge but we don’t travel every year so that money is diverted to Christmas. When we do travel, it is usually big but that is coming to an end based on our diminishing desire to travel. Our biggest splurge is happening right now… we are building a custom home for which we intend to pay cash. While most people our age are downsizing into condos etc. we are building the biggest home we’ve owned to date which is definitely a huge splurge.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
A custom home sounds nice!
Cindy says
I agree that we all have things that are worthwhile to splurge on. I definitely find my priorities change as my life changes. Sure, there are more sacrifices I could make to save more money. But at a certain point, you start to question why you would want to.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Yes, exactly!
Brian @DebtDiscipline says
We spent almost $2k on our dog from a private breeder. He was well worth it. He bring so much love and joy into our home.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
I love dogs! 🙂
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Yes, dental is definitely nonnegotiable for me too!
Kayla @ Femme Frugality says
Great list Michelle! I agree with at least most of these things for my splurging areas too. 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Thanks Kayla!
Shannon @ The Heavy Purse says
We buy new cars too, Michelle. It’s our preference, we drive them for years and we pay cash. I also love to travel and don’t mind making an investment to explore the world. Dental care is also extremely important to me. My father was an oral surgeon and worked in his office growing up. I definitely want to do everything I can to avoid undergoing some of the surgeries I saw him perform. I also don’t mind splurging on a housekeeper and a nanny when the girls were younger.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
I agree Shannon!
Fervent Finance says
I’d say the main thing I splurge on is travel. I still try to find a good deal, but definitely don’t let the price hold me back too much. But right now everything else that’s not a necessity gets highly scrutinized while I’m in the accumulation phase of FI.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Same here!
Wanda says
My gym membership (though I negotiate or look for ways to reduce the cost each year)! It’s a small expense, when I consider what it has likely saved me in medical bills and therapy costs. The benefits far outweigh the cost, where I’m concerned. Also, lawn maintenance (got multiple bids and got a great deal on that too!).
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Great job Wanda!
Will @ Phroogal says
That’s awesome you’ve kept track of travel hours! Did you count them just for this post or do you always tally time spent doing things?
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Ha I’ve been adding it up this past month because I just cannot believe how long my road trips have been. It wasn’t hard to track though (took literally 10 seconds to figure out), it’s only been like 4 trips so far but they’ve been far distances.
Jason Butler says
Travel is my main splurge. The memories that I have from going to different places trumps material things to me.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
I agree!
Stephanie says
There is literally no dollar amount that could be placed on my dog’s care/life. As long as it’s not something that’s just prolonging suffering, I’ll pay it. I’m frugal and debt free and all those things but if that dog needs a million dollars vet care, I’m opening as many credit cards as I need and maxing them all out.
I hope no one reads this and tries to kidnap her for ransom. Because I’d pay that too.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
I’m with you! I will pay ANYTHING to save my dogs, as long as it’s not prolonging their suffering. In the story I mentioned above about someone I knew who put their dog to sleep over just $150, the dog only had a skin problem. It wasn’t even a serious problem. The dog just needed ointment and I can’t believe the vet was fine with putting the dog to sleep over that.
Heather @ Simply Save says
I’m so with you on many of these! Dogs, internet, mattress, dental….I’ve been toying with lawn service too. Maybe a good company because my back yard looks like crap, or maybe just a teenager to keep up with the ever growing grass! Definitely considering it.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
I love having lawn service. It makes life incredibly easier.
Kate says
I just got home from taking my dog to a pet dermatologist. It’s not exactly cheap, but she’s worth it (and hopefully her new medicine will help)!
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
I hope it helps 🙂
Kim says
I splurge on lots of things; trips, a used, but very nice car, eating out, having a dog, skiing, and I’ve been known to buy a whole season of shows if I get hooked and the latest season isn’t on Netflix or Amazon Prime. The trick is to splurge on things that your really enjoy and value instead of getting whatever you want whenever you want it, which is just another name for lifestyle inflation.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Yes, I agree!
K @ One More BROKE TWENTY-SOMETHING says
YES! Cars and mattresses – totally agree!
I had been sleeping on a 20+ year old hand-me-down mattress for the longest time, but no more. Once my tax refund hit last year, I HAD to invest in a new one and it was the best choice ever.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Awesome!
Dan @ Our Big Fat Wallet says
Wow that is a lot of driving. What kind of car did you buy? I have satellite radio in our car and love it, it’s a bit of a splurge but not too expensive and makes a long road trip so much more entertaining
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
We have a Subaru Crosstrek. 🙂
Jayson @ Monster Piggy Bank says
Who doesn’t love travel? I splurge on travel but there are many ways to save much in travel like getting coupons or gift cards and preparing for it ahead of time, Michelle. Travelling is one of the best activities we share with family and friends.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Exactly!
Jesse Gernigin says
There should always be money for rock climbing gyms. You have to get strong for those Johnson Falls climbing trips! Knowing where you are willing to spend money is the key to creating a playbook for enjoying your desires and not wasting money on excess.
Michelle Schroeder-Gardner says
Thanks! I live in Colorado and there’s tons of climbing here 🙂
Debbie says
Travel travel travel OFCOURSE!!
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Brittney @ Life On A Discount says
We splurge on some similar things as well. Our main areas are: our dogs, travel (1-2 times a year), our mattress, our home (in the sense of buying quality, not necessarily luxury), and our food (we buy quality).
I have always been a firm believer in determining what you value and focus your energy and resources on that. As long as you spending within your means and the things you buy add value to your life (and not just junk), then by all means splurge!
Adam says
I keep refusing to pay for lawn service out of guilt that I can easily do it myself, but I feel like I’m about to give in on that one.
We have dogs, pay for gym memberships, and I pay an overpriced cell phone plan so I can have my Iphone 6+.