Growing up, we didn’t have much money. Okay, we didn’t have any money. Today, my husband and I make what would probably be considered good money. Especially in Idaho. (Well, at least our tax bracket makes it seem like SOMEONE thinks we make extremely good money).
I finally figured out that some of the things I buy is because for forever I had no money.
I collect shampoo. Lots of it. Expensive shampoo. I love the smell, the way it makes my hair feel, etc. Yes, I know that a lot of the cheaper shampoo does just as good, if not better, a job. Something about being able to buy any shampoo I wish and not having to buy it in gallon jugs makes me feel better.
I buy books three and four at a time. All the time. I have shelves and shelves of books I haven’t read yet, and I’m a voracious reader. I love books. I love the way they look on my shelves. I love reading them. I know I can go to the library and get them for free. I want to own them.
My pantry in the kitchen could feed an army for several months. Every month I buy way more groceries that we would eat. I have it stacked neatly in rows. A veritable bunker. No, I don’t think the world’s gonna end. I didn’t even worry about Y2K. I’ve had empty cupboards before. No more. It makes me feel better.
I do the same thing with the books. I rarely go to the library anymore. I made my formal living room into a library, and now I order all my books from Amazon.
I also take great glee in purchasing high-end tissue and toilet paper. Nothing but Puffs Plus and Charmin Ultra for me! Never used to be able to do that.
I grew up pretty poor (father left etc etc).
I’m definetly making up for that now. I spend a ton of cash on myself and others. I go to a fancy spa, I buy expensive clothes, I buy very expensive (mostly Italian) shoes. I go out to eat pretty much every night and go to a bar about 4 times a week.
Last year was a really good one for the family and friends - everyone is happy and healthy. Why not celebrate the good times with a little decadence?
Agreed, more books than I can read, though I do read them, and I wasn’t deprived of them growing up, though these days, the choices are mine. Which reminds me, where is that copy of Straight Dope Tells All that I ordered?
There always seemed to be a shortage of beef growing up (“it’s too expensive!”), and home cooking was rarely spicy enough. So steak, bbq, chili, and Mexican meals are on the regular rotation.
Tools. I’ve spent about $3k on major woodworking tools since I started this job. As soon as I get payment for the car I’m selling I’ll get a TIG welding machine. It kills me to spend a lot of money on computer stuff that will be obsolete in a year but good tools have a useful life measured in decades. My father made a good portion of his living with his tools but typically bought the least expensive he could get away with. I buy good tools in part because of that.
Well, having grown up (I use the term loosely) in the 70’s and 80’s I was innundated (sp?) with crap-tacular music. It wasn’t all bad, but it often seemed that way. In order to compensate I have tried to get a sampling of the best of modern music while exploring the best of yesteryear, from The Beatles to Bach and beyond. I dunno what they were thinking but IMHO spandex and high pitched voices belong the the ladies…
I delayed gratification (i.e. was dirt poor) for years working my way through the education phase. It meant eating red beans and rice because I was too broke for anything else. Hint: a huge splurge was buying a “half meal ticket” for the university cafeteria.
So now I splurge on food sometimes, and buy good toilet paper. Hey, small things do matter.
But mostly I revel in the freedom to do things. After caring for aging (and demanding) parents and an alcholic husband, for the first time I’m free. I can travel, follow my own interests, make my own friends and do silly, stupid wonderful everyday things.
Not whining here; they were my obligations and sometimes shit happens. But, oh my, it does feel so damned glorious when those cage doors swing open.
I enjoy the “things” but could do without them. But it would be damned tough to cram myself into a smothering little gray box again.
Money seems to be a common theme here. I too spent a signifigant amount of time below the poverty line. If I were going to have any issues/baggage it would be money management. No, I don’t blow it. I’m like one of the old timers who lived throught the depression afraid it’s going to happen all over again so it’s difficult for me to spend money.
Inertia’s entire philosophy in two words - Be nice.
I’m not so bad off now but I have seen the time. Single parent with no help on the financial end. Finally, I can splurge a little. But I don’t usually cause I don’t want to be where I was before. But I do make sure that my cabinets are always full of food. I have enough to live on for a year. My cupboards are full of canned goods. My mom always taught me…if you can buy 3/$1.00 then get the three and have some extra in stead of buying just one.