I'm always blown away by the number of credit scores a single person has and how much they can vary depending on what type of credit you're seeking. Very interesting piece — thanks!
I'd say it's a tie between getting a dog, getting my own place (moving into a studio on my own instead of renting w/ roommates), and upgrading my mtn bike. All are 'unnecesarry' but have brought joy, peace and better health to my life.
The dog helps me be more social joyful on a day/moment basis; the solo living helps me grow in a personal and creative way since I finally feel like I have a space where I canboth enjoy solitude and express myself; and the bike helps me stay healthy, go on adventures, and meet new people.
Combined, it's a quality of life well above anything else I've ever had. Because I was careful in how I approached each (small space, small dog, used bike), I'm still able to reach my savings goals and live well below my means despite these otherwise "expensive" lifestyle choices.
Thank you for exposing the business side of weight loss programs. We have to remember that any diet program is based on a profit-driven business model that thrives on repeat customers because diets don't work in the long run 95% of the time.
Buying a home has definitely improved my life! After many years of living with other people, I love having my own space to be creative, give me a sense of stability and be myself!
If always put my locked, wire-mesh lined, backpack that has my laptop in the overhead for the seat ACROSS the aisle from me when I can. That way I can see if anyone tries to open it. I keep the laptop in a bag, and even put "bear bells" on the backpack so anyone rustling it will make a little more noise than they care to.
When I went to college in the late 1970's, it was on the super heap. I lived at home and rode a bike or the local bus. I always brought lunch. I tried to get every textbook secondhand and do only free activities. It was not much fun but there was no choice in a house with five kids and one income. We all were taking any jobs we could find even if just babysitting or gardening or other part time money makers.
Now I am in my fifties with engrained frugal habits. A friend in Berkeley invited me to go to the U C Berkeley International House cafeteria. Some nights the I-house offered special theme dinners. Tonight was French. Anyone can eat there with all the students.
I had quite a surprise! What a wonderful and amazing meal in a beautiful old big dining room for $12. All kinds of special vegetable and meat and fish dishes, desserts and cheeses and drinks and breads and no limit on it! The students there are all graduate students and eat there so well every night. For me it was a special treat and all
Kinds of weird memories of my own ultra cheap student days kept returning.
I think a student intent on graduating with little or no debt should think about making that cafeteria dinner a special treat. The real world is right outside the door and one might as well get to know that eating well every night is not the best choice on a tight budget.
My Montblanc fountain pen was an indulgence I used nearly daily for decades. Rewarded myself with it just after completing my medical internship at the Naval Hospital in Oakland, and just before serving as a ship's medical officer based out of Japan. Used it for countless prescriptions, medical notes, physical exams, orders, and more. Now use it just for a few cards and signatures. Whenever I use it I'm reminded of when I purchased it and the woman of the Ink Stone, now out of business, who sold it to me.
I would have to say my splurge would be a monthly massage. My husband is currently on a military deployment, so this me time is crucial to my well being while raising my two kids while he's temporarily gone. Worth every penny for a great masseuse.
Funny how some of the loudest cries of "Tax the Rich" come from the liberal Hollywood crowd. It's amazing how many stories there are of celebs and athletes not paying their taxes, period. When they come from nothing and all the sudden have tons of money, paying the IRS all the sudden takes a back seat. What goes around, comes around.
A quality backpack. After many failed attempts to look cute with a tote only to stress out my shoulders or have them break on me, having a well-made backpack with tons of pockets and compartments has made my daily commute and workday that much more pleasant.
My iPad. I bought it when I took a 6 month trip overseas, and it was worth every penny, allowing me to plan excursions, book hotels and flights, and do research while on the road.
Repaired and upgraded my wedding ring. Never told anyone - just me and the husband. Wanted ring to reflect me at 40 while still keeping the 19-year-old bride. Love looking at my beautiful bling that has lasted 20+ years! Could have used the money to pay down the mortgage, but so worth the smile every day I wear it.
My favorite splurge has been travel with my family. We are hard core savers but I do believe you need balance and our splurges tend to be on experiences. A trip to St. Maarten last year is a memory we cherish. I like this quote "Life is short. Take the trip. Buy the shoes. Eat the cake."
I'm always blown away by the number of credit scores a single person has and how much they can vary depending on what type of credit you're seeking. Very interesting piece — thanks!
I'd say it's a tie between getting a dog, getting my own place (moving into a studio on my own instead of renting w/ roommates), and upgrading my mtn bike. All are 'unnecesarry' but have brought joy, peace and better health to my life.
The dog helps me be more social joyful on a day/moment basis; the solo living helps me grow in a personal and creative way since I finally feel like I have a space where I canboth enjoy solitude and express myself; and the bike helps me stay healthy, go on adventures, and meet new people.
Combined, it's a quality of life well above anything else I've ever had. Because I was careful in how I approached each (small space, small dog, used bike), I'm still able to reach my savings goals and live well below my means despite these otherwise "expensive" lifestyle choices.
I love my subscription to Stitch Fix. I have been able to build an amazing wardrobe and I never had to leave the house.
^---- Trump is that you?
Thank you for exposing the business side of weight loss programs. We have to remember that any diet program is based on a profit-driven business model that thrives on repeat customers because diets don't work in the long run 95% of the time.
Buying a home has definitely improved my life! After many years of living with other people, I love having my own space to be creative, give me a sense of stability and be myself!
Don't have info button
If always put my locked, wire-mesh lined, backpack that has my laptop in the overhead for the seat ACROSS the aisle from me when I can. That way I can see if anyone tries to open it. I keep the laptop in a bag, and even put "bear bells" on the backpack so anyone rustling it will make a little more noise than they care to.
When I went to college in the late 1970's, it was on the super heap. I lived at home and rode a bike or the local bus. I always brought lunch. I tried to get every textbook secondhand and do only free activities. It was not much fun but there was no choice in a house with five kids and one income. We all were taking any jobs we could find even if just babysitting or gardening or other part time money makers.
Now I am in my fifties with engrained frugal habits. A friend in Berkeley invited me to go to the U C Berkeley International House cafeteria. Some nights the I-house offered special theme dinners. Tonight was French. Anyone can eat there with all the students.
I had quite a surprise! What a wonderful and amazing meal in a beautiful old big dining room for $12. All kinds of special vegetable and meat and fish dishes, desserts and cheeses and drinks and breads and no limit on it! The students there are all graduate students and eat there so well every night. For me it was a special treat and all
Kinds of weird memories of my own ultra cheap student days kept returning.
I think a student intent on graduating with little or no debt should think about making that cafeteria dinner a special treat. The real world is right outside the door and one might as well get to know that eating well every night is not the best choice on a tight budget.
My Montblanc fountain pen was an indulgence I used nearly daily for decades. Rewarded myself with it just after completing my medical internship at the Naval Hospital in Oakland, and just before serving as a ship's medical officer based out of Japan. Used it for countless prescriptions, medical notes, physical exams, orders, and more. Now use it just for a few cards and signatures. Whenever I use it I'm reminded of when I purchased it and the woman of the Ink Stone, now out of business, who sold it to me.
Talking to local people is great, and often very interesting. Great article.
Hi I have a Sony DVD player, DVP-SR210P and my remote does NOT have an info button, is there another button I can press. PLze help!!!!
I would have to say my splurge would be a monthly massage. My husband is currently on a military deployment, so this me time is crucial to my well being while raising my two kids while he's temporarily gone. Worth every penny for a great masseuse.
My car! I travel by car for work and I would not have this great job if it weren't for reliable transportation.
Our dogs and cats--all adopted from shelters or were strays, but some take special food and care--all totally worth it!!!
This gives me hope because I want to do a MA abroad and I don't know if it's worth it.
A remodel of my kitchen in my past home that ended up upping the price tag and we made back our money of the remodel and more.
Funny how some of the loudest cries of "Tax the Rich" come from the liberal Hollywood crowd. It's amazing how many stories there are of celebs and athletes not paying their taxes, period. When they come from nothing and all the sudden have tons of money, paying the IRS all the sudden takes a back seat. What goes around, comes around.
My car starter, it is a great splurge that I appreciate everyday in this cold winter.
A quality backpack. After many failed attempts to look cute with a tote only to stress out my shoulders or have them break on me, having a well-made backpack with tons of pockets and compartments has made my daily commute and workday that much more pleasant.
My iPad. I bought it when I took a 6 month trip overseas, and it was worth every penny, allowing me to plan excursions, book hotels and flights, and do research while on the road.
Repaired and upgraded my wedding ring. Never told anyone - just me and the husband. Wanted ring to reflect me at 40 while still keeping the 19-year-old bride. Love looking at my beautiful bling that has lasted 20+ years! Could have used the money to pay down the mortgage, but so worth the smile every day I wear it.
My favorite splurge has been travel with my family. We are hard core savers but I do believe you need balance and our splurges tend to be on experiences. A trip to St. Maarten last year is a memory we cherish. I like this quote "Life is short. Take the trip. Buy the shoes. Eat the cake."
Our house has improved our life greatly!
This was extremely helpful. Thanks for the wisdom!
Bernie