Ask the Readers: What Do You Splurge On?
Editor's Note: Congratulations to Tracey, Ernest, and Kristin for winning this week's contest!
Overspending all the time is terrible for your finances, but it's actually a good thing to splurge a little once in a long while. Just make sure the splurge is worth it!
What do you splurge on? What is your criteria for a worthy splurge? When was the last time you spent more than absolutely necessary on something you really wanted?
Tell us what you splurge on and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!
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I splurge on Organic fruits and veges and meats once a month at Trader Joes! It is worth the extra cost because their food is so delicious!
I splurge on items that I know are quality and will hold up for a long time such as a nice neutral coat, handbag, or dress shoes. I usually think over the decision for a good amount of time to determine whether it is an impulse buy or something I actually need.
I splurge on dinners out. I don't get to go out often so when I do I like to make it worthwhile.
I splurge on organic food because it's healthier and delicious
I like to splurge on soaps, shampoos, lotions, and other personal care products that do not have synthetic ingredients and fragrances and aren't tested on animals (and that rank well on EWG's Skin Deep database). That peace of mind is worth the extra money paid for those items, though I always make sure to look for deals too!
TRAVEL and PLANE TICKETS! I love seeing the world. 14 countries and counting.
I splurge on Google Play Movie sales. I buy all the movies I know I'll like and it helps reduce blu-ray clutter.
Fabric. I'm a quilter. 'Nuff said.
I splurge on food and clothes, particularly shoes... Gotta have more self control!
I tend to splurge on fitness or dance classes. Fitness and dance keep me sane so I feel it is well worth the money!
One of the things that I like to splurge on is traveling, I can nitpick my budget in other categories when I'm at home or trying to save money. When I'm traveling I want to enjoy myself and have new experiences.
I tend to splurge on my manicures/pedicures. It is summertime so I have to keep my hands and feet presentable, especially my feet since they are exposed now more often than usual. The last time I got one was 2 weeks ago. My criteria for a worthy splurge is if it is something that I can't do on my own and it is better to pay extra to ensure quality than to save money and compromise quality, I splurge baby!
I definitely feel like I splurge when it comes to fitness, though I view it as an investment in my health. I could probably settle for a cheaper gym options, but I love my group fitness gym. The coaching and community definitely keep me motivated.
I splurge on world travel! Sure, I make sure to find the best deals on plane tickets, hotels, etc. But, to me, the investment in visiting other countries and experiences other cultures is worth the price.
I splurge on magazines i normally don't buy and starbucks.
Well, I was trying to pare down on what I spend on toiletries, and went with some pretty cheap hand soap. Bad decision as now I have eczema and the doctor visit cost me $127 with insurance. So now I'm back to spending on high end hand soap. That and I'm a sucker for high quality stationery.
I, too, splurge once a month at Trader Joe's. I like to try a few new (to me) products and stock up on Two-Buck Chuck.
I splurge on nice meals out, but try to keep it occasional and for special occasions.
I splurge on gifts for my kids.
I splurge on new glazes for the pottery I make. I also splurge on gasoline and cat boarding for taking road trips with my sister when we use gift cards and hotel stays we've won.
a good meal out with friends once a month.
I splurge on makeup.
I splurge on healthy foods!
I splurge on good food and travel! Good food because it will keep me healthy in the long run and hopefully avoid medical bills down the future, so it actually saves me. And I splurge on travel because life is too short and I want to see as much as I can!
I splurge on healthy foods and massages!
We splurge on vacation.
i tend to splurge on skincare products
Decor items for my house... they have to be on sale but there is nothing that I love more!
My favorite indulgence is jewelry. I love diamonds and gold but also gemstones and pearls. My everyday look is sterling silver and costume type jewelry. My Grammie took me to her favorite jewelry store every Monday when I was growing up and that is where my love of jewelry began and continues.
I go to the local butcher shop, which is a bit more expensive than buying meat at the grocery store, but the quality is far above what I get at my local grocery store. So many times over the past few we have bought a steak (a splurge to begin with in our house) and found it chewy and with little flavor, and then bought the same cut at the butcher shop (for about $2.00+ more a pound) and it has much more flavor and is so tender! Well worth the extra few dollars per week to get something we really enjoy.
KINDLE BOOKS!!!!!!!
Seems like I only splurge on my kids! Their lessons (piano, ice skating, golf) and soon a trip to Disney World and Universal.
I splurge on books. When I can't find anything I want at the library or hear about an especially good book I just HAVE to buy it. I do use Paperback Swap and go to the used book store first but Amazon is always handy.
I splurge on healthy food! I never compromise when it comes to my health and well-being.
I splurge on a few food items: parmigiano reggiano cheese, almond butter, top quality canned tuna. Otherwise I run a tight ship on food budget. A couple of times a year, we splurge at a high-end restaurant for special occasions (shared birthdays and anniversary). I splurged once on a pair of designer shoes on the occasion of our daughter's wedding and I bought a Burberry raincoat on sale years ago that I still love and wear.
I save up all year long, to take the AMTRAK TRAIN roommette... to go to Florida. I spend 2-3 months down there with my Mom.
That room on Amtrak, is my one SPLURGE every year. The ONE thing I do for myself.
I get 24 hours of pampering. Peace and quiet. Meals are included. The porter brings hot tea and dessert to me in my room... he brings the night-bed down for me when I request it.
I am worth it.
I recently splurged on a new car after driving used cars for more than 15 years.
I splurge on some foods, particularly cheese and chocolates. I like to have really good quality of those things. I'll splurge on some other foods if they are highlighted in recipes I'm making.
Pottery class. And I'm loving it!
(Of course, I'm also making things I would otherwise need to buy, like gifts and pots for plants.)
I splurge on essential oils and cute shoes for my kids.
I usually splurge on gifts
I splurge on buying books for myself. Never hurts to keep educating yourself. I do pass the books on to someone else so in essence it can then help someone else also.
I do look to see if I can buy the book on Amazon at a "used price". It allows me to purchase more books.
Jeans. Wear them all the time. Cost more but better fit. Then they last about 10 years.
I splurge on shoes. I bought cheap pairs for years. Within the year mark, they'd usually fall apart on me, pinch my feet and cause blisters. Spending an extra $50 or $60 dollars for a decent pair makes such a difference. You're getting more comfort, and in the long run, you're maintain feet health -- which is especially important during old age.
I splurge on quality outdoor clothes/gear and leather boots that will last practically forever.
Skincare and hair products!!
I splurge on really nice handmade natural soap. It's a nice treat and only costs about $5 every couple of months.
I splurge on going out to dinner or lunch with friends. If one is available, I will try to use a coupon or a discounted gift card. My friends are okay with the frugal hacks, because they benefit from them too.
I splurge on books or e-books. I love to read. Other than that my husband and I splurge on organic food for our dogs. They eat better than we do!
I go out to eat with a friend about once a month at a moderately priced sit-down Mexican restaurant. The food's good and the margaritas are even better.
A yearly, February, 2 week, vacation to St. John USVI. It's my happy place with warm breezes, brilliant sunshine and crystal clear water in the middle of a cold, dreary winter.
I splurge on clothing. I also splurge on (sweet) snacks from Amazon!
Every 10 years I splurge on an excellent quality handbag. I'm a one-bag girl so having something beautiful and thoughtfully made to carry everyday is a treat.
I like to spend a little more on nice quality shoes that look great, feel comfortable and will last a long time.
I splurge on rent and live in a safe neighborhood. Safety > money!
I splurge on my grandchildren's college fund. Instead of presents I give them money to put in their savings account.
I splurge on good sneakers for husband and me, good groceries and vegetable garden supplies.
I splurge on nice meals out, my husband and I go to nice places for date night a couple of times a month.
Fresh flowers for our dining room table
I splurge on entertainment and dining. I really like to go out for happy hour and to nice dinners.
I splurge on skincare products - I buy the very expensive SK-II brand! One small jar can cost almost $300, and I own 6 of their products.
My husband and I splurge on e-books! Additionally, we over-budget for groceries so one a month we can have a high quality "decadent" meal that we make at home.
I splurge on vacations! I like to have a future one booked shortly after I finish one. Gives me something to look forward to, and gets me through the day to day grind. Worth every penny!
I splurge on accessories such as a belt or messenger bag. These are things I use daily so its worth the extra money to invest.
I splurge on traveling.
I splurge on natural beauty products and high-quality food. At the end of the day, this body is the only thing I have.
I do not splurge very often other than at Christmas! Love Christmas time baking and finding those perfect gifts! I do also splurge on certain food products where I like a certain brand, and will pay the higher price!
I love handbags! I am looking for the perfect one! I am 66 years old and still haven't found it yet! LOL My splurges on purses are my favorite thrift stores or yard sales. when I can get a bag I think I like in the 99 cent bin my splurge is perfect! If I don't like it, or it doesn't work how I think it should for me, then I give it back to the store I bought it from "without guilt"
I splurge on nail polish! I know it's little, but picking out colors makes me feel so happy.
Travel! I splurge by taking 1-2 vacations a year. They're not always big, long, epic, exotic, faraway things but even just a short jaunt can recharge the batteries!
I splurge on organic foods.
I like to splurge on my kids, books and sometimes cupcakes.
I splurge on vacations and cameras. Memories last a lifetime, everything else doesn't :)
Beauty products
Yarn. I can't use the super-cheap stuff and I'm making gifts and items for my family all the time.
I splurge on clothes.