Curious if this is somewhat normal or I'm crazy (or crazier then I thought). I grew up pretty broke. Now that I make really good money I feel guilty about spending it. I feel this weird need to save it all. I'm 50 and single. My kids are grown and gone. I live in a cheap crappy apt and drive a 18 year old truck. I can afford to get a new vehicle and I better place but you guess it...i feel guilty. I'd like to go on a solo vacation, but always seem to find an excuse not to spend the cash. I'm starting to realize this is silly because I cant take it with me. I'd also add that I have zero debt and a good savings on top of nice salary. Anyone other nut jobs like me?

quote:

I'm 50 and single.

Those of us with wives don't have that problem... they spend it for us!

I'm single...always have been. Mother TRIED to teach us how to save, but it didn't take hold until waaaaay later in life. I am now VERY financially set for whatever may come along. Given that, I earn my salary and at this juncture in life, if I want it, I buy it. I don't feel guilty at all...

Nope, no guilt at all. I'm 70 and have had some health issues. Many of my friends are already dead. Delayed gratification is not necessary.

Single and retired. My sincere thanks to those still working for contributing to my SS and pension. Please rest assured it is being spent properly on guns and ammo (and an occasional pizza)

No guilt, I earned it.

Not guilty, just a hesitancy on 'frivolous spending'
But I'm 30s & have 3 kids under 12

quote:

Originally posted by cajunmuscle:
Curious if this is somewhat normal or I'm crazy (or crazier then I thought).

Yup, you're a bit crazy!

For me, spending money causes me pain unless there is a really good reason. Or, to contrast it, some people get joy out of the act of spending money, aka retail therapy. I get joy out of what the money has purchased. Either an experience or an object which gives me joy (or function). I enjoy going on a cruise or going camping on my motorcycle.

There were times in my adult life we had no money. We paid for groceries for the kids using a credit card not knowing how we were going to pay off the card, and I was eating PB&J if we had enough. And, I've seen what should have been money coming my way just disappear in front of me. An inheritance stolen by my grandfather's new wife. 9-11 stopping my career progression cold for more than a decade, reducing my career earnings by at least half. The Biden economy has hurt our retirement substantially!

There has to be a balance. You work in order not to die of starvation. With luck you enjoy some comparative comfort. But if you never get enjoyment from your wages, why work?

No, I urge myself to spend more. I’ve been thrifty all of my life – a hard habit to break.

No I don't feel guilty about spending my money on things I want. If you can afford nice things without getting buried in debt I say go for it. Save towards retirement so you don't run out of money but keep in mind you may never make it to retirement so all your money will go to someone who didn't earn it, won't appreciate it and will probably squander it so you might as well enjoy the fruits of your labor yourself. I grew up lower middle-class and we never had much other than basic necessities and I don't feel guilty spending my money on me since I'm single with no kids. I own two cars, two motorcycles and my house is paid for.

One of the worst things you can do in life is have money, not spend or enjoy it and then die. I travel and while I try and save money when traveling I don't mind paying for a nice hotel, room that's clean, safe and offers a few nice amenities. Back in July 2021 I took a 3 week 4000 mile motorcycle trip through SD, Montana, Idaho and Oregon and spent between 4 and 5 grand. It was an awesome trip and I enjoyed myself and it was worth whatever it cost me to go.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: calugo,

Sometimes.

I've mentioned before that Mrs. PHPaul and I have a 3 tier system: OUR money, HER money and MY money.

OUR money is Social Security and Navy Retirement. It pays all the bills and buys groceries.

HER money is what she makes from selling eggs, redeeming cans and other odds and ends of that nature.

MY money is similar, it's what I make fixing stuff for folks.

If I'm spending MY money on toys, I don't feel even the tiniest twinge of guilt. That's what it's for. Seeing as it sometimes builds up to a fairly significant (for us, anyway...) amount I occasionally use it for unexpected bills or household purchases that would otherwise stretch our budget.

VERY rarely, I'll want/need something that MY money won't quite cover and I'll dip into OUR money. Then, depending on exactly what it is, I may feel a little guilty. I always clear that with Mrs. PHPaul first tho.

quote:

Originally posted by chellim1:

quote:

I'm 50 and single.

Those of us with wives don't have that problem... they spend it for us!

Opposite for me, Mrs. A, is much more conservative about spending than I am. I am lucky enough that, in retirement, I have few restrictions on buying whatever I want, but justifying it to the wife is much more of an impediment than the idea of the diminution of ready cash, or even net worth.

Both of my daughters are engineers. One is also married to an engineer. They don't need my money, and my estate is likely to be quite small compared to their earnings, so I have decided to attempt to die broke. I don't go hog wild, but if I want it I buy it. There are guns I always wanted, or had and sold and regretted it, so when the pop up, MINE! Also when they modify or update something I already have, well, another won't hurt.

If I earned it and have all of the family expense covered, then no.

Not really.

My story is similar to yours.

Haven't owed anybody in 20+ years.

Old habits die hard.

I don't know about guilt. More interested in getting value for the money. Car is 22 years old. Been looking at cars for at least 5years. I don't want turbo 4, sunroof, ugly designs, and electronic "features", especially at MSRP plus.
Travel could be nice, but I refuse to pay what they are wanting for hotel rooms. Lawn tractor tires are cracked and patched over with liquid nails. Tubes in the tires. It still runs after 30 years.
All things I could throw money at but nothing compels me too

I agree - old habits die hard

I am 82 and try not to spend frivolously. Have to be sure that my wife has enough money to live on after I pass.

For me: not one bit, always been a spender. My Dad used to say “that money is burning a hole in your pocket!” when I was a kid because when I got money for my birthday or Christmas, I’d go spend it.

My wife OTOH is the saver, the careful spender. It sometimes creates some conflict when you have a spender married to a saver like that.

I will never ask what if after watching my father die.

zero debt, 72 yoa and income exceeds outgo - I won't knowingly waste money but I'll spend for value.

I’m a saver also, but I don’t feel guilty when I spend money. I have a blue collar job and outperform 80-90 percent of my coworkers even though I’m now in my 50’s. Like someone stated earlier, I have earned it. The good Lord has also blessed me with no aches or pains.