Do items you covet lose appeal once you can afford them?

[countdowntonap]

Does anyone else experience a loss of desire in items once you can afford them? For example, a certain bag of car you’ve always wanted?
I feel like something isn’t ‘special’ anymore the minute I can afford it. Is that odd?

Yes.

I've learnt to buy similar, cheaper things just to see if I really want them.

I want a Chanel but am going to look for a Zara or ASOS inspired bag, use it for a season and see if I actually like it and suits my wardrobe/look/needs, and if it does, start saving.

Mostly I've got past it now. I know if I want something, I can have it, and that's enough. Before, it used to be aspirational purchasing but now it's within reach, I don't want it.

Totally get what you mean. There are hire websites or eBay as well to try things out if your really want something.

Sometimes just buying the thing is enough. I have taken things back before because as soon as I've purchased it, it loses its appeal almost instantly.

This happens to me all the time. I really like having something to save up for and I enjoy having a goal and keeping motivated to achieve it. However, reaching that goal leaves me feeling flat.

It's like climbing a really large hill excited for the challenge and rewarding view, but then being disappointed it was too easy a climb and the view was crap.

I rarely buy the item i'm saving for, even if i'd still like to own it; I almost always talk myself out of it. It just doesn't have the same allure when the challenge of saving has disappeared and I can actually afford it.

So in summary, if you're odd then so am I.

In my teens and 20s I used to buy things imagining that they would bring a lifestyle with them.

Now I know there’s no point buying stuff unless it fits in with my actual life. I can get a sort of contentment from having decent things, but not much excitement tbh.

You’ve all reassured me.
Before, it used to be aspirational purchasing but now it's within reach, I don't want it.
This really sums it up.

My lovely grandma passed recently and left me money to treat myself ( we’d already spent on our house and mortgage very low for age), but all of the things I’d previously desired didn’t seem special enough. My DH is telling me to get the Chloe bag I’ve wanted for years, or now buy the car I want, but the amount of money being spent seems daft; if the item is within my reach, it isn’t aspirational anymore.

Mamette, I think I’ve come to the same realisation I used to buy things imagining that they would bring a lifestyle with them.

I feel like this too! I might take ages to persuade my DH that we need something doing to the house / garden that costs a lot of money, but when he finally agrees I lose interest! Crazy ...

Definitely.

Hmmm yes and no.
If def takes some of the allure but there are some items i waited and "saved" for (i could have bought it immediately from savings but would start a new separate savings fund)
These are objects or items that bring me intrinsic joy.
But i do def feel much more like "meh its just stuff" about most things

@countdowntonap, I now value money in making my life easier so £1000 on a bag would pay a cleaner for 9 months, which gives me a different, better kind of satisfaction.

As I get older and more confident in my style, I don't need a designer label to be stylish.

Generally yes. But I took a first class flight once and it was every bit as good as I'd hoped.

Yes, CommanderBurnham, that’s exactly the sensible approach I’ve taken.

Bluejelly, I think I’d love the experience once, but once it became the norm I wouldn’t appreciate it.

Depends on the item. Things like clothing and bags lose their appeal. I can afford to buy expensive stuff but choose not to. I get more excited by excellent quality bargains. For other things, like my car, I absolutely love it.

Yeah I get this. I'm usually quite glad for it - stops me spending money on expensive stuff I don’t really need! Also, just because you can afford something doesn't mean it's worth the money. I love expensive bags, but when it comes down to it, there are far more useful things I can buy with the money.

I don’t covet stuff like designer handbags at all, and I would never buy one, but I do like nice cars.

I currently have a Mercedes-Benz convertible, and it’s fantastic. It’s so effortlessly quick, and so refined and so comfortable that it’s just a joy to drive every time. I didn’t buy it to impress people, and I really couldn’t care less what anyone else thinks about it. It’s for me, not them.

I still buy expensive things but I'm more choosy now & buy a lot less. As pp said the items have to fit my lifestyle or make my life easier.

Yes. It formed part of an illness connected to my OCD.

An awful obsession with I must have such and such a thing and then as soon as I bought it, the desire went completely.

I’m fortunate that I have never been in debt or has money worries but I’m sure if it had continued I would have driven myself crazy over buying things I don’t actually need.

I think you should spend it on something you want.
We have money, but I don't get excited by clothes or handbags, but I do by nice meals and experiences. I also like R&B shoes as they're narrow and my feet are too.

If you're not sure - stick it in premium bonds.

The issue is, experiences feel the same - well expensive ones. As though money can’t but that special feeling. I recall having dinner in The Modern, NYC, where the couple on the next table read newspapers all evening. My DH and I were so excited and delighted with every new course, but now it just would feel as special as it’s affordable. We’d be the couple reading the paper - so what’s the point. It’s such a strange feeling, as at 16 I had promised to myself that I’d buy the whole Kate Moss Topshop collection, but now that wouldn’t be a treat at all.

Unfashionable, your car sounds gorgeous - just what I’d want - but I drive less than 5 miles a day in my car, which may be why I just can’t take the leap.