What little things do you buy if you are finally financially stable?

[catfunk]

I'm not talking big houses or flash cars. More innocuous things.
Mine is fresh lemons and limes. I'm extremely frugal when it comes to shopping and always bought the bottles of concentrated juice for cooking or drinks but realised in the past year or so I've added them to my grocery shop without a second thought about the extra couple of quid.

I'm not really financially stable but do a huge amount of things listed

A Soda Stream, They were a must have when I was a child but my parents were super tight and anything I got had to be "educational" (and no kind of luxury at all). As an adult, I love water but prefer it fizzy but never bought bottled fizzy because of all the plastic. Took me two years to hit the "buy" button. Love it. At least a litre a day.

Being able to split the bill in a restaurant without worrying over who had hat, or even being able to pay the whole bill to treat a friend.
Buying decent footwear so that my feet are always warm and comfortable and well- supported.
Expensive make-up - I recently spent 90 quid on 4 products, took me days to get over it..but it is lovely.
Not always going for the cheapest stuff in the supermarket, although I do try to eat what's in season.
Someone else mentioned coffee out - that is a big treat for me, we never had drinks or snacks out when I was a child, I don't ever remember going out for a coffee with my mum, but lots of people I know did/do this routinely.
Paying to watch something on TV.. we almost didn't watch series 2 of something the other day because you had to pay extra, then realised it was 1.89 or something for the whole series so we splashed out!

First edition hardback books, signed.
Started with Seamus Heany and Jk Rowling years ago and have carried on.

@MarieKlepto I got a SS as a housewarming gift from my family. Up there with my favourite ever presents. We didn't have one when I was a kid so always felt like I missed out!

Handsoap over £15
Shampoo over £15
Bread that's nearly £5

Fresh fruit, especially berries/out of season fruit.
Top price theatre tickets, the cheap seats just don't cut it any more.
Ready to cook meat in disposable foil packaging.
Luxury ice cream tubs.
Agree with good shoes - I used to buy own-brand but not any more.
Seeded sliced bread.

It's nice to be able to replace the car, oven, fridge freezer or other large purchase when they suddenly need it without worrying about the funds to cover it. But I think the best part about being financially secure is never having to say no to the children (obviously within reason!)

Oh you said little things. I think bottles of wine and fresh flowers were a lovely treat!

Books. I have a used book source online here in the states, and can buy used books starting at $3.79 (USD), with free shipping for orders over $!0.00. IF I were more financially stable, I would replace ever paperback book I have with hard cover editions...AND have built in bookshelves fitted! I have just over 1000 books now, with another 3,000 on my wish list.

Um...I read. A LOT>

Before Covid it was the cleaner, now I’m too paranoid to have a stranger in the house ‘cleaning’ when I’d have to bleach and dettol everything after they’d gone.

I really miss her. A lot. I hate doing the bathroom, she was so good. Sigh.

Small flex / brag, but I don’t really pay attention to my bank account and that in itself is a luxury. When I was starting out I would always end up in the overdraft by the end of the month so I appreciate now not having to think about that.

My main indulgence is a fortnightly chiropractic treatment.

New novels of the season, slaver. It's the time the author gets paid most for their work, so treats all round.

M&S rotisserie chicken for cat (am allowed a leg).

Plants - altho the tomato hanging baskets bring in a profit of £2 daily cos they so bounteous.

I now buy what ever fruit and veg I want

[quote catfunk]@MondeoFan any candle recommendations?

I started sneaking an Aldi one in recently, only a few quid but feels a bit of a treat x[/quote]
I am a candle addict! Here are some of varying prices
Albion candle company are cheap but v good
Seven seventeen as above and often have offers on

Botanical candle company (late summer is my fave) and their Christmas candle are amazing

https://boujeebougies.com (£££ but gilt is amazing)

On my wish list but haven't tried yet

https://thelaird.scot

https://www.anarahhome.com

New socks. That I want for that new sock feel not because I actually need them.
Ooo and tomatoes on the vine and in other colours than red 🍅!

Grew up in poverty, now I only spend frivolously on magazines and books. I like to buy textbooks, novels and self-help. Also enjoy going to the arcade.

A jo Malone candle or Reed diffuser ever pay day.

Berries from m and s

Fresh flowers on a Friday nice bunch from supermarket £12 ish

Redken shampoo and conditioner

Lurpak, sourdough sliced, smoked salmon, burford eggs once a month
L’occitane cherry blossom bath & shower gel (£15) for my birthday, a paperback & a bottle of cremant french sparkling wine
£60 jo malone travel miniatures perfumes (box of five I think) every two years at the airport - easily lasts me that long
None of which were feasible a few years ago

Terre d'Hermes deodorant stick...way too spendy, but I love it.

Halo Top ice cream...only buy when it's discounted to £3.50 though.

Audible, Spotify and Netflix subscriptions. The latter 2 are shared amongst the household
Nice gym membership.
Nice stationery for studying
Quality phone and laptop (I do trade in to get a few £££ back)
Nice meals out with friends and family
Years membership to national trust and forestry commission - walks are good for the soul

An organic vegetable box from the farmers market.

I've always been able to afford these things and so now I fail to appreciate them.

Following this thread for a kick up the arse.

Grew up poor. I would never pay for a manicure etc as I do them myself to industry standards (all those years practising!)

I’ll buy a MAC lipstick, a face cream or a proper bottle of perfume. Hazelnut croissant from the artisan bakery. An afternoon tea just for myself. Theatre tickets just for myself. Spa day.

@ZednotZee

I've always been able to afford these things and so now I fail to appreciate them.

Following this thread for a kick up the arse.

It’s always good to remember how lucky we are to be occasionally frivolous, but life is hard and can knock out all the joy. If you’re finding it hard to be appreciative of the little things I bet you’ve got a lot of other stuff beating you down - so be kind to yourself, don’t kick yourself up the arse