I think I might buy myself a really really extravagant birthday present

[Soreteatowel]

I'm single with adult children (boys!) who will spend too much money on toiletries/wine/chocolate I don't want, but will smile sweetly about. Other than that I won't get any presents.

So I'm thinking of buying myself an expensive and completely impractical car. I can afford it , without any affect on my standard of living or retirement plans, but it is a significant sum for something I don't need and won't actually use that much, as I commute by train.

I'll probably need to keep my sensible car too...

Ridiculous, but I'm feeling like throwing caution to the wind! Talk me out/in?

Do it. Single parenting is hard so you’ve done well to get to this point. We all deserve a treat

Ooohh what car?
life is to short. If you can afford it, do it!

I'm looking at the Z4 but open to other suggestions

Do it - and tell you kids to get you some nice car-related stuff? Nice keyring, special storage boxes for the boot, travel rug etc.

Ooh a convertible! Add new sunglasses, scarf and throw to the list! Gets v breezy!

Why is the new car too impractical to drive?

Is the new car you want to buy a Noddy car? :-)

I just did it with an EV, arrives on my birthday. Not needed, wanted - v exciting!

Does that help?

Amazing! Do it! Feels great to give yourself a rare and special treat and it sounds like you deserve it after raising those boys on your own and being financially secure.

I'm taking myself on a solo trip this year - it feels great to prioritise myself for once.

Would your boys consider this as a signal that they could ask for your old car?

Go for it! Fair play to you. A car wouldn't do it for me, but in your shoes I'd definitely be buying myself some expensive jewellery.

Do it, but also tell your boys what you would really like for your birthday. They are old enough to learn that they should do more than buy a generic present for one of the most important people in their lives.

If you can afford it, do it. You could dress it up as combined birthdays and Christmas if that helps! I’m waiting until my offspring are off my hands and then planning earrings.

Ds1 did have my last car. I'd love to pass current one onto DS2, to give me an excuse for a new one, whilst retaining a practical car in the household, but ATM he's refusing to learn to drive. DS1 would know better than to ask for another free car 🤣

Oh definitely do it!!

Life is short. Give your soul the things it yearns for.

I do and then they leave it to the last minute and buy what they can grab easily.

I hear you. As a fellow single parent I always make sure I buy myself something nice for my birthday.

TBF I didn't raise them on my own. DH died when youngest was just turned 18yo, but I am financially independent on my own efforts. What life insurance there was is put by for DC when they need house deposits and I live off my own earned income.

Do it, it will give you endless joy. I always buy myself something I really want for my birthday - not new car level but always gives me pleasure. Beware, your youngest may suddenly discover a passion for learning to drive!

On the contrary. If you want the car and can afford it, I don't see what this has to do with birthdays, Christmas or any other occasion.

It's just spending some of your spare money on something you want. There doesn't have to be a reason/occasion associated with the purchase.

That's one of the reasons I think I need to keep then old car too.

I’m so sorry for your loss - I shouldn’t have assumed. That must have been so difficult for all of you. 💐

I did this last year for my 50th.

I bought a mini JCW, nearly new, seats only 4, goes like stink as it's the proper, big engine one, costs a fortune to insure and tax (well compared to my other one and taking into consideration my age etc) I fucking love it and it gives me so much joy. I picked it up from the dealership on my birthday and they gave me a bunch of flowers - I felt so spoilt it was lovely

I really don't get convertibles. The two people I know with convertibles never seem to take advantage of them as the weather is very very rarely "just right." I also don't get the idea of a "fun car" - it's going to move you from A to B just like any other car. If I was going to spend money on something, I'd spend it on a holiday.

I have great holidays too. Since I've been on my own, I'm loving travel.

I don't especially want a convertible, but something sporty/2 seater.

Do it!

I used to have a Mazda MX-5 and loved it. I used to have a hard top for it for the winter and spent summers with the roof down (just don't expect good hair days!).

Unfortunately I had it when I was single and it turned out to be totally impractical, so had to trade it in for something far more sensible.

Still miss that car.