To think that things that give you pleasure are NOT a waste of money?

[malificent7]

On mn many things on threads about money are considered a waste of money... i have seen
holidays, meals out tattoos, takeout coffee, nice clothes etc a waste of money.
Aibu to think that nothing is a waste of money if it enhances your life? If you love it?

A waste of time is a lot worse than a waste of money.

You can always make more money.

You can't spend money to have geese fly past your house

But you could spend money to go somewhere that has different and unusual birds, and have a good chance of getting to watch them.

Finding pleasure in things that can be bought doesn't mean we fail to find the pleasure in those things that cannot.

Ecureuil sure but I was answering these points.

* what a miserable existence it would be without pleasures.
What would be the point of going to work if you couldn't afford to treat yourself?
*

Simply pointing our that I don't have a "miserable " existence even though I don't collect " stuff".

Money is not only exchanged for "stuff", it can also be exchanged for experiences.

Thing is, I genuinely do know some people who have barely saved, and who continually spend on 'things that bring them joy', but the 'joy' evidently comes from a toxic cycle of stress about money, not being able to afford the bigger things in life (not just a house, but say, a weekend away), which they alleviate with buying 'one little thing'.

On the other hand I also know plenty of people who couldn't give a fig about overpaying their mortgage etc vs a nice new handbag.

There's a massive difference between someone whose spending inhibits their long time security and happiness (and emotional happiness, since so many divorces have a financial aspect) and someone who just doesn't worry too much about rainy days. Both could be described as 'I'm buying things that bring me joy'.

I have to point out that treating yourself doesn't mean buying stuff. It can, if it makes you happy, but it can mean anything: having a dog, going on holiday, having your choice of house, paying the mortgage, food, doing a hobby, even having money in the bank is important for some people.

If you are barely surviving and going to work to just about pay for your roof and food, it's grim. (of course, unless you have a wonderful low-paid job that makes you happy)

As long as you are happy with your choices! What I find irritating are people who are splashing on various things but resent others of an equivalent social status who have "more" - they don't, but they spend their money differently. (let's face it, the Cambridges have more money than they will ever spend... they don't look that upset about it)

I once worked with a guy whose wife controlled all the money. I mean, he had a good job but she had his bank cards. He wasn’t allowed any pocket money even. She made him a packed lunch, he had a flask, she bought his rail card. If he needed clothes, he had to tell her and she’d buy them for him. I just found the whole thing so sad. He couldn’t ever just buy a newspaper or have a beer after work. I’d hate to live like that.

If you can afford it and it makes you smile, it's not a waste of money.

It doesn't need to be any more complicated than that.

A friend of mine spent £600 on a "dress jewellery" bracelet that looked exactly like something you could buy for £20. To me that's a waste of money - but she could afford it and loved it, therefore it isn't.

Not everything has to be "worthy".

I got a friend who says my new iPhone is a waste of money but not to me it isn’t .
Friend normally buys kids xmas presents from boot fairs but this year is just going to get a book , pjs & one toy ( because friends & family buy so many toys for her kids )
Don’t know why she doesn’t tell friends & family to buy the books & pjs 😀 ( I do know why, she’s bloody tight 😬 )