Want verses Need

[DaisyInTheChain]

How do you deal with this?

I really want to try out a new hobby, but it's going to cost a bit, plus it's not really a need. It's not going to change my life.

How do you work out treats for yourself?

Do you ever feel YABU for having a massive splurge or even a moderate one?

I wouldn’t go into debt for a want. Basically, pay your bills, food etc. Then split what’s left over between half savings and half fun stuff?

I takevthe sane approach as shadow.

Every experience changes us, so it will 'change your life', even if a small amount.

I do the same as above. Pay my bills and then decide what I really want to spend my disposable income on.

Like others, treats are what you pay for out of your spare money after bills, including irregular and annual ones, pensions and food/basic transport have been covered. If you don't know if you can afford the cost, you need to look at your budget.

If your budget says you have enough money, go for it. It's the wants that make life worth living, rather than just existing.

if you don't, then have a look at your budget to see if you can free up more spare money, there are lots of ways to do this, including cutting regular bills, using cashback sites, cancelling unnecessary direct debits, switching to cheaper supermarkets or cutting out other luxuries.

What is the hobby and how much is it going to cost?

I scuba dive and spend thousands on it each year, but much of the cost is combined with holidays because it is sometimes abroad, but there are still day trips, equipment purchase and maintenance, and even the cost of basic fresh air in cylinder refills.

I know it makes sense in context Barabara but "the cost of basic fresh air" amused me.

If you mean do you ever talk yourself out of something you could theoretically afford because you feel guilty that you should be spending the money on something more "worthwhile" then yes, I feel like that so I can't really help you!

Life is short. If you can afford it do it.

Easy. Do I have the disposable income available for the hobby/experience. Yes? Go ahead. No? Anything else I want to sacrifice instead? Yes - go ahead. No - don’t do it.

Perhaps decide on a budget then manage the hobby within it?

We each have a set amount each month for want stuff. It’s £100 a month. Means I have a limit on handcrafted yarn made from happy sheep living fulfilled lives.
And the rest of the time I buy cheap acrylic yarn.

If this is in context of the family budget, would you taking up the hobby mean that other family members have to lose out eg you could no longer afford to pay for DC's dance class or monthly trip to softplay? If you have a partner, does your partner have the same amount of 'pocket money' for treats as you do?

It's not uncommon for women to put themselves last when it comes to leisure and treats, often because their male partners set the expectations that, as the man is the breadwinner, he is the only one who is allowed treats. it can be difficult for SAHM in particular to feel justified in spending any money on themselves.

If there is enough money in the pot for you to do this hobby then go for it.