To think something isn’t a waste of money if you genuinely enjoy it?

[BreezyLemonShaker]

I feel people label things as a “waste of money” quite quickly, but if you genuinely enjoy something and it adds value to your life, is it really a waste? Obviously this is within reason and assuming you’re not putting yourself under financial strain, but I do wonder whether enjoyment is undervalued when it comes to spending.

AIBU?

You've got to remember that there are a lot of very joyless people on here if that's affecting your view. I think we should prioritise enjoyment more if anything.

It would be a waste of money to them - their cost/benefit analysis says it's not worth it.

That doesn't at all mean it's a waste of money to you - your cost/benefit analysis says it pays off.

People need to remember that their (& others) opinions are just opinions, not facts. There's very little objective truth in these things.

I agree. But some people hate spending money on experiences, they need to have some tangible “thing” that they can keep forever to feel they’ve gotten value for their money 🤷🏻‍♀️

You’re a long time dead, so if you want it, can afford it and it makes you happy go for it. As per my username Life is for living.

Different people have different ideas on whats a waste of money and whats not.

Do what you like and what makes you happy, it’s no one else’s business what another person spends their money on.

I've only ever seen people telling others that they're wasting their money on something they clearly enjoy and can afford, on Mumsnet.

I don't think I know anyone that unintelligent in real life.

went out for a champagne brunch with old friends this morning. Not a tacky drink all you like, but really nice country click. Mentioned it to a friend, not in the same group and she thought I was ridiculous for paying £40 + . Had a wonderful time, great food, great surroundings and brilliant company, worth every penny to me x

Club not click

I have a takeaway coffee at least 3 times a week 🤷‍♀️ MN seems to loathe that but I enjoy them and couldn't be bothered to make them myself even if I had the equipment (and had space for it)

I go from ‘what a waste!’ to ‘I guess she must like it’ to ‘hmm wonder what that’s like’ to ‘this is awesome!!’ so often that yes, I am learning to miss out the first step.

I did spend many many years absolutely boracic though and in those circumstances you are under such rigid control that you need to stop yourself even getting interested in spending.

For me even if it's not something I enjoy I can still see the value in it to someone else. I'd love to hear a friend chat, all happy and enthusiastic, about their most recent bungee jump even if it's something I wouldn't do in a million years myself. I honestly think some people just hate other people being happy in general.

I agree.

Lots of things that I enjoy spending money on would be a complete waste for other people. Things that other people enjoy spending their money on hold zero interest for me.

That doesn’t mean anyone is wasting money. I get very little joy out of buying “things” but happily spend quite a bit on certain experiences. Other people prefer to have a tangible thing to show for their money.

Agreed. Some friends I know drink outrageously expensive wine and champagne like water. But they earn a lot of cash and enjoy it so why not?

Their life, money and decisions.

Yes - and I find that way of thinking very miserable!

Don’t tell anyone but I sometimes have 3 takeaway coffee in a day!

And some people are completely the opposite, which I always find interesting.

There is a bit of an obsession on here with living on a single lettuce leaf, dressing in rags and going on forced route marches so you can save, though. Heaven forbid you might want to spend money on something that brings you joy, whatever that may be.

Obviously a lot of people agree with you. "The most prolific travellers were families and those under the age of 35, with 18-24 year olds taking an average of 5.33 trips, 25-34 year olds going on 6.43 breaks and families with children over the age of five going on holiday 5.32 times during this period."

www.abta.com/news/number-holidays-taken-person-reaches-new-high-people-seek-getaway-get-together

People mostly just have different views - I spend lots on travel, food, wine, theatre, socialising, books, good quality clothing, but think expensive cars a a waste. Someone could easily argue that an expensive car brings you joy each day, if you’re that way inclined.

Also, some people just hate spending money on anything at all.

YANBU

I enjoy holidays. I have taken two so far this year, and have three more planned. They make my life better & more interesting. They allow me to experience different places, cultures & cuisines.They give me something to look forward to. I certainly don’t regard them as a waste of money.

SIL loves designer handbags. She has dozens of the things, spends an absolute fortune on them & loves to show them off. To me, they are just overpriced bits of leather with tacky, ostentatious logos. Status symbols for shallow idiots. They serve absolutely no purpose whatsoever that a bag from M&S wouldn’t do perfectly well. To me, they are the definition of a waste of money.

Objectively, neither of us is either right or wrong. We just prioritise spending our disposable income on different things. Although I’m clearly right, obviously…😉

Also a bit of well thought out self-care can mean you have more a capacity to be a good person to others. That's got to be money well spent.

I think new cars on lease are a waste of money but I'm someone who regularly scratches her car because she doesn't care what she drives, so I would think that! I'm sure people would consider some of the things I spend my money on to be a waste of time, but it really is about whatever brings you joy. You don't know how much life you'll get to live, so spend your resources on things that you enjoy.

It might be a waste to others, but as long as you’re happy - that’s all that matters.

I have a relative who exclaims “how much?!” Whenever she asks me how much my concert or theatre tickets costs.

She could afford the prices, but it’s just not something she values. In her eyes, it’s a waste. For me, it’s something that enriches my life.

That being said, she hates spending money on anything. Each to their own.

Oh of course. I enjoy LOTS of things people think are a waste of money, from Disney holidays and Botox, through to having a luxury car on finance (the payments are very affordable for my income, and in my opinion entirely worth it) I’m the tacky MN nightmare 😂 but equally, I’m actually very happy and joyful 😁

🤣🤣🤣🤣 I have one everyday sometimes 2, the coffee shop is literally 1 min walk from my house.