Mild panic after spending Christmas bonus

[festivedinosaur]

I received a Christmas bonus this year.

I had notification of it a month ago and have been thinking about the best use for it ever since and discussing it with DP.

Some has gone on the general Christmas spending.
With the remaining we decided to spend 2/3's of it on new sofas which we were in need of and the last third was split between the two of us and we bought a watch each in the sales.

I never spend money on myself and although it's nice having the chance to do so for once I have a mild sense of panic that I've been too frivolous and worry that I might regret it at a later date and that I should have kept a bit aside.
We do have some rainy day savings which we don't touch so I'm trying to feel less bad.

Does anyone else get the guilty feeling when spending on themselves?

Do you get past it?

Or have I been as reckless as I feel and I should return the watch immediately?

I'm the same as you. I feel panicky about spending money on unnecessary things. I think about what other worthier things could have been done with the money. In this case you did two sensible things. You invested in new furniture and you paid for some of Christmas and it was all with extra money not wages. I think you should enjoy your watch, free from guilt.

Don’t feel guilty. Spend some money on yourself guilt free. It’s obviously a good bonus. My ex dp worked every hour he could and lived a frugal life. He died last year early 50s and if I’ve learned anything in the last year it really is life is too short.
Sorry that seems a bit morbid and I’m not saying spend spend spend but don’t feel guilty about treating yourself

I agree that life is too short. I do however advocate making some provision for tomorrow. Make sure that you are putting a bit away for your pension too (as a matter of course from wages). If you splurge, just enjoy it! If you don't save for your pension, start now and then you know you've also taken a great step towards a safe future. Don't regret the watch, you'll use it every day.

I work for a company that gives moderate bonuses most years, which I'm very grateful for. Every year up to now I've put it straight into savings or towards sensible house maintenance type stuff. For the first time ever, I have blown this year's and booked a week's European holiday for me and DD, her first time on a plane (7). I too have moments of panic, but she is thrilled with the plan, and I think sometimes we need to be kind to ourselves, once we know we've got fairly sane pension/savings on the go (which in itself is a luxury, I know). I think your watch sounds just right.

I do! I have bought a really good coat and a running watch in the sales & I've agonised over my excess, despite having money in the bank & a small unexpected bonus from the tax man.

But it's not like blowing the money on casinos and booze is it - Watches, sofas and coats get used daily and last ages.

I promise enjoy my purchases if you promise to enjoy yours!