What is your splurge-worthy item/service that you never regret spending?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are we the only ones with weekly cleaners? Is that indulgent? It's probably a wash costwise and it seems to be easier on our lady to come each week and lightly clean. We are not messy but we have two dogs so it's mostly floors/bathrooms.

We did it when we had a full menagerie (three pets, no kids) and were in a really intense career phase. I didn't think it was indulgent - things later calmed down and we went back to every other week.

Thank you! Yes it doesn't feel like indulgence, just sanity!

We had weekly cleaners when we lived in a small house with one/two kids. When we moved to a much bigger house with three kids, we went back to every other week. It’s harder to keep a small house clean because you live in every inch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know this is also controversial (and really practice earth friendly living in other areas of my life) but I have 4 kids and this summer I bought a 1000 pack of paper plates and am giving myself the summer off from dishes! I keep track of everyones cup and beyond that one cup a day per kid I haven't really washed a thing beyond flatware!

We did this when each of our kids were newborns and it was glorious!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know this is also controversial (and really practice earth friendly living in other areas of my life) but I have 4 kids and this summer I bought a 1000 pack of paper plates and am giving myself the summer off from dishes! I keep track of everyones cup and beyond that one cup a day per kid I haven't really washed a thing beyond flatware!

We did this when each of our kids were newborns and it was glorious!

So you run the dishwasher with just flatware? Or you hand wash the flatware? Not judging, just clarifying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Twice a week cleaning service. Hourly rates for any domestic chores. These ladies have worked for me for past 10 years.

Lawn mowing and lawn treatment services.

Organic milk, poultry, fish, meat and soft skin fruits.

Kids EC activities, coaches and tutors at home.

Weekly massages at home.

Expensive haircut every three weeks with 30% tip.

Hired help for serving food for all at home dinner parties.

Home renovation and maintenance.

Annual big vacation.

I am very frugal in ways that does not show to others.

What other ways are left to be frugal? Cheap gifts?

I’m going to go with “cheap in regards to others”.

So no tipping, no staff bonus, no savings for college.

LOL. I told you that my frugality does not show. Read the list below. Many of you will pay for these costs and not think anything of it. My splurge is paying for service mainly. (and some organic food and one overseas vacation). I could go on for a long time but here is a partial list.

1) I cook all/most meals. I do not get catered food for large parties that we host frequently because of DH's job. I cook for 60-70 people at a time. (how often do you pay for prepared meals during the day?)
2) Kids go to public schools in well regarded, highly competitive programs. (ie no private school cost)
3) No designer clothes or accessories. I source amazing pieces from overseas because my sister is in garments and accessory business, for next to nothing or for free.
4) I color and highlight my own hair, do all my beauty treatments at home with homemade products - wax, facials, bath scrubs. Mix my own lotions and oils. My own mani, pedi, peels, microdermabrasion. I buy all prescription strength skin care products (serums, creams) from overseas.
5) Shop for every day clothes on sale at Macy's, Kohl's, Amazon, Land's End, Costco.
6) Shop at Walmart, Aldi's, Costco, Asian markets for most groceries and booze. We entertain a lot. Most food bought at wholesale prices.
7) Grow my plants from seeds. I have a lovely garden overflowing with flowers. My costs is less than $20 a season. I have fabulous houseplants that I divide, grow and gift.
8) All drycleaning at a wholesale drycleaner.
9) House at a low COL area.
10) State college tuition prepaid for all three. Pension and retirement on track. No private school costs.
11) Never fly first class. Get the lowest airfare, use ff miles, always economy.
12) Nice but not expensive cars. Nothing above $35K. Drive it till they are on their last legs.
13) Green lifestyle- solar panels, hybrid cars, compost, rain barrels, free-cycle.
14) Refinish and reupholster most furniture. I used to work in an interior design company. I can make a house look high end with ordinary things.
15) Never paid for - IVF, therapy, cosmetic surgery or procedures, prepackaged meal plans, botox, anti-anxiety meds, hair extensions, fake nails, fake tan, hair blowouts, eyebrow shaping, gym memberships, spa day.
16) No pets. (Yes, this is a huge hidden cost that no one thinks about. Pets are expensive).
17) No clubbing, no drugs, no gambling, no going to topless bar, no smoking, no drinking except during parties.
18) Vacation in moderately priced hotels, friend's homes, airBnB. Never stay at resorts.
19) Marriage is intact so - no attorney's fees, no alimony and child support. Maintaining only one household.
20) While raising kids - hardly used diapers or formula. Kids wore disposable diapers only at night and out of the house. BF the kids. Cloth diapers. Kids were potty trained very early.
21) No Starbucks.
22) Great dental hygiene. Did not have to pay for dental work that stems out of poor hygiene. All usual dental cleaning for the entire family is covered by insurance.
23) Meet all my health care deductibles during the first two months of the year by scheduling the entire family's well visit during that time.
24) No debt except a very low mortgage.
25) Used my employer's benefits to go to school part-time for years. If your employer will reimburse tuition (even a measly amount) then use that to go to school for a certification or degree. It is free money and eventually you will have the credits required to get your degree or certificate.
26) I will always try and find a deal for any merchandise/service that I can.
27) Selling at eBay. I started because I am always decluttering my home and electronics and now this has become an easy way to make money, instead of hosting a garage sale.
28) No swimming pool at our house.
29) No beach house.
30) Simplified holiday gift giving with family and friends. We only do the one gift per person rule through a secret Santa gift giving. We are not going crazy buying tons of stuff for everyone.
31) Full house remodeling done under $50 K (labor and material) and we did not have to move to a hotel when the work was going on. I sourced all material from wholesale vendors and through connections from builders etc. The same would have cost at least $150 on the open market. I got the work done off-season (winter).
32) Wash and detail all my cars by myself. Kids help.

LOL!!! You are frugal by not going to a topless bar??? Gee, that must be quite a sacrifice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Twice a week cleaning service. Hourly rates for any domestic chores. These ladies have worked for me for past 10 years.

Lawn mowing and lawn treatment services.

Organic milk, poultry, fish, meat and soft skin fruits.

Kids EC activities, coaches and tutors at home.

Weekly massages at home.

Expensive haircut every three weeks with 30% tip.

Hired help for serving food for all at home dinner parties.

Home renovation and maintenance.

Annual big vacation.

I am very frugal in ways that does not show to others.

What other ways are left to be frugal? Cheap gifts?

I’m going to go with “cheap in regards to others”.

So no tipping, no staff bonus, no savings for college.

LOL. I told you that my frugality does not show. Read the list below. Many of you will pay for these costs and not think anything of it. My splurge is paying for service mainly. (and some organic food and one overseas vacation). I could go on for a long time but here is a partial list.

1) I cook all/most meals. I do not get catered food for large parties that we host frequently because of DH's job. I cook for 60-70 people at a time. (how often do you pay for prepared meals during the day?)
2) Kids go to public schools in well regarded, highly competitive programs. (ie no private school cost)
3) No designer clothes or accessories. I source amazing pieces from overseas because my sister is in garments and accessory business, for next to nothing or for free.
4) I color and highlight my own hair, do all my beauty treatments at home with homemade products - wax, facials, bath scrubs. Mix my own lotions and oils. My own mani, pedi, peels, microdermabrasion. I buy all prescription strength skin care products (serums, creams) from overseas.
5) Shop for every day clothes on sale at Macy's, Kohl's, Amazon, Land's End, Costco.
6) Shop at Walmart, Aldi's, Costco, Asian markets for most groceries and booze. We entertain a lot. Most food bought at wholesale prices.
7) Grow my plants from seeds. I have a lovely garden overflowing with flowers. My costs is less than $20 a season. I have fabulous houseplants that I divide, grow and gift.
8) All drycleaning at a wholesale drycleaner.
9) House at a low COL area.
10) State college tuition prepaid for all three. Pension and retirement on track. No private school costs.
11) Never fly first class. Get the lowest airfare, use ff miles, always economy.
12) Nice but not expensive cars. Nothing above $35K. Drive it till they are on their last legs.
13) Green lifestyle- solar panels, hybrid cars, compost, rain barrels, free-cycle.
14) Refinish and reupholster most furniture. I used to work in an interior design company. I can make a house look high end with ordinary things.
15) Never paid for - IVF, therapy, cosmetic surgery or procedures, prepackaged meal plans, botox, anti-anxiety meds, hair extensions, fake nails, fake tan, hair blowouts, eyebrow shaping, gym memberships, spa day.
16) No pets. (Yes, this is a huge hidden cost that no one thinks about. Pets are expensive).
17) No clubbing, no drugs, no gambling, no going to topless bar, no smoking, no drinking except during parties.
18) Vacation in moderately priced hotels, friend's homes, airBnB. Never stay at resorts.
19) Marriage is intact so - no attorney's fees, no alimony and child support. Maintaining only one household.
20) While raising kids - hardly used diapers or formula. Kids wore disposable diapers only at night and out of the house. BF the kids. Cloth diapers. Kids were potty trained very early.
21) No Starbucks.
22) Great dental hygiene. Did not have to pay for dental work that stems out of poor hygiene. All usual dental cleaning for the entire family is covered by insurance.
23) Meet all my health care deductibles during the first two months of the year by scheduling the entire family's well visit during that time.
24) No debt except a very low mortgage.
25) Used my employer's benefits to go to school part-time for years. If your employer will reimburse tuition (even a measly amount) then use that to go to school for a certification or degree. It is free money and eventually you will have the credits required to get your degree or certificate.
26) I will always try and find a deal for any merchandise/service that I can.
27) Selling at eBay. I started because I am always decluttering my home and electronics and now this has become an easy way to make money, instead of hosting a garage sale.
28) No swimming pool at our house.
29) No beach house.
30) Simplified holiday gift giving with family and friends. We only do the one gift per person rule through a secret Santa gift giving. We are not going crazy buying tons of stuff for everyone.
31) Full house remodeling done under $50 K (labor and material) and we did not have to move to a hotel when the work was going on. I sourced all material from wholesale vendors and through connections from builders etc. The same would have cost at least $150 on the open market. I got the work done off-season (winter).
32) Wash and detail all my cars by myself. Kids help.

LOL!!! You are frugal by not going to a topless bar??? Gee, that must be quite a sacrifice.

I'd call that a missed business opportunity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Twice a week cleaning service. Hourly rates for any domestic chores. These ladies have worked for me for past 10 years.

Lawn mowing and lawn treatment services.

Organic milk, poultry, fish, meat and soft skin fruits.

Kids EC activities, coaches and tutors at home.

Weekly massages at home.

Expensive haircut every three weeks with 30% tip.

Hired help for serving food for all at home dinner parties.

Home renovation and maintenance.

Annual big vacation.

I am very frugal in ways that does not show to others.

What other ways are left to be frugal? Cheap gifts?

I’m going to go with “cheap in regards to others”.

So no tipping, no staff bonus, no savings for college.

LOL. I told you that my frugality does not show. Read the list below. Many of you will pay for these costs and not think anything of it. My splurge is paying for service mainly. (and some organic food and one overseas vacation). I could go on for a long time but here is a partial list.

1) I cook all/most meals. I do not get catered food for large parties that we host frequently because of DH's job. I cook for 60-70 people at a time. (how often do you pay for prepared meals during the day?)
2) Kids go to public schools in well regarded, highly competitive programs. (ie no private school cost)
3) No designer clothes or accessories. I source amazing pieces from overseas because my sister is in garments and accessory business, for next to nothing or for free.
4) I color and highlight my own hair, do all my beauty treatments at home with homemade products - wax, facials, bath scrubs. Mix my own lotions and oils. My own mani, pedi, peels, microdermabrasion. I buy all prescription strength skin care products (serums, creams) from overseas.
5) Shop for every day clothes on sale at Macy's, Kohl's, Amazon, Land's End, Costco.
6) Shop at Walmart, Aldi's, Costco, Asian markets for most groceries and booze. We entertain a lot. Most food bought at wholesale prices.
7) Grow my plants from seeds. I have a lovely garden overflowing with flowers. My costs is less than $20 a season. I have fabulous houseplants that I divide, grow and gift.
8) All drycleaning at a wholesale drycleaner.
9) House at a low COL area.
10) State college tuition prepaid for all three. Pension and retirement on track. No private school costs.
11) Never fly first class. Get the lowest airfare, use ff miles, always economy.
12) Nice but not expensive cars. Nothing above $35K. Drive it till they are on their last legs.
13) Green lifestyle- solar panels, hybrid cars, compost, rain barrels, free-cycle.
14) Refinish and reupholster most furniture. I used to work in an interior design company. I can make a house look high end with ordinary things.
15) Never paid for - IVF, therapy, cosmetic surgery or procedures, prepackaged meal plans, botox, anti-anxiety meds, hair extensions, fake nails, fake tan, hair blowouts, eyebrow shaping, gym memberships, spa day.
16) No pets. (Yes, this is a huge hidden cost that no one thinks about. Pets are expensive).
17) No clubbing, no drugs, no gambling, no going to topless bar, no smoking, no drinking except during parties.
18) Vacation in moderately priced hotels, friend's homes, airBnB. Never stay at resorts.
19) Marriage is intact so - no attorney's fees, no alimony and child support. Maintaining only one household.
20) While raising kids - hardly used diapers or formula. Kids wore disposable diapers only at night and out of the house. BF the kids. Cloth diapers. Kids were potty trained very early.
21) No Starbucks.
22) Great dental hygiene. Did not have to pay for dental work that stems out of poor hygiene. All usual dental cleaning for the entire family is covered by insurance.
23) Meet all my health care deductibles during the first two months of the year by scheduling the entire family's well visit during that time.
24) No debt except a very low mortgage.
25) Used my employer's benefits to go to school part-time for years. If your employer will reimburse tuition (even a measly amount) then use that to go to school for a certification or degree. It is free money and eventually you will have the credits required to get your degree or certificate.
26) I will always try and find a deal for any merchandise/service that I can.
27) Selling at eBay. I started because I am always decluttering my home and electronics and now this has become an easy way to make money, instead of hosting a garage sale.
28) No swimming pool at our house.
29) No beach house.
30) Simplified holiday gift giving with family and friends. We only do the one gift per person rule through a secret Santa gift giving. We are not going crazy buying tons of stuff for everyone.
31) Full house remodeling done under $50 K (labor and material) and we did not have to move to a hotel when the work was going on. I sourced all material from wholesale vendors and through connections from builders etc. The same would have cost at least $150 on the open market. I got the work done off-season (winter).
32) Wash and detail all my cars by myself. Kids help.

LOL!!! You are frugal by not going to a topless bar??? Gee, that must be quite a sacrifice.

Bottomless bars are more bang for the buck.

[Anonymous]

Regular babysitter! I’m a SAHM with 3 kids. When I got pregnant with the 3rd, we started hiring a sitter 8-10 hours a week. I use those hours to get a little extra sleep, run errands, meet friends for lunch, go to the dentist etc. It makes a HUGE impact on our lives - I’m so much happier and better rested instead of exhausted and frustrated dragging the kids all over the place all the time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, I came here to say I use the most expensive toilet paper as an everyday spurge, but after reading about safaris etc.. I guess I'm one of the poors. My tp makes me feel rich though.

Yet this splurge TP interests me more than a safari. Pls share the details.

I also buy good tp and soap. I grew up poor using the rough one-ply and a harsh soap called ironically enough Lux. [/quote

Me too. Cleaner once a week= super
Fancy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We pay someone to do the dishes and put away the leftovers after Thanksgiving dinner so everyone can relax. We only get together once a year.

We do this for Christmas. We can enjoy our guests without being tied to the kitchen. It's worth the splurge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Twice a week cleaning service. Hourly rates for any domestic chores. These ladies have worked for me for past 10 years.

Lawn mowing and lawn treatment services.

Organic milk, poultry, fish, meat and soft skin fruits.

Kids EC activities, coaches and tutors at home.

Weekly massages at home.

Expensive haircut every three weeks with 30% tip.

Hired help for serving food for all at home dinner parties.

Home renovation and maintenance.

Annual big vacation.

I am very frugal in ways that does not show to others.

What other ways are left to be frugal? Cheap gifts?

I’m going to go with “cheap in regards to others”.

So no tipping, no staff bonus, no savings for college.

LOL. I told you that my frugality does not show. Read the list below. Many of you will pay for these costs and not think anything of it. My splurge is paying for service mainly. (and some organic food and one overseas vacation). I could go on for a long time but here is a partial list.

1) I cook all/most meals. I do not get catered food for large parties that we host frequently because of DH's job. I cook for 60-70 people at a time. (how often do you pay for prepared meals during the day?)
2) Kids go to public schools in well regarded, highly competitive programs. (ie no private school cost)
3) No designer clothes or accessories. I source amazing pieces from overseas because my sister is in garments and accessory business, for next to nothing or for free.
4) I color and highlight my own hair, do all my beauty treatments at home with homemade products - wax, facials, bath scrubs. Mix my own lotions and oils. My own mani, pedi, peels, microdermabrasion. I buy all prescription strength skin care products (serums, creams) from overseas.
5) Shop for every day clothes on sale at Macy's, Kohl's, Amazon, Land's End, Costco.
6) Shop at Walmart, Aldi's, Costco, Asian markets for most groceries and booze. We entertain a lot. Most food bought at wholesale prices.
7) Grow my plants from seeds. I have a lovely garden overflowing with flowers. My costs is less than $20 a season. I have fabulous houseplants that I divide, grow and gift.
8) All drycleaning at a wholesale drycleaner.
9) House at a low COL area.
10) State college tuition prepaid for all three. Pension and retirement on track. No private school costs.
11) Never fly first class. Get the lowest airfare, use ff miles, always economy.
12) Nice but not expensive cars. Nothing above $35K. Drive it till they are on their last legs.
13) Green lifestyle- solar panels, hybrid cars, compost, rain barrels, free-cycle.
14) Refinish and reupholster most furniture. I used to work in an interior design company. I can make a house look high end with ordinary things.
15) Never paid for - IVF, therapy, cosmetic surgery or procedures, prepackaged meal plans, botox, anti-anxiety meds, hair extensions, fake nails, fake tan, hair blowouts, eyebrow shaping, gym memberships, spa day.
16) No pets. (Yes, this is a huge hidden cost that no one thinks about. Pets are expensive).
17) No clubbing, no drugs, no gambling, no going to topless bar, no smoking, no drinking except during parties.
18) Vacation in moderately priced hotels, friend's homes, airBnB. Never stay at resorts.
19) Marriage is intact so - no attorney's fees, no alimony and child support. Maintaining only one household.
20) While raising kids - hardly used diapers or formula. Kids wore disposable diapers only at night and out of the house. BF the kids. Cloth diapers. Kids were potty trained very early.
21) No Starbucks.
22) Great dental hygiene. Did not have to pay for dental work that stems out of poor hygiene. All usual dental cleaning for the entire family is covered by insurance.
23) Meet all my health care deductibles during the first two months of the year by scheduling the entire family's well visit during that time.
24) No debt except a very low mortgage.
25) Used my employer's benefits to go to school part-time for years. If your employer will reimburse tuition (even a measly amount) then use that to go to school for a certification or degree. It is free money and eventually you will have the credits required to get your degree or certificate.
26) I will always try and find a deal for any merchandise/service that I can.
27) Selling at eBay. I started because I am always decluttering my home and electronics and now this has become an easy way to make money, instead of hosting a garage sale.
28) No swimming pool at our house.
29) No beach house.
30) Simplified holiday gift giving with family and friends. We only do the one gift per person rule through a secret Santa gift giving. We are not going crazy buying tons of stuff for everyone.
31) Full house remodeling done under $50 K (labor and material) and we did not have to move to a hotel when the work was going on. I sourced all material from wholesale vendors and through connections from builders etc. The same would have cost at least $150 on the open market. I got the work done off-season (winter).
32) Wash and detail all my cars by myself. Kids help.

Honestly most of that stuff on your frugal list is the standard way that middle class people live. You may be frugal for a wealthy person but MOST people do not have a pool or a beach house, and cannot afford to fly first class, can’t afford private school, don’t drive expensive cars, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Twice a week cleaning service. Hourly rates for any domestic chores. These ladies have worked for me for past 10 years.

Lawn mowing and lawn treatment services.

Organic milk, poultry, fish, meat and soft skin fruits.

Kids EC activities, coaches and tutors at home.

Weekly massages at home.

Expensive haircut every three weeks with 30% tip.

Hired help for serving food for all at home dinner parties.

Home renovation and maintenance.

Annual big vacation.

I am very frugal in ways that does not show to others.

seriously??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tutors and prep classes for 3 kids who went to MCPS magnet schools and are in STEM fields now. Allowed us to not pay for private schools and live in a beautiful house that was very affordable in a fantastic area with not-so great public schools.

Lots of non-magnet kids in STEM fields. Unless they got serious scholarship money to a top university and are now rising stars in their fields, you’re not seeing a return on that investment.

Is this PP trying to say that the tutors and prep classes were a waste of money? (If so, why do you care? It was worth it to the PP who paid for the tutors and prep classes. Maybe the students performed better thanks to the tutors and prep classes?

[Anonymous]

Monthly massage. I have one this afternoon from a Bulgarian guy with hands of steel and it feels so good. Nothing ever inappropriate happens but an hour of strong hands and massage oil is very nice. If I could teach my DH to do it I'd be in heaven.

[Anonymous]

Whenever I have a party, I pay someone to run the karaoke, instead of using my system

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Monthly massage. I have one this afternoon from a Bulgarian guy with hands of steel and it feels so good. Nothing ever inappropriate happens but an hour of strong hands and massage oil is very nice. If I could teach my DH to do it I'd be in heaven.

Can you share his name? I need that.