Lifestyle creeping backwards

[Anonymous]

Nope, took the money to pay off the house and now buying what I want... its nice being able to without worrying like I used to.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, it's just getting older. When I was young, I was superficial and materialistic, and loved to shop. Now I do not want to spend what little time I have shopping for things I do not need and won't care about in a few months. I've also become very concerned about the environment, so I try to only buy things I need and that will last for years. I have luxury handbags and expensive jewelry I almost never use in my pandemic telework/new mom life; why accumulate more? I love my engagement ring and wedding bad, but almost never wear them because I'm always changing diapers and washing my hands. I am still thin and don't have wrinkles, etc, but I don't give a shit about impressing anyone so I dress frumpy and don't wear make up. I'm not depressed. In fact, I am far more satisfied with my life than I was in my 20s when I was always seeking approval.

[Anonymous]

OP here, this thread has helped me realize I'm not depressed, just old! Like many PPs, I went through a phase in my 20s and 30s when I was into attaining material things, traveling international first class, etc. Now in my 40s, I've little interest in "the next step, " e.g. accumulating more stuff or flying private. I'm grateful for what I have and fine where I am. Happy early Thanksgiving, everyone!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've always been frugal. We are looking to build generational wealth.

very sad

huh?

[Anonymous]

Me too. Possibly depression from working too hard to make the money, and having no quality free time or interests due to work and family demands.

[Anonymous]

Nope. Spending more on high end travel, self care etc.

[Anonymous]

I totally thought this was going to be a thread about getting wealthier every year, but never quickly enough to actually afford the things you’ve always wanted, as they just keep getting more and more expensive.

Guess it’s a “me” problem 😅

[Anonymous]

When I was young and poor I wanted everything.
When we got financially comfortable I wanted nothing.
So now we help out family and it makes us very happy. The feeling is like nothing you will ever experience. No lie.
Generational wealth is a joke. It only takes 1 greedy DIL to abuse that privilege with her forever home.
SPEND IT ALL BEFORE YOUR KIDS DO !!!

[Anonymous]

I never had that lust for things. I am finding that now that I am in my mid-upper 50’s I will pay more for upgrades when I travel or nicer towels and sheets. I am now willing to pay for things that make me feel better like massages or nice lotion.

This. I will pay more for convenience when traveling or for personal services. I don't care so much about clothes or more things for my home. I will spend money on eating well also.

I can relate to a previous poster who said that after you retire you do think about possible future health care costs (which can be a lot). So you try to keep saving or try to preserve some funds for that.

[Anonymous]

My husband has become like this, despite our income being higher than ever. It’s causing marital issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I was young and poor I wanted everything.
When we got financially comfortable I wanted nothing.
So now we help out family and it makes us very happy. The feeling is like nothing you will ever experience. No lie.
Generational wealth is a joke. It only takes 1 greedy DIL to abuse that privilege with her forever home.
SPEND IT ALL BEFORE YOUR KIDS DO !!!

Why so much woman-on-woman hate? Why perpetuate the trope of women as scheming, self-serving and materialistic? Why does it have to be a DIL?

- A guy

(J/k but I've been on DCUM so long my radar has synced with the women here.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is why a lot of the rich don't drive fancy cars or things like that. They already have tons of money and don't need to prove it to anyone.

We own a townhouse and a sfh that's worth 2x it. The people in the townhouse community drive $$$ fancy cars. In my sfh neighborhood everyone drives Hondas, Toyotas, Jeeps. And no, it's not because they can't afford it. My neighbors have been here for at least a decade and aren't financially struggling.

Only my Iranian neighbor drives an old Mercedes in our townhouse community. Rest of us drive non-luxury vehicles. But I'm also in FCC so my townhouse is the same price as SFHs further out.

[Anonymous]

Our spending patterns have gotten spikier as we have gotten older. Clothes, housewares, accessories, furniture, consumables - we’re pretty cheap and buy secondhand frequently. But we do have an expensive car and we spend a lot on travel and services.

When I was younger I was frugal across the board.

[Anonymous]

+1

More money I have more I want to see every dollar in the bank grew up poor

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ha I always say this to DH- when I was 24 all I wanted was a Prada handbag. Now I can afford any bag I want and use a diaper bag as a purse. I don't care about keeping up with the Joneses because I have nothing to prove.

+1
And since the pandemic I've downgraded my work shoes. Now I have the most simple pumps for the few times I go onto the office a month and have bought my first pair of street shoes. (I've never really worn sneakers before). For me, I'm more secure and I can see how some folks earn to spend to show. It doesn't float my boat...maybe maturity?