Guac and queso if you make over $450k

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This thread is a good encapsulation of how many of us feel, all the time.

We have >$4 million in total net assets, including retirement accounts, home equity, 529s, etc. But we're actually not saving much this year in liquid/taxable accounts, because our spending has increased (and because we don't really count the retirement contributions and 529 contributions as savings).

A lot of our spending is unnecessary - kids' sport activities, birthday parties, vacations, landscaping, takeout.

Guac at Chipotle is a representative, small symbol of the bigger stuff:

--How do we decide whether to buy World Cup tickets? We will all remember it for a long time if we go, but the tickets feel ridiculously overpriced for a 90-minute game.

--Do we stay at the nicer hotel, when there is a perfectly fine, mid-range hotel that fits us?

--Do we replace the backyard shed that looks bad but is perfectly fine for its purpose? Or wait another three years before doing that?

--Or the kids all play travel $occer, but should we pay an extra $600 each for the summer league where half the practices will get canceled for heat / thunderstorms, and we will miss some practices and games for vacation?

We could do all of the above or none of the above, and I'm not sure it would impact the timing of our retirement or anything else. But what do the kids take away from this mindset?

Op here. Yes, exactly. I spent a fair amount of time debating World Cup tix but my soccer kid wasn't invested, so we are skipping. I have decided I shouldn't be invested in things for them more than they are.

I really wanted to get my dd to taylor swift, but I just couldn't justify the cost for how young she was at the time.

We decided to skip super y these past few years. Just not worth it with climate change.

It's a constant struggle to figure out which things to pick and choose.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rich kids are different. I told my kids dont order extra as you know they have big mark ups on these things. I got asked how do I know that.

I said I own all the stocks like Starbucks, Chipollte, McDonalds etc. either directly or in my 401k etc.

They said sounds like you make money either way so I am ordering the guac

Dayum... kids these days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dumbest thread.

Winner! Jeez.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dumbest thread.

Winner! Jeez.

Comments like this show your lack of introspection and intellectual curiosity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:so funny because my daughter and I were just talking about the high charge for guac. Of course she orders it because she knows we can afford it. But it does bring me back to my college is when I couldn't afford to order soda with the meal.

These two words are what these many pages are about.

You/half think exactly as you do: of course, order it bc we can afford to

Half think that just bc you can afford to, there is a financial lesson in setting boundaries/increases savings.

+1

I’m in the second half, but my husband is in the first half. It’s frustrating for both of us - he doesn’t want to look poor/cheap, and I fear running out of money (which is silly).

When you have enough to cover all your needs and most of your wants, it leads to silly disputes over guacamole and queso.

But if you don’t have enough for that, it can lead to unnecessary debt - which is why I’m trying to teach my kids to ask if it’s “worth” spending extra money on something, rather than can we afford it. And the guac/queso/fountain drink decision is a great way to teach it.

I’ll also say, being too strict with “extras” can backfire and lead to someone getting ALL the extras when they have their own money - even if they can’t afford it.

I'm not sure I agree with you and pp. People here aren't flaunting wealth by adding guac. I think some people really are just saying "don't sweat the small stuff." This isn't equivalent to replacing a shed. It's equivalent to the age old argument of buying coffee, which many people have pointed out is a fallacy when other stuff is so expensive.

I add guac because I like it. If my kids wanted to, I don't think I'd make a big proclamation about how it's extra because like others have mentioned my kids know/learn this over time, and now as adults. Besides, life is about splurging sometimes, and so many people on DCUM forget this.

No one ever said this (bold).

You obviously are of the second mindset (Half think that just bc you can afford to, there is a financial lesson in setting boundaries/increases savings) because of the underlined.

The truth is buying coffee out IS expensive over time. There is no fallacy about that. Just a single large black Sbux coffee once a week before tax and tip (if you tip) is $3.15. That’s $163/year. Now add that gas example upthread using the number there of $30 every 2.5 weeks extra for not driving a mile to a cheaper station. That’s $624 extra for one car. If two people in a family do this (plain coffee 1/week each + more expensive gas), you’re at $1574 on two tiny things. This is how things add up and it’s a mindset so it multiplies over expenses/savings across lits of choices. Over the years, it’s a car or large mortgage payments, etc.

You can’t argue against the fact the little unnecessary expenses add up over time although you can be of the mindset that you don’t care. One final point: I think that those who don’t try to find ways to save believe living like that is the same as living a bleak life (why can’t your kid get double chicken or two sauces or the healthy guac)? It is this thought that adds to your mindset of splurging over saving more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:so funny because my daughter and I were just talking about the high charge for guac. Of course she orders it because she knows we can afford it. But it does bring me back to my college is when I couldn't afford to order soda with the meal.

These two words are what these many pages are about.

You/half think exactly as you do: of course, order it bc we can afford to

Half think that just bc you can afford to, there is a financial lesson in setting boundaries/increases savings.

+1

I’m in the second half, but my husband is in the first half. It’s frustrating for both of us - he doesn’t want to look poor/cheap, and I fear running out of money (which is silly).

When you have enough to cover all your needs and most of your wants, it leads to silly disputes over guacamole and queso.

But if you don’t have enough for that, it can lead to unnecessary debt - which is why I’m trying to teach my kids to ask if it’s “worth” spending extra money on something, rather than can we afford it. And the guac/queso/fountain drink decision is a great way to teach it.

I’ll also say, being too strict with “extras” can backfire and lead to someone getting ALL the extras when they have their own money - even if they can’t afford it.

I'm not sure I agree with you and pp. People here aren't flaunting wealth by adding guac. I think some people really are just saying "don't sweat the small stuff." This isn't equivalent to replacing a shed. It's equivalent to the age old argument of buying coffee, which many people have pointed out is a fallacy when other stuff is so expensive.

I add guac because I like it. If my kids wanted to, I don't think I'd make a big proclamation about how it's extra because like others have mentioned my kids know/learn this over time, and now as adults. Besides, life is about splurging sometimes, and so many people on DCUM forget this.

No one ever said this (bold).

You obviously are of the second mindset (Half think that just bc you can afford to, there is a financial lesson in setting boundaries/increases savings) because of the underlined.

The truth is buying coffee out IS expensive over time. There is no fallacy about that. Just a single large black Sbux coffee once a week before tax and tip (if you tip) is $3.15. That’s $163/year. Now add that gas example upthread using the number there of $30 every 2.5 weeks extra for not driving a mile to a cheaper station. That’s $624 extra for one car. If two people in a family do this (plain coffee 1/week each + more expensive gas), you’re at $1574 on two tiny things. This is how things add up and it’s a mindset so it multiplies over expenses/savings across lits of choices. Over the years, it’s a car or large mortgage payments, etc.

You can’t argue against the fact the little unnecessary expenses add up over time although you can be of the mindset that you don’t care. One final point: I think that those who don’t try to find ways to save believe living like that is the same as living a bleak life (why can’t your kid get double chicken or two sauces or the healthy guac)? It is this thought that adds to your mindset of splurging over saving more.

NP-There are also people like me who are generally frugal (I make my own coffee, do my own hair, yard work...) and that's precisely why when we do go out and get something we want it to be the exact way we like it. I don't go to Chipotle, but if I'm having sushi, I'm not going to get a california roll instead of the roll I actually want to save a few bucks. To me it would not be worth it paying any money at all for something I don't want as much and it would be a bad economic decision. And I tell my dcs the same: save your money and spend it on what you actually truly want, not a bunch of blah things here and there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:so funny because my daughter and I were just talking about the high charge for guac. Of course she orders it because she knows we can afford it. But it does bring me back to my college is when I couldn't afford to order soda with the meal.

These two words are what these many pages are about.

You/half think exactly as you do: of course, order it bc we can afford to

Half think that just bc you can afford to, there is a financial lesson in setting boundaries/increases savings.

+1

I’m in the second half, but my husband is in the first half. It’s frustrating for both of us - he doesn’t want to look poor/cheap, and I fear running out of money (which is silly).

When you have enough to cover all your needs and most of your wants, it leads to silly disputes over guacamole and queso.

But if you don’t have enough for that, it can lead to unnecessary debt - which is why I’m trying to teach my kids to ask if it’s “worth” spending extra money on something, rather than can we afford it. And the guac/queso/fountain drink decision is a great way to teach it.

I’ll also say, being too strict with “extras” can backfire and lead to someone getting ALL the extras when they have their own money - even if they can’t afford it.

I'm not sure I agree with you and pp. People here aren't flaunting wealth by adding guac. I think some people really are just saying "don't sweat the small stuff." This isn't equivalent to replacing a shed. It's equivalent to the age old argument of buying coffee, which many people have pointed out is a fallacy when other stuff is so expensive.

I add guac because I like it. If my kids wanted to, I don't think I'd make a big proclamation about how it's extra because like others have mentioned my kids know/learn this over time, and now as adults. Besides, life is about splurging sometimes, and so many people on DCUM forget this.

No one ever said this (bold).

You obviously are of the second mindset (Half think that just bc you can afford to, there is a financial lesson in setting boundaries/increases savings) because of the underlined.

The truth is buying coffee out IS expensive over time. There is no fallacy about that. Just a single large black Sbux coffee once a week before tax and tip (if you tip) is $3.15. That’s $163/year. Now add that gas example upthread using the number there of $30 every 2.5 weeks extra for not driving a mile to a cheaper station. That’s $624 extra for one car. If two people in a family do this (plain coffee 1/week each + more expensive gas), you’re at $1574 on two tiny things. This is how things add up and it’s a mindset so it multiplies over expenses/savings across lits of choices. Over the years, it’s a car or large mortgage payments, etc.

You can’t argue against the fact the little unnecessary expenses add up over time although you can be of the mindset that you don’t care. One final point: I think that those who don’t try to find ways to save believe living like that is the same as living a bleak life (why can’t your kid get double chicken or two sauces or the healthy guac)? It is this thought that adds to your mindset of splurging over saving more.

NP-There are also people like me who are generally frugal (I make my own coffee, do my own hair, yard work...) and that's precisely why when we do go out and get something we want it to be the exact way we like it. I don't go to Chipotle, but if I'm having sushi, I'm not going to get a california roll instead of the roll I actually want to save a few bucks. To me it would not be worth it paying any money at all for something I don't want as much and it would be a bad economic decision. And I tell my dcs the same: save your money and spend it on what you actually truly want, not a bunch of blah things here and there.

No, you’re still one of the people in the second group: Half think that just bc you can afford to, there is a financial lesson in setting boundaries/increases savings.

You make your own coffee and do your own hair and yard work, etc. it’s just with going out to eat, that’s not a place you chose to cut back on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:so funny because my daughter and I were just talking about the high charge for guac. Of course she orders it because she knows we can afford it. But it does bring me back to my college is when I couldn't afford to order soda with the meal.

These two words are what these many pages are about.

You/half think exactly as you do: of course, order it bc we can afford to

Half think that just bc you can afford to, there is a financial lesson in setting boundaries/increases savings.

+1

I’m in the second half, but my husband is in the first half. It’s frustrating for both of us - he doesn’t want to look poor/cheap, and I fear running out of money (which is silly).

When you have enough to cover all your needs and most of your wants, it leads to silly disputes over guacamole and queso.

But if you don’t have enough for that, it can lead to unnecessary debt - which is why I’m trying to teach my kids to ask if it’s “worth” spending extra money on something, rather than can we afford it. And the guac/queso/fountain drink decision is a great way to teach it.

I’ll also say, being too strict with “extras” can backfire and lead to someone getting ALL the extras when they have their own money - even if they can’t afford it.

I'm not sure I agree with you and pp. People here aren't flaunting wealth by adding guac. I think some people really are just saying "don't sweat the small stuff." This isn't equivalent to replacing a shed. It's equivalent to the age old argument of buying coffee, which many people have pointed out is a fallacy when other stuff is so expensive.

I add guac because I like it. If my kids wanted to, I don't think I'd make a big proclamation about how it's extra because like others have mentioned my kids know/learn this over time, and now as adults. Besides, life is about splurging sometimes, and so many people on DCUM forget this.

No one ever said this (bold).

You obviously are of the second mindset (Half think that just bc you can afford to, there is a financial lesson in setting boundaries/increases savings) because of the underlined.

The truth is buying coffee out IS expensive over time. There is no fallacy about that. Just a single large black Sbux coffee once a week before tax and tip (if you tip) is $3.15. That’s $163/year. Now add that gas example upthread using the number there of $30 every 2.5 weeks extra for not driving a mile to a cheaper station. That’s $624 extra for one car. If two people in a family do this (plain coffee 1/week each + more expensive gas), you’re at $1574 on two tiny things. This is how things add up and it’s a mindset so it multiplies over expenses/savings across lits of choices. Over the years, it’s a car or large mortgage payments, etc.

You can’t argue against the fact the little unnecessary expenses add up over time although you can be of the mindset that you don’t care. One final point: I think that those who don’t try to find ways to save believe living like that is the same as living a bleak life (why can’t your kid get double chicken or two sauces or the healthy guac)? It is this thought that adds to your mindset of splurging over saving more.

NP-There are also people like me who are generally frugal (I make my own coffee, do my own hair, yard work...) and that's precisely why when we do go out and get something we want it to be the exact way we like it. I don't go to Chipotle, but if I'm having sushi, I'm not going to get a california roll instead of the roll I actually want to save a few bucks. To me it would not be worth it paying any money at all for something I don't want as much and it would be a bad economic decision. And I tell my dcs the same: save your money and spend it on what you actually truly want, not a bunch of blah things here and there.

No, you’re still one of the people in the second group: Half think that just bc you can afford to, there is a financial lesson in setting boundaries/increases savings.

You make your own coffee and do your own hair and yard work, etc. it’s just with going out to eat, that’s not a place you chose to cut back on.

I do "cut back" in the sense I very very rarely eat out. So when I do go out it has to be special. I will still spend much less per year than the people who don't get what they want but go out often.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:so funny because my daughter and I were just talking about the high charge for guac. Of course she orders it because she knows we can afford it. But it does bring me back to my college is when I couldn't afford to order soda with the meal.

These two words are what these many pages are about.

You/half think exactly as you do: of course, order it bc we can afford to

Half think that just bc you can afford to, there is a financial lesson in setting boundaries/increases savings.

+1

I’m in the second half, but my husband is in the first half. It’s frustrating for both of us - he doesn’t want to look poor/cheap, and I fear running out of money (which is silly).

When you have enough to cover all your needs and most of your wants, it leads to silly disputes over guacamole and queso.

But if you don’t have enough for that, it can lead to unnecessary debt - which is why I’m trying to teach my kids to ask if it’s “worth” spending extra money on something, rather than can we afford it. And the guac/queso/fountain drink decision is a great way to teach it.

I’ll also say, being too strict with “extras” can backfire and lead to someone getting ALL the extras when they have their own money - even if they can’t afford it.

I'm not sure I agree with you and pp. People here aren't flaunting wealth by adding guac. I think some people really are just saying "don't sweat the small stuff." This isn't equivalent to replacing a shed. It's equivalent to the age old argument of buying coffee, which many people have pointed out is a fallacy when other stuff is so expensive.

I add guac because I like it. If my kids wanted to, I don't think I'd make a big proclamation about how it's extra because like others have mentioned my kids know/learn this over time, and now as adults. Besides, life is about splurging sometimes, and so many people on DCUM forget this.

PP you're quoting - I did my husband a disservice - he doesn't want to FEEL cheap/like he's depriving himself or our kids - it's not really a flaunting issue. And when other people are with us, it's being a gracious host. If we take our kids' friends out - we never ask for or accept payment from their parents. Nor would we tell them what they can or can't order (unless her friend orders $30 crab cakes again and only eats half of one - then we might suggest something different, but that's only happened once!).

And I do agree with you on splurging every so often - my kids prefer QDOBA, so the guac is free - it's not an ideal example!

Sometimes I suggest/encourage a fancy lemonade or a side of garlic fries - especially if we're at a nicer restaurant, but if we're at Panera or another fast food place - I suggest water rather than a fountain drink.

[Anonymous]

02/25/2026 12:11 Poster

Also - this a a relatively minor issue between us, as we generally agree on major ticket items. It's the little things like drinks at Panera and buying clothes that aren't on sale that are where we might take different approaches.

Some of this is because all these little "extras" have gotten a LOT more expensive, so like the >$4M net worth PP - our day-to-day expenses are increasing and these $4-5 extras are representative of every getting more expensive - what was an "inexpensive" vacation is now $10K for 4 people.


Disclaimer - yes, these are "rich" people problems - we can afford good food, mortgage, cars, medical care, and still have "fun" money and savings. Skipping the fancy citrus that's $4 a piece because that's a ridiculous price for a single piece of fruit is vastly different than not being able to afford groceries and gas.

[Anonymous]

As someone who grow up poor, I do inwardly cringe when my kids order extra guac at Chipotle like it's nothing.

[Anonymous]

A lot of y'all sound like my mother, who grew up wealthy but was mentally ill and had a problem with hoarding money. I remember when I was a kid and told her that some kids said they were going to the rich neighborhood to trick or treat to get the best candy she told me that the houses at the rich neighborhood would have the cheapest candy and "that is why they are rich."

She was quite wrong. This view is incorrect, despite there being plenty of adherents on this thread. My mother had the view of someone with mental illness whose narcissistic desperate controlling nature came out in regard to money. Op reminds me of her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:so funny because my daughter and I were just talking about the high charge for guac. Of course she orders it because she knows we can afford it. But it does bring me back to my college is when I couldn't afford to order soda with the meal.

These two words are what these many pages are about.

You/half think exactly as you do: of course, order it bc we can afford to

Half think that just bc you can afford to, there is a financial lesson in setting boundaries/increases savings.

+1

I’m in the second half, but my husband is in the first half. It’s frustrating for both of us - he doesn’t want to look poor/cheap, and I fear running out of money (which is silly).

When you have enough to cover all your needs and most of your wants, it leads to silly disputes over guacamole and queso.

But if you don’t have enough for that, it can lead to unnecessary debt - which is why I’m trying to teach my kids to ask if it’s “worth” spending extra money on something, rather than can we afford it. And the guac/queso/fountain drink decision is a great way to teach it.

I’ll also say, being too strict with “extras” can backfire and lead to someone getting ALL the extras when they have their own money - even if they can’t afford it.

I'm not sure I agree with you and pp. People here aren't flaunting wealth by adding guac. I think some people really are just saying "don't sweat the small stuff." This isn't equivalent to replacing a shed. It's equivalent to the age old argument of buying coffee, which many people have pointed out is a fallacy when other stuff is so expensive.

I add guac because I like it. If my kids wanted to, I don't think I'd make a big proclamation about how it's extra because like others have mentioned my kids know/learn this over time, and now as adults. Besides, life is about splurging sometimes, and so many people on DCUM forget this.

No one ever said this (bold).

You obviously are of the second mindset (Half think that just bc you can afford to, there is a financial lesson in setting boundaries/increases savings) because of the underlined.

The truth is buying coffee out IS expensive over time. There is no fallacy about that. Just a single large black Sbux coffee once a week before tax and tip (if you tip) is $3.15. That’s $163/year. Now add that gas example upthread using the number there of $30 every 2.5 weeks extra for not driving a mile to a cheaper station. That’s $624 extra for one car. If two people in a family do this (plain coffee 1/week each + more expensive gas), you’re at $1574 on two tiny things. This is how things add up and it’s a mindset so it multiplies over expenses/savings across lits of choices. Over the years, it’s a car or large mortgage payments, etc.

You can’t argue against the fact the little unnecessary expenses add up over time although you can be of the mindset that you don’t care. One final point: I think that those who don’t try to find ways to save believe living like that is the same as living a bleak life (why can’t your kid get double chicken or two sauces or the healthy guac)? It is this thought that adds to your mindset of splurging over saving more.

Can you not read??? PP said, "I’m in the second half, but my husband is in the first half. It’s frustrating for both of us - he doesn’t want to look poor/cheap, and I fear running out of money (which is silly)."

David Bach's latte factor has its critics because healthcare, mortgages, and taxes have all outpaced salaries. Please see Elizabeth Warren's two-income trap. Let's focus on the big stuff, shall we? Saving $163/year isn't a big deal. Stop assuming that all people are doing it all.

I just see more scolding here, and you glossed right over my recommendation that DCUM live a little. I very well remember a woman here not too long ago who was freaking out that her DH bought Starbucks at the airport, on HIS VACATION.

[Anonymous]

Now that I have the freedom to spend, I couldn’t care less about those little extras, but I hate getting fleeced on shoes and clothes. Even upmarket, designer items are crap quality now. I do side-eye people paying for designer goods, or even worse, the overpriced non-designer wannabe high-end poorly made stuff (Alo, Aritzia, etc).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is a good encapsulation of how many of us feel, all the time.

We have >$4 million in total net assets, including retirement accounts, home equity, 529s, etc. But we're actually not saving much this year in liquid/taxable accounts, because our spending has increased (and because we don't really count the retirement contributions and 529 contributions as savings).

A lot of our spending is unnecessary - kids' sport activities, birthday parties, vacations, landscaping, takeout.

Guac at Chipotle is a representative, small symbol of the bigger stuff:

--How do we decide whether to buy World Cup tickets? We will all remember it for a long time if we go, but the tickets feel ridiculously overpriced for a 90-minute game.

--Do we stay at the nicer hotel, when there is a perfectly fine, mid-range hotel that fits us?

--Do we replace the backyard shed that looks bad but is perfectly fine for its purpose? Or wait another three years before doing that?

--Or the kids all play travel $occer, but should we pay an extra $600 each for the summer league where half the practices will get canceled for heat / thunderstorms, and we will miss some practices and games for vacation?

We could do all of the above or none of the above, and I'm not sure it would impact the timing of our retirement or anything else. But what do the kids take away from this mindset?

Op here. Yes, exactly. I spent a fair amount of time debating World Cup tix but my soccer kid wasn't invested, so we are skipping. I have decided I shouldn't be invested in things for them more than they are.

I really wanted to get my dd to taylor swift, but I just couldn't justify the cost for how young she was at the time.

We decided to skip super y these past few years. Just not worth it with climate change.

It's a constant struggle to figure out which things to pick and choose.

Now it's obvious OP is a troll at worst, foolish at best. Yes, let's teach our kids the value of $$ by lecturing them about the extra $3 for guac at Chipotle, and then let's take her to see Taylor Swift!

Never change DCUM!