Ideas for “frivolous” spending

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Follow-up question: I’ve been keeping mum about my unorthodox inheritance which I only began receiving a few months ago, but my friends have begun noticing my upgraded bags and such and also that I’m offering to treat more often when we go out. How do I discreetly sidestep questions of whether I’ve found myself a sugar daddy/mommy?? Should I be totally candid or is it ok to just say I got a raise (perhaps hard to believe in my nonprofit world, but better than nothing)?

"I received an unexpected inheritance from a relative that allows me the occasional splurge."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Follow-up question: I’ve been keeping mum about my unorthodox inheritance which I only began receiving a few months ago, but my friends have begun noticing my upgraded bags and such and also that I’m offering to treat more often when we go out. How do I discreetly sidestep questions of whether I’ve found myself a sugar daddy/mommy?? Should I be totally candid or is it ok to just say I got a raise (perhaps hard to believe in my nonprofit world, but better than nothing)?

I would be candid, because if this money will last in perpetuity, I think many of the ideas raised will become boring as they become routine. A lot of luxurious extras are most fun when they’re novel. I imagine that, if you intend to keep this up, doing things with friends will be the best way to make it sustainable, and they may feel more inclined to accept if they know it’s your fun money you HAVE to burn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My answers are similar to what has already been said (massages, trainer, chef, extra house cleaning, restaurant splurges, travel…).

But I would add a DRIVER or even just an Uber for things like nights out. A fancy night out always had an added layer of the stress of driving and parking - I’m out in the Maryland burbs. A splurge restaurant and theatre and driver to get me there is my ultimate night out.

+1000

[Anonymous]

Donate to a non-profit whose work I really like.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Love everyone’s ideas! Just to be clear, I fully appreciate that folks are thinking about philanthropy - I actually happen to work in nonprofit and am also a donor (of my own funds) to various causes - but my relative did not wish for this particular inheritance to be used for such (he left a *lot* to his favorite philanthropies for those purposes). For the 5K/month to me (and yes, it’s indefinite), he truly just wanted me to spoil myself a little.

Again, I’m not looking for loopholes; however, I do think treating friends and family to some nice gifts/experiences is totally within the spirit of the bequest and so I have and will continue to do so.

I’m sure it was a well meaning sentiment but this is so wasteful and unrealistic. Sure the first few months would be fun but wasting 60K a year on things and stuff you neither really desire nor need is ridiculous.

I disagree. Back when I was earning a lot, paying for services made life so much easier and enjoyable. Nanny, house cleaner, uber for nights out to dinner and the theater, massages, etc. Supporting local artists is very important to me and I really enjoy it. Splurging on any art and shows that I want and hiring an uber to take me to and from dinner beforehand would make me happy every time.

[Anonymous]

I’d probably do more dinner out plus theater.

Salon treatments and massage. Could probably spend a bunch of it just on nicer shoes and clothes.

It would actually be hard for me to spend 5K a month just on me. I guess weekly house cleaning.

[Anonymous]

Housecleaning
Private chef or some type of meal service
Personal trainer
Sporting tickets and bringing friends with me
Theater tickets, actually maybe a weekend in NYC, take the train and stay in a nicer hotel for a night there's close to 5K right there if you bring a friend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you please tell us why you are in this situation?!

I posed my question as a hypothetical because I didn’t want the specifics of my actual situation to derail the brainstorming, but have gotten enough ideas that I think it’s ok to share at this point. Cue accusations of trolling, but whatevs!

The poster who mentioned the movie Brewster’s Millions was on the right track, albeit I’m talking about far more modest dollar amounts - I am the beneficiary of an eccentric relative’s odd bequest to “spoil” myself more. I am very fortunate to have all my normal living expenses already covered, but have always been pretty frugal by nature, and I guess he wanted to throw a fun challenge my way with a bunch of specific stipulations prohibiting me from straight out saving, investing, or donating the 5K/month.

Thank you to everyone who’s contributed ideas thus far! Please keep them coming if you think of any more.

This is so fake that I can’t believe everyone is playing along like it’s actually real.

OP, if you’re going to be a troll, at least come up with some better scenarios than a Willy Wonka uncle and his inheritance game.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you please tell us why you are in this situation?!

I posed my question as a hypothetical because I didn’t want the specifics of my actual situation to derail the brainstorming, but have gotten enough ideas that I think it’s ok to share at this point. Cue accusations of trolling, but whatevs!

The poster who mentioned the movie Brewster’s Millions was on the right track, albeit I’m talking about far more modest dollar amounts - I am the beneficiary of an eccentric relative’s odd bequest to “spoil” myself more. I am very fortunate to have all my normal living expenses already covered, but have always been pretty frugal by nature, and I guess he wanted to throw a fun challenge my way with a bunch of specific stipulations prohibiting me from straight out saving, investing, or donating the 5K/month.

Thank you to everyone who’s contributed ideas thus far! Please keep them coming if you think of any more.

This is so fake that I can’t believe everyone is playing along like it’s actually real.

OP, if you’re going to be a troll, at least come up with some better scenarios than a Willy Wonka uncle and his inheritance game.

Believe what you like! I’ve gotten excellent ideas so am glad I posted. Peace out!

[Anonymous]

$5k/month will pay for a lot of household help. What do you have? What else would you want?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pretty specific hypothetical: you have an extra 5K/month that cannot be saved/invested/donated/etc., only spent on unnecessary indulgences for yourself. Travel aside, what do you buy simply for the joy of it?

I've been thinking about this. I think the only way I could do this is put my kids in private school, b/c my DH wouldn't want the daily maid/chef that I would want.

[Anonymous]

Dear OP: I don't think you are a troll and I also don't think you are really getting 5K a month. I think you are a smutty book writer trying to plot fill. Amirite?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Handbags
Jewelry
A new car
Cosmetic procedures
Renovating my house

I could spend the first year's income in 20 minutes if you let me.

This!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dear OP: I don't think you are a troll and I also don't think you are really getting 5K a month. I think you are a smutty book writer trying to plot fill. Amirite?

Truth is wilder than fiction. I’m not a writer, just a nonprofit exec whose family has money but who personally does not (relatively speaking). As mentioned previously, I’m very fortunate in that all my normal living expenses are covered, so this extra 5K/month is really just that - extra!

[Anonymous]

- House cleaners
- Restaurants, buying ready cooked food from Whole Foods or Wegmans, so I don't have to cook
- Spas, hair salons, massages
- Nicer clothes/shoes, jewelry
I would be in heaven if I didn't have to cook for my family and clean the house.