Anonymous
Post 06/09/2025 21:06     Subject: Milestone birthday amidst job loss
Personally, I wouldn’t buy that bracelet even if I still had your job. But I don’t think there’s anything wrong if you decide to go for it here.
Anonymous
Post 06/09/2025 17:07     Subject: Milestone birthday amidst job loss
I’m impressed OP makes around $200K a year and has $990k saved by herself!
Anonymous
Post 06/09/2025 14:53     Subject: Milestone birthday amidst job loss
Anonymous wrote:That bracelet is not going anywhere. Wait until you have a new job.


OP, I would follow this advice. I feel you though. While it looks ok right now at my specific office as lots of people have already departed and so RIFs may not occur, I told myself (and spouse) that even if I did lose my job I was still planning on buying tickets to a live event that I have been waiting for (and may not happen again) either in the latter half of 2025 or early 2026. Reason: b/c it's not clear it will ever happen again. For big purchases of items that are not going anywhere, I would wait though.
Anonymous
Post 06/08/2025 18:27     Subject: Milestone birthday amidst job loss
Exactly, buy the bracelet. I bought at $3000 Ferragamo gold purse when I decided to quit my toxic job. I was worth it.
Anonymous
Post 06/08/2025 17:37     Subject: Re:Milestone birthday amidst job loss
Why are you reporting "your" savings and retirement separately from your husband's? It is one household and combined assets. Are you expected to weather a layoff yourself without your husband's income and savings?
Anonymous
Post 06/08/2025 15:33     Subject: Milestone birthday amidst job loss
Do not buy a knockoff. You will always think it's less than. Get the bracelet.
Anonymous
Post 06/08/2025 15:26     Subject: Milestone birthday amidst job loss
Buy a cheaper sterling silver knockoff bracelet for yourself OP. You like the look but you don't need to pay the Tiffany's price. It's more important you save money right now.
Anonymous
Post 06/08/2025 14:40     Subject: Milestone birthday amidst job loss
Nope to the bracelet.
Anonymous
Post 06/08/2025 12:33     Subject: Milestone birthday amidst job loss
Anonymous wrote:Sigh. Yes this is a woe is me post. Skip if you’re going to be a jerk because I’m down already. And yes I know plenty of people have it worse than me. But I’m feeling sulky right now.

I’m turning 40 in July. I had always planned that I’d buy myself a piece of fine jewelry to mark the milestone (I want a Tiffany lock bracelet, I know it’s marked up because of the brand but I love it). But I know I can’t because I’m on the cusp of losing my job thanks to DOGE (contractor who is waiting for the destruction of the turn of the fiscal year). I have the money in savings but I know I have to save it for when I no longer have a job.

It just sucks. I’ve been so successful in my career and I wanted to celebrate turning 40. Instead my career is imploding. And I’m sad that instead of marking my milestone birthday I have to use that money to make up for the fact that my career has been taken away from me.

So DCUM, my question for you is am I allowed to spend any money on myself for my birthday knowing I’ll likely not have a job in a few short months (I know the bracelet is off the table) or do I just need to continue to be as frugal as possible.

For what it’s worth, I currently make ~$200K/year. I have about $65K in liquid savings and another $125K in non-retirement stocks.

Sigh.


I find it incredibly appalling that you just lost your job and you're trying to justify blowing $5k on a piece of jewelry. What is wrong with you? Buy the bracelet when you get a job.

Women = brr.money
Anonymous
Post 06/07/2025 23:11     Subject: Milestone birthday amidst job loss
OP, I adore jewelry, that's such a great choice. Do not buy new, try to find a second hand one. I saw a rose gold one for $3k in nyc, in the diamond district. check the real real and ebay authentication guarantee, also Japanese sellers on ebay. You have plenty of savings, go live a little and celebrate. You'll wear it for a long time, it's such a great design.
Anonymous
Post 06/07/2025 22:28     Subject: Milestone birthday amidst job loss
You have money and a working spouse. Get the bracelet.
Anonymous
Post 06/07/2025 22:12     Subject: Milestone birthday amidst job loss
Anonymous wrote:That bracelet is not going anywhere. Wait until you have a new job.



This. I turned 50 in April and I'm in the middle of spending most of my income on my kid's college tuition. I can't afford to get myself anything. I am mentally planning a trip two years from now when I finally will have the money.
Anonymous
Post 06/07/2025 22:11     Subject: Milestone birthday amidst job loss
Treat yourself to a nice dinner or spa day and buy the bracelet when you line up a new job.
Anonymous
Post 06/07/2025 21:32     Subject: Milestone birthday amidst job loss
Anonymous wrote:Where is all your money going? You cannot afford it regardless.


That's what I was about to say. We're the same age and I only have $25k less in cash and investments and the most I made was half what she's making.
Anonymous
Post 06/06/2025 10:37     Subject: Milestone birthday amidst job loss
Unimportant that it's "A Milestone Birthday." This isn't on most people's minds