OP, the answer here is a horse. $5k/month is a very good horse lease and care budget.

My next thought would be to build an art studio and hire artists to come do residencies there.

Buy books from a local independent bookstore, including a few beautiful, expensive ones for display.

Skin treatments like PDL, Fraxel, and laser hair removal from a cosmetic dermatologist. These start with monthly sessions then taper off to 1-2 per year.

Monthly memberships to produce and meat boxes from local farms and butchers, as well as a wine club or two.

I love vintage couture clothing so I’d get a lot of joy hunting down pieces, but that’s not for everyone.

Buy expensive candles and burn them all the time.

But honestly, I would buy things to give to animal shelters and rescues if I couldn’t just donate cash for whatever reason.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:5k is not that much. Can you "gift" it to another account?

No. My relative’s clear intent was that I spend the money on something splurge-y for myself each month. I’m not trying to find loopholes, just looking for ideas to honor his wish when I’m not really much of a spender in the first place.

Who will be auditing your spending and deciding if it is sufficiently splurge-y?

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?

As many physical therapy/personal training/ massage sessions I can get a week. If I can get three a week and have money left over, I would get a gardener to grow me fruits and vegetables. I’ll design the garden.

Dance lessons. Music lessons. Broadway shows. Taking friends to dinner. Massages. That’s what I’d do.

Fresh flowers. Professional gardener, chef, health/trainers, spa services. In that order.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:5k is not that much. Can you "gift" it to another account?

No. My relative’s clear intent was that I spend the money on something splurge-y for myself each month. I’m not trying to find loopholes, just looking for ideas to honor his wish when I’m not really much of a spender in the first place.

what ideas here do you think you'll implement?

I started with designer bags/shoes/clothes but at this point am reluctant to accumulate much more stuff. I like my existing jewelry better than what I can get for 5K/month, and am happy with my house, furniture, and car as is. Will focus on travel, dining, and other experiences going forward, as well as ongoing services like spa/salon!

I would get great seats at Broadway shows once a month, and maybe treat a friend to come with me.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:5k is not that much. Can you "gift" it to another account?

No. My relative’s clear intent was that I spend the money on something splurge-y for myself each month. I’m not trying to find loopholes, just looking for ideas to honor his wish when I’m not really much of a spender in the first place.

what ideas here do you think you'll implement?

I started with designer bags/shoes/clothes but at this point am reluctant to accumulate much more stuff. I like my existing jewelry better than what I can get for 5K/month, and am happy with my house, furniture, and car as is. Will focus on travel, dining, and other experiences going forward, as well as ongoing services like spa/salon!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:5k is not that much. Can you "gift" it to another account?

No. My relative’s clear intent was that I spend the money on something splurge-y for myself each month. I’m not trying to find loopholes, just looking for ideas to honor his wish when I’m not really much of a spender in the first place.

what ideas here do you think you'll implement?

If you give more info I can give more detailed suggestions on handbags.

Anonymous wrote:Can you put it towards your mortgage? That’s not exactly saving, investing or donating….

Otherwise: furniture, shoes, clothes, sunglasses, (basically whole new wardrobe every season and then you donate your old clothes), art, home renovations (eg kitchen makeover, kitchen appliance replacement, new walk in closet design, new tv, etc.), new electronics, etc.

DP. It is both saving and investing. Besides, nothing frivolous about making a mortgage payment.

Anonymous wrote:5k is not that much. Can you "gift" it to another account?

No. My relative’s clear intent was that I spend the money on something splurge-y for myself each month. I’m not trying to find loopholes, just looking for ideas to honor his wish when I’m not really much of a spender in the first place.

Anonymous wrote:vOh, well until I read to the last page, I was planning to respond, and say that I am this in this situation because I recently got a raise of about $5K a month - that said it's not use it or lose it like yours, and I'm trying to avoid lifestyle creep so I am not [yet] buying a nicer car - but you could do that! I'm saving it for some travel and house reno right now (which maybe *is* lifestyle creep- ha). I guess you could do some home renos but only with things you can incrementally do with 5k a month What about throwing a nice party for your next birthday Have fun & enjoy!

Congrats on your raise! In your shoes, I’d totally save, but that’s exactly what my relative didn’t want me doing, lol!

Anonymous wrote:Can you put it towards your mortgage? That’s not exactly saving, investing or donating….

Otherwise: furniture, shoes, clothes, sunglasses, (basically whole new wardrobe every season and then you donate your old clothes), art, home renovations (eg kitchen makeover, kitchen appliance replacement, new walk in closet design, new tv, etc.), new electronics, etc.

I don’t have a mortgage… I know I’m very fortunate! I really appreciate all the suggestions in this thread.

Anonymous wrote:Art, diamonds, and personal chef on rotation oh and a nanny

5k won't cover any of that a month. It will get you only a small mined diamond or other gem too. Not worth it.