Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 17:41     Subject: At what point are you comfortable with big, frivolous purchases?

If the last 5 years have taught me anything, life is short and nothing is guaranteed. I’m not pissing into the wind but I’m also not scrimping every dollar for some hypothetical future. YOLO. Buy the bracelet.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 17:06     Subject: At what point are you comfortable with big, frivolous purchases?

Anonymous wrote:OP, I have a very similar situation. My DH lost his job during the federal mayhem in spring 2025. He got a good severance but it was very stressful time since we have a special needs child. We did have a very healthy savings but just really tried not to think of it as something we could or should freely dip into. Fast forward to late fall, DH landed a significantly higher paying job. It was such a blessing and relief. He bought me an expensive piece of jewelry a few weeks ago and we didn’t give the purchase a second thought. It was a hard year. I look at this piece of jewelry every day and just delight in the beauty of it. It feels like a symbol of a fresh start, as another PP mentioned. I say go for it.


Let's see if you can spot the significant difference in your situation and OP's.

Hint - I helpfully bolded it for you.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 17:04     Subject: At what point are you comfortable with big, frivolous purchases?

Anonymous wrote:Wait, so last year you were worried that a job loss would mean you couldn't pay your bills, and this year you're thinking about blowing $5k? Yeah, no, you can't afford that. Where do people get these ideas?


This is the stunningly obvious answer. WTF, OP?
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 13:46     Subject: Re:At what point are you comfortable with big, frivolous purchases?

I say go for it. It marks a milestone, you’ve been contemplating it for a while, and it sounds like you are on a good track financially. It may make you happy and proud every time you look at it, and symbolize getting through a hard time successfully. Just don’t make a habit of big splurges and you’ll be fine.

On the flip side, it’s sad to see people who can’t spend money on extras for themselves and/or others even when they can afford it, even when it will improve their lives. I have elderly relatives like that, maybe due to fear. Don’t end up like that either.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 13:03     Subject: At what point are you comfortable with big, frivolous purchases?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Buy it. If you’ve loved it for this long it’s a sign that you should buy it. You’ll wear it, love it, get compliments for how beautiful it is and that $5k will be forgotten.


I don’t like the feel of jewelry so no splurging for me on jewelry.

I receive about $3,500 - $5,000 from a trust every month but I don’t have any bills to pay so I can use it for anything. It starts to add up in my underwear drawer because I cash it and usually don’t put it my checking account.

I usually have between $8,000 and $15,000 in my drawer. I can’t think of one thing I would like to buy for myself. Recently I spent $9,000 on my niece’s tuition. I buy everyone tickets to events, if we go somewhere with my sisters and nieces my husband pays. I buy everyone’s plane tickets when we go somewhere, including my sister with her two kids because they can’t afford it.

I wish I could treat myself but I’m not comfortable buying anything for me. I just love buying for other people.


Are you trying to hide this money from your spouse or something? Just wondering why you don't put the money in an investment or high yield savings account...but rather take it in literal cash and put it in your dresser.


No, no hiding from anyone. I don’t have expensive taste so it just adds up. And I hate going to the bank with cash I didn’t use. I get the side eye, the questions, the manager coming over to stare at the screen, the questions.


Are you sure you’re receiving $ from a legit trust and not money laundering? None of this makes sense…?


It comes in a check, a normal family trust, I cash it and don’t end up spending all of it and it starts to pile up. I don’t like bringing it to my local bank with my simple checking count because that’s exactly what they think. I can verify where it comes from but I don’t like the whole process. I take after my mother who cashes pension checks and doesn’t keep track.

THe jewelry the OP talked about is not just a trivial purchase. She’s been wanting it for a while now and it’s more valuable than the $5k in the bank. She’s not in danger of going broke.


But if it comes in a check why wouldn't you just deposit it? Why are you cashing it at all?


They’re a troll. Zero reason to cash it. Deposit it at an ATM without talking to anyone or use the banking app on your phone. Cashing it creates the problem the cash problem they then try to avoid by stashing cash in their drawer. Troll logic.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 11:03     Subject: At what point are you comfortable with big, frivolous purchases?

Do it, OP!!!! This is a big milestone! You only turn 40 once. I bought myself a necklace tol for my 40th that, for me, was a bit of a splurge, although it wouldn’t be to many who have responded to this thread.
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 10:02     Subject: At what point are you comfortable with big, frivolous purchases?

Are you a cop?
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 06:48     Subject: At what point are you comfortable with big, frivolous purchases?

I personally would buy it. You are entitled to some joy. I have an inexpensive ring from Tiffany and it makes me very happy. I never take it off.

Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 06:47     Subject: At what point are you comfortable with big, frivolous purchases?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Buy it. If you’ve loved it for this long it’s a sign that you should buy it. You’ll wear it, love it, get compliments for how beautiful it is and that $5k will be forgotten.


I don’t like the feel of jewelry so no splurging for me on jewelry.

I receive about $3,500 - $5,000 from a trust every month but I don’t have any bills to pay so I can use it for anything. It starts to add up in my underwear drawer because I cash it and usually don’t put it my checking account.

I usually have between $8,000 and $15,000 in my drawer. I can’t think of one thing I would like to buy for myself. Recently I spent $9,000 on my niece’s tuition. I buy everyone tickets to events, if we go somewhere with my sisters and nieces my husband pays. I buy everyone’s plane tickets when we go somewhere, including my sister with her two kids because they can’t afford it.

I wish I could treat myself but I’m not comfortable buying anything for me. I just love buying for other people.


Are you trying to hide this money from your spouse or something? Just wondering why you don't put the money in an investment or high yield savings account...but rather take it in literal cash and put it in your dresser.


No, no hiding from anyone. I don’t have expensive taste so it just adds up. And I hate going to the bank with cash I didn’t use. I get the side eye, the questions, the manager coming over to stare at the screen, the questions.


Are you sure you’re receiving $ from a legit trust and not money laundering? None of this makes sense…?


It comes in a check, a normal family trust, I cash it and don’t end up spending all of it and it starts to pile up. I don’t like bringing it to my local bank with my simple checking count because that’s exactly what they think. I can verify where it comes from but I don’t like the whole process. I take after my mother who cashes pension checks and doesn’t keep track.

THe jewelry the OP talked about is not just a trivial purchase. She’s been wanting it for a while now and it’s more valuable than the $5k in the bank. She’s not in danger of going broke.


But if it comes in a check why wouldn't you just deposit it? Why are you cashing it at all?


+1. You could snap pictures of it and deposit it digitally. At least get a 3 percent return on it. How do you buy plane tickets with cash?!
Anonymous
Post 01/16/2026 06:43     Subject: At what point are you comfortable with big, frivolous purchases?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Buy it. If you’ve loved it for this long it’s a sign that you should buy it. You’ll wear it, love it, get compliments for how beautiful it is and that $5k will be forgotten.


I don’t like the feel of jewelry so no splurging for me on jewelry.

I receive about $3,500 - $5,000 from a trust every month but I don’t have any bills to pay so I can use it for anything. It starts to add up in my underwear drawer because I cash it and usually don’t put it my checking account.

I usually have between $8,000 and $15,000 in my drawer. I can’t think of one thing I would like to buy for myself. Recently I spent $9,000 on my niece’s tuition. I buy everyone tickets to events, if we go somewhere with my sisters and nieces my husband pays. I buy everyone’s plane tickets when we go somewhere, including my sister with her two kids because they can’t afford it.

I wish I could treat myself but I’m not comfortable buying anything for me. I just love buying for other people.


Are you trying to hide this money from your spouse or something? Just wondering why you don't put the money in an investment or high yield savings account...but rather take it in literal cash and put it in your dresser.


No, no hiding from anyone. I don’t have expensive taste so it just adds up. And I hate going to the bank with cash I didn’t use. I get the side eye, the questions, the manager coming over to stare at the screen, the questions.


Are you sure you’re receiving $ from a legit trust and not money laundering? None of this makes sense…?


It comes in a check, a normal family trust, I cash it and don’t end up spending all of it and it starts to pile up. I don’t like bringing it to my local bank with my simple checking count because that’s exactly what they think. I can verify where it comes from but I don’t like the whole process. I take after my mother who cashes pension checks and doesn’t keep track.

THe jewelry the OP talked about is not just a trivial purchase. She’s been wanting it for a while now and it’s more valuable than the $5k in the bank. She’s not in danger of going broke.


But if it comes in a check why wouldn't you just deposit it? Why are you cashing it at all?
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 23:57     Subject: At what point are you comfortable with big, frivolous purchases?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Buy it. If you’ve loved it for this long it’s a sign that you should buy it. You’ll wear it, love it, get compliments for how beautiful it is and that $5k will be forgotten.


I don’t like the feel of jewelry so no splurging for me on jewelry.

I receive about $3,500 - $5,000 from a trust every month but I don’t have any bills to pay so I can use it for anything. It starts to add up in my underwear drawer because I cash it and usually don’t put it my checking account.

I usually have between $8,000 and $15,000 in my drawer. I can’t think of one thing I would like to buy for myself. Recently I spent $9,000 on my niece’s tuition. I buy everyone tickets to events, if we go somewhere with my sisters and nieces my husband pays. I buy everyone’s plane tickets when we go somewhere, including my sister with her two kids because they can’t afford it.

I wish I could treat myself but I’m not comfortable buying anything for me. I just love buying for other people.


Are you trying to hide this money from your spouse or something? Just wondering why you don't put the money in an investment or high yield savings account...but rather take it in literal cash and put it in your dresser.


No, no hiding from anyone. I don’t have expensive taste so it just adds up. And I hate going to the bank with cash I didn’t use. I get the side eye, the questions, the manager coming over to stare at the screen, the questions.


Are you sure you’re receiving $ from a legit trust and not money laundering? None of this makes sense…?


It comes in a check, a normal family trust, I cash it and don’t end up spending all of it and it starts to pile up. I don’t like bringing it to my local bank with my simple checking count because that’s exactly what they think. I can verify where it comes from but I don’t like the whole process. I take after my mother who cashes pension checks and doesn’t keep track.

THe jewelry the OP talked about is not just a trivial purchase. She’s been wanting it for a while now and it’s more valuable than the $5k in the bank. She’s not in danger of going broke.
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 18:27     Subject: At what point are you comfortable with big, frivolous purchases?

Save for a boob job.
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 15:13     Subject: At what point are you comfortable with big, frivolous purchases?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Buy it. If you’ve loved it for this long it’s a sign that you should buy it. You’ll wear it, love it, get compliments for how beautiful it is and that $5k will be forgotten.


I don’t like the feel of jewelry so no splurging for me on jewelry.

I receive about $3,500 - $5,000 from a trust every month but I don’t have any bills to pay so I can use it for anything. It starts to add up in my underwear drawer because I cash it and usually don’t put it my checking account.

I usually have between $8,000 and $15,000 in my drawer. I can’t think of one thing I would like to buy for myself. Recently I spent $9,000 on my niece’s tuition. I buy everyone tickets to events, if we go somewhere with my sisters and nieces my husband pays. I buy everyone’s plane tickets when we go somewhere, including my sister with her two kids because they can’t afford it.

I wish I could treat myself but I’m not comfortable buying anything for me. I just love buying for other people.


Are you trying to hide this money from your spouse or something? Just wondering why you don't put the money in an investment or high yield savings account...but rather take it in literal cash and put it in your dresser.


No, no hiding from anyone. I don’t have expensive taste so it just adds up. And I hate going to the bank with cash I didn’t use. I get the side eye, the questions, the manager coming over to stare at the screen, the questions.


Are you sure you’re receiving $ from a legit trust and not money laundering? None of this makes sense…?
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 14:21     Subject: At what point are you comfortable with big, frivolous purchases?

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Buy it. If you’ve loved it for this long it’s a sign that you should buy it. You’ll wear it, love it, get compliments for how beautiful it is and that $5k will be forgotten.


I don’t like the feel of jewelry so no splurging for me on jewelry.

I receive about $3,500 - $5,000 from a trust every month but I don’t have any bills to pay so I can use it for anything. It starts to add up in my underwear drawer because I cash it and usually don’t put it my checking account.

I usually have between $8,000 and $15,000 in my drawer. I can’t think of one thing I would like to buy for myself. Recently I spent $9,000 on my niece’s tuition. I buy everyone tickets to events, if we go somewhere with my sisters and nieces my husband pays. I buy everyone’s plane tickets when we go somewhere, including my sister with her two kids because they can’t afford it.

I wish I could treat myself but I’m not comfortable buying anything for me. I just love buying for other people.


Are you trying to hide this money from your spouse or something? Just wondering why you don't put the money in an investment or high yield savings account...but rather take it in literal cash and put it in your dresser.


No, no hiding from anyone. I don’t have expensive taste so it just adds up. And I hate going to the bank with cash I didn’t use. I get the side eye, the questions, the manager coming over to stare at the screen, the questions.
Anonymous
Post 01/15/2026 14:15     Subject: At what point are you comfortable with big, frivolous purchases?

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't personally splurge on jewelry but I have splurged on an expensive hobby.

If it's something that would bring you a lot of joy, do it. The world is imploding so why not? YOLO.


A hobby that you love is worth every penny you can afford.