Giving up luxuries to gain certain luxuries...are you doing it too?
By JenInTN
@JenInTN (27514)
United States
January 4, 2011 5:24pm CST
I'm driving home from work today and I'm just thinking about the fact that it is almost time for another car...well...I have had my car for ten years and paid cash for it...it's not the greatest but it's by no means the worst. I've certainly enjoyed the no car payment thing, and then I think about the house that I have downsized to about 5 years ago. Long story but a choice that I am glad I made. Anyway..the house..average..nothing special and could use some remodeling..bigger bathroom being the thing I would love, but then I think about why. Why did I choose an average car and an average house? Because I wanted other things. If my daughter was to marry..I could give her a beautiful wedding...if I wanted to take a vacation...I could...if my car blew up..I could get one. I chose to have less in one area so that I could have more in another. Now there is nothing wrong with having the things that you love. For someone else..their chosen luxuery may be different. It might be a big wonderful house or an awesome ride. Nothing wrong with that either...it our choice. So are you choosing your luxuries? What are your chosen luxuries?
2 people like this
23 responses
@celticeagle (160806)
• Boise, Idaho
5 Jan 11
I have had my car for nearly fifteen years. It has been a real good running car. I certainly enjoy the no car payment thing too. Have had it paid off for about ten or eleven years now. I would love to have a newer home. We live in a Section 8 apartment that we have been in for about six or seven years. It needs paint and could use some remodel. Sorta run down. Could be worse. I guess it would depend on what I used most. If I used the car most then I would want a nicer one. I think you have a good way of thinking.
@celticeagle (160806)
• Boise, Idaho
5 Jan 11
That would be the pits. There used to be some kind of insurance you could get that would pay all those payments incase you did get layed off.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
5 Jan 11
Since I am not employed at the moment, I gave up getting any Christmas presents so we could buy some for our kids. And specialty coffee is a thing of the past! But I can't complain--we have a decent house, and can pay the mortgage and all the bills, and still have money for the kids. That's the most important luxury!!
1 person likes this
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
5 Jan 11
Don't get me wrong--I still miss my flavored coffees. . .! When the time comes, I WILL get them back! 
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
5 Jan 11
Loving cats!!!! I was...hmmm..this close to a cat with an oddly long chin when I donated the old towels to the humane society a couple of weeks ago...oh if I knew he wouldn't kill my very little chihuahua...I would choose him..I may go back tomorrow..lol.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
5 Jan 11
Before Christmas, I was doing that. Giving up hot chocolate or things that I don't need so I could buy gift cards. I think my family was very happy with their gift cards.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
5 Jan 11
I hope they are as happy as my heart is full. I think that sacrifices are what gift giving is all about. People don't often think about that but none of us are made of money..it always comes from somewhere. I hope you are having your hot chocolate now as much as you want.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
5 Jan 11
My husband just made me a cup of hot cocoa, thank you. Not as much as I want or I'd weigh a thousnad pounds and never stop drinking it. But a reasonable treat once a day is lovely in this damp weather. Thanks and take care.
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
5 Jan 11
hI jEN, I feel everything i have is a luxury. I don't have any wants anymore just thankful for what i have even tho i did have to work hard to get it.
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
5 Jan 11
Thanks bttrfly, we all forget to count our blessings at times. I f u have good health & a good husband u should be sitting on top of the world. I sure hope u have both.
@millertime (1394)
• United States
9 Jan 11
I think I'm like a lot of people in this economy that are delaying purchases and making do with what they have. My pickup truck is 14 years old but it's paid for so I don't get a new one because I'm putting my son through college and don't want the loan payment.
I think it's only natural in a shaky economy to be cautious with spending. I would bet a lot of Americans are doing the same thing. It's kind of scary to go out and buy a big ticket item and sign for a loan when you don't know if your job is going to be there next month. I work for a government agency and we've gone through 2 rounds of layoffs already and there may be another one but nobody knows for sure. I'm paying for my son's college, saving as much as I can and making do with what I have.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
9 Jan 11
It is hard when our futures seem to ne in limbo to go in debt. I have an older car with no worries of a payment and that works best for me at this time. I think that choosing this way of being that I am actually opening myself up to certain luxuries in the future.
Good luck with your job and take care.
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
5 Jan 11
We are cutting back on entertainment, food treats like ice cream, and shopping so we can save up to buy a car and a house. Our child is still a baby so he doesn't really notice or care so long as we play with him.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
5 Jan 11
Retiring with money is going to be a tough thing to do in this day and time. You really do have to sacrifice a luxury or two for that. I'm thinking they raised the retirement age to 67 here and chances are by the time I reach that age..there won't be any money left to give me. I have to pay what they call Social Security out of every check...it's supposed to go towards my retirement or if I am disabled early. I do have a 401k plan but I don't know if it will support me to the extent I will need it too. Thanks for responding.
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
6 Jan 11
as my late hubby used to say, its all in your priorities and how different people look at things. like when we were saving for a house and we had an old crappy tv.
and our friends lived in an apartment but went out and bought a new tv that was giant because they got tired of the little old one. they told us tv's were on sale at that place and we really should get one. but hubby said. no, after we get our house, then we start thinking of new other furniture. not long after, we had the new house
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
7 Jan 11
Yes..it's amazing how differently people look at things. I can see both sides of those luxuries..lol...on one hand you want to save for something and fill it in later and then on the other hand you are tired of waiting and just want one nice thing in your life right away...I think I have been on both sides of that fence. Thanks for the response.
@Lore2009 (7378)
• United States
5 Jan 11
I haven't purchased anything luxurious for awhile.. I can't remember if I've ever had, but I'm like you, I'd rather save it for something better that may come along and settle for something that is well functional and meets my needs.
@Bianca_mergillano (1067)
• Philippines
5 Jan 11
Good Day!
I would do it too because I believe in this saying that if you lost someone, it'll be back twice or more. That's why I'm always willing to give up something.
1 person likes this
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
6 Jan 11
Back when I just got out of university, and living by myself, I had a few friends that struck me as strange.
I didn't have anything then. I didn't have a car, I didn't have new clothes, and I pretty much stayed home all the time. I was living in small but clean apartment in a good neighborhood. And I didn't have problems getting groceries from the meager salary I had then.
And then I had friends who got cars after they graduated, wore nice clothes, and were always at clubs and parties. Yet, they would borrow gas money from me, or stay in my apartment for weeks because they got evicted, etc.
I guess in a way this is the same as your discussion. Choosing your luxuries, and identifying priorities.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
7 Jan 11
That is exactly the kinda thing this discussion is about. They chose their luxuries and you had yours. I have never been given anything and I think that it makes you appreciate what you do have more. I can relate to your choices. Thanks for the input.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
5 Jan 11
Well done to you for the choices you have made. My husband bought his car second hand many years ago. It's old but does the job. A new car would be a huge burden on his finances so we carry on with our good old Honda Concerto! It was a Limited Edition at the time so John reckons it's the only one left in the country!
The Car Scrappage Scheme we had a couple of years ago was very strange. People who had cars less than 3 years old were having them scrapped for brand new ones that had 2 grand off, to kick-start the Car Industry, which is all well and good, but what about the second-hand car salesmen. What were they supposed to do? Perfectly good cars were being scrapped..cars that my husband would chop his right arm off to acquire in the second-hand market..he's been denied that option now.
I don't suppose a mobile phone is a luxury but I've gone without one now for about 3 years and I can honestly say I don't miss it at all.
The Car Scrappage Scheme we had a couple of years ago was very strange. People who had cars less than 3 years old were having them scrapped for brand new ones that had 2 grand off, to kick-start the Car Industry, which is all well and good, but what about the second-hand car salesmen. What were they supposed to do? Perfectly good cars were being scrapped..cars that my husband would chop his right arm off to acquire in the second-hand market..he's been denied that option now.
I don't suppose a mobile phone is a luxury but I've gone without one now for about 3 years and I can honestly say I don't miss it at all.1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
6 Jan 11
I remember that deal...we had a program here too. It was the Clunkers and Junkers program. If you could pull the thing on the lot with a chain..they would give you a crazy amount of money down on a new one..lol...I actually considered it and held off. it was only for a certain time period. I just recently got another cell. I had been without for over 4 years until I ran across a deal..lol..it is $45 a month and it is unlimited text,minutes, and internet. My Christmas present..lol..oh..and no contract either..it's prepaid. I didn't really miss mine either but I have these girls and I was afraid they would need me..if not for that..I wouldn't even bother. Thanks for responding and take care.
@nangisha (3496)
• Indonesia
7 Jan 11
HI JeninTn!.
I think thats was really wise decision. I think life in modest way and debt free plus has saving thats will be great. I often see sometimes people who seem very rich has debt in bank because every thing they had its from bank credit.
I personally don't wanna have a big house something I can not manage to maintain by myself. I think four bedroom house is more than enough for me.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
7 Jan 11
Your right about that..there are a lot of people that seem to have everything but are so stressed out because of the debt that they can't enjoy it. I lived in a monster house before sown sizing to this one. It was way too much in a lot of ways. Too much to clean...too much to pay..too hard to keep up with the children..lol. I was always running up and down the stairs. There was no way that I could even consider a vacation then nor have an money for an emergency. I am very happy with the choice I have made. Thanks for responding.
@jhartana (1084)
• Australia
5 Jan 11
I've once lived luxuriously (with my parents) but since I was married, I have given up many luxuries and cutting costs on many things. I do have mortgage on paying off a homeloan. I still need to finish off paying my car (it will finish in a year time) as well as try to get a better paying job to live comfortably (but I will not coming back to luxury living). I am now grateful on what I have now and I do not want anything excessively.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
5 Jan 11
It's good that you are happy with what you have. It is always a little tough when you are first out on your own. People don't often realize how long it takes to accumulate the things that elders have. It takes them years to become established and have the things that they do. As long as you are happy..that's what is important and it is your beginning. Thanks for responding.
@derek_a (10874)
•
5 Jan 11
I know exactly what you mean there. Only once in my life did I buy a car by installments and I would never do it again. It was a struggle and the car depreciated at some rate of knots and we had to make do with so many other things. I wasn't goint to get it, but the sales man showed me it and said I could have that at just so-much-a-month and I really liked the look of it gleaming, shining and new. What a mug I was! It needed servicing right on time or the guarantee would be null an void and lost 1000s....
I always buy my cars second-hand and for cash now. But they are good ones - can afford a bit better now!.. And I have other luxuries to think off too.. _Derek
_Derek1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
5 Jan 11
I think we all have been a "mug" at one time or another. I am much more comfortable with car I can pay cash for than in installments. If something does need to be fixed..well...it is about equal to what one or two payments would be. I like having the cash in pocket too...Thanks for the input!
@Elixiress (3878)
•
5 Jan 11
I crashed my car the other week, so I am giving up the luxury of going out with friends, expensive food and drink etc in order to save up for a new car. I am spending almost every waking moment working either online or offline to raise the money. So I suppose at the moment I am giving up the luxury of free time in order to get a new car.
1 person likes this
@savypat (20216)
• United States
5 Jan 11
I guess it wouldn't matter how much money you had, you would still have to make choices about luxuries. I mean should I go to Paris or Rome? After all I can only be in one place at a time. Well I have no such choices to make, mine are more like shell I fix the roof, the fence or the truck? Then by magic something comes along and eats the choice and all other wants must wait. Many wait until they are no longer wants which only proves that they were not needed at all.
@ladynetz (968)
• Canada
5 Jan 11
My luxury is to be able to keep the newer car we have (a 2007 one bought second hand)so my husband can get to his 40 minutes drive work and our average house we just bought.For this we have to keep tight budget over everything else. Have to be able to give back some loans we took and hopefully by the next fall we'll be able to save enough for my kid's university...
To be able to pay for the studies...that's a big luxury for me.
1 person likes this
@love4kolkata (279)
• India
5 Jan 11
I am 3 years of experience in career field. So I always to use to shorten my luxuries to achieve my goal to have luxuries at certain point of time. I generally dont waste my money on certain things which are absolutely not necessary in my life like very costly shoes, bags, apparels etc. I think after somedays anyhow I am not going to use them, so there is no meaning in investing money on those. I want to buy a house after two or three years. That is my target now.
