Not worrying about spending

[Like2Plan]

Possibly people are just foodies. But I don't know when i'd be comfortable with just spending? Probably if we keep on working and we hit say 50 and then retire we'd be really comfortable to retire.

Perhaps your question is more about when do you not feeling guilty about what you consider a non-essential or luxury type purchase?

You've alluded to something that I have experienced over the phases of preparing for retirement. Early on, acquiring money for future use was our main focus. As DH and I have achieved several goals, we have relaxed a little bit.

Another example was saving for our son's college. We spent so many years in the acquisition phase, that it just didn't feel right to spend the money down when it came time to pay for his college. It took some adjusting to get used to the spending phase.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

that sounds perfect like2plan.

[NetSkyBlue]

I think there is certainly an income/wealth level where I would not worry about the money I spent. (Not that I'm likely ever to have that much, but still...)

But I'd be spending money on things I thought were "worth it." I wouldn't buy $150 ugg boots for a kid, no, because I don't see any value in paying for a name, when I don't think that name implies a certain standard of quality.

I would eat out more often, and buy "better" food when I cook at home. I'd buy the majority of my groceries from small farmers whose practices I approved of, if money were no object. As it is now, I have to pick and choose how to best spend the dollars I do have allotted for food.

I wouldn't buy expensive cars, but I'd take mine to the carwash more often, and probably even pay for periodic detailing. I have to do that myself now, but because I hate doing it, it doesn't get done as often as I'd like.

And I wouldn't feel guilty about things like this, because why? If it wasn't going to negatively impact my ability to retire when and how I want, or make me unable to leave enough to my children? I'd be using my dollars to help keep people in business, and I'd like to think I'd make conscientious choices about to whom I give my business.