What are you splurging on in the year 2025?

[deek]

What are you doing to treat yourself this year? What are some things you're doing that might be considered excessive to others, but is essential to you? This is an anti-scarcity mindset thread.

Me?

- We have reached a point financially where we've decided its okay to take more than 1 week-long adventure out of the state. The first of the year will take place in a month. Heading down south to AZ as a family of 3. We are also considering a trip to Florida later this year, and a road trip to another undecided location as we can both work remotely.

- I'm buying a custom 55" Walnut standing desk to be on my feet more, and work more comfortably. The thing will last a long time.

- I will be outfitting my garage home-gym. Budgeting about $1000 for a basic setup (mostly kettlebells/body weight/functional strength)

Probably a couple more things to come, but that's front of mind right now.

DISCUSS!

[Metalcat]

We're going to Europe for 2 weeks probably in May. We don't normally take typical vacations because with my health they're pretty terrible value because I don't fly well and I need a lot of downtime, so I pay a massive premium for a place to rest and do nothing.

But it's been a wild ride health-wise for many years and we have a lot of points to use, so we're going, and it's going to be exhausting but fun.

ETA: oh! We also get the friends and family rate at Marriott hotels, so that makes it much cheaper.

[ATtiny85]

New running socks. I am starting to lose too many to holes in the soles. Ticks me off, most of them are only about six years old. I am fine with burning through shoes, but disappointed not to get a full decade or so out of eight pairs of socks.

[deek]

We're going to Europe for 2 weeks probably in May. We don't normally take typical vacations because with my health they're pretty terrible value because I don't fly well and I need a lot of downtime, so I pay a massive premium for a place to rest and do nothing.

But it's been a wild ride health-wise for many years and we have a lot of points to use, so we're going, and it's going to be exhausting but fun.

ETA: oh! We also get the friends and family rate at Marriott hotels, so that makes it much cheaper.

Enjoy! That sounds like fun. If you can find an excuse to somehow explore some part of Croatia, I highly recommend. May is the perfect time as it's not yet super busy. I've been told May and September are prime Croatia months. (we did Croatia on our honeymoon last May)

[Metalcat]

New running socks. I am starting to lose too many to holes in the soles. Ticks me off, most of them are only about six years old. I am fine with burning through shoes, but disappointed not to get a full decade or so out of eight pairs of socks.

Buy the kind that have a lifetime replacement guarantee

[TimCFJ40]

We're re-doing our Master Bath this year, and usually I've done these projects 100% solo, giving up pretty much all free time until it's done.

This year we're hiring out a few big chunks of the work to friends that are professionals (plumbing and tile), so it's not an all consuming task.  Our contributions in demo, rough in etc still saved us probably $5k, but hiring out work I *Could* do myself feels really weird...  As a side benefit, our friend doing the tile work is WAY better than I am at it, so the finished product will be better too!

Yesterday, our friend doing the tile asked if he could do the sheetrock finishing and painting to give some more work to his part time helper.  It was nice to just say sure, which made the helper's day also.

[AuspiciousEight]

I just bought some fancy new running shoes.

I was not aware that they made socks specifically for running...I'll have to look into this.

[Metalcat]

I just bought some fancy new running shoes.

I was not aware that they made socks specifically for running...I'll have to look into this.

Careful, you are about to fall down a sock rabbit hole that you can never come back from.

DH and I happen to be in different sock camps, and it causes some tension. Lol. I'm Icebreaker and he's Darn Tough and that's like fuckin' Capulets and Montagues shit.

[Dicey]

Joshua Tree with cool MMM friends is coming right up. An RV trip to Alaska in mid-summer. Maybe the month of July??  Looks like Ireland is on the calendar in August.  The Magical Moab Meetup in October.

DH is not a planner, so who know what we'll do between these trips.

It's great to be FIRE! Every day I don't have to go to work is a splurge.

[Dicey]

I just bought some fancy new running shoes.

I was not aware that they made socks specifically for running...I'll have to look into this.

Careful, you are about to fall down a sock rabbit hole that you can never come back from.

DH and I happen to be in different sock camps, and it causes some tension. Lol. I'm Icebreaker and he's Darn Tough and that's like fuckin' Capulets and Montagues shit.

ROFL. Thank you.

[Ron Scott]

Knock on wood, an African Safari with stayovers in Cape Town and Victoria Falls. 12 or so day all in, with friends, in September.

[tygertygertyger]

Taking my mom on a trip to Wales. She says this will be her "last trip". She has used this line on me several times over the last 13 years, so we'll see...

[Cranky]

The cat needs dental work.

[jrhampt]

Yoga studio membership

[Shuchong]

I just bought some fancy new running shoes.

I was not aware that they made socks specifically for running...I'll have to look into this.

Careful, you are about to fall down a sock rabbit hole that you can never come back from.

DH and I happen to be in different sock camps, and it causes some tension. Lol. I'm Icebreaker and he's Darn Tough and that's like fuckin' Capulets and Montagues shit.

You are absolutely right about the sock wars.  Also, I can't believe you favor Icebreaker over Darn Tough.  Your husband is 100% right on this one.

[GuitarStv]

This year, I'm experimenting with bedding.  I got a wool blanket, which has been surprisingly awesome to sleep under during these colder months.  I'm looking for some linen sheets to see if they work well for me in the summer.
 I have also been thinking of replacing my pillows (at 20+ years old, they might be shot).  I'm intrigued by the idea of buckwheat hull pillows and wool fill pillows as they're both plastic free and are supposed to help sleep cooler.  No idea how to evaluate if a pillow works before sleeping on it for a while though.

[englishteacheralex]

I think I'm gonna buy my kids (ages 8 and 10) some kids' size oven mitt gloves and cut-proof gloves. I want to teach them to cook and bake but I don't feel like taking them to the ER.

Would appreciate any recommendations on these, btw.

[vand]

Keep meaning to buy myself a new Tamiya Lunchbox and relive my yoof.. still gotta get round to it!

[GuitarStv]

I think I'm gonna buy my kids (ages 8 and 10) some kids' size oven mitt gloves and cut-proof gloves. I want to teach them to cook and bake but I don't feel like taking them to the ER.

Would appreciate any recommendations on these, btw.

You might be overthinking it a bit.

At 10 my son was able to fry an egg and make toast without supervision.  He was cutting vegetables with a sharp knife, and making pasta in a boiling pot under supervision long before then, and has been helping with mixing stuff for baking since six.  Kids have a pretty strong 'oh shit, that's hot' reflex that protects their little fingers from being badly enough burned or cut right off to need a hospital trip.  Just teach them sensible kitchen safety practices and they'll be fine.

[englishteacheralex]

Both of mine have burned themselves and are now shy of the oven. We're working through it.

[Freedomin5]

My husband and I are both quitting our jobs, moving to a different country, and splitting our time between a new-to-us house and our vacation home in a popular cottage region. This gift of time is a total splurge for us.

We are also splurging on new bikes (road bike for him, hybrid for me, hybrid for DD) that we are planning to take on a week-long bike-packing trip on one of the most famous trails in Quebec, during fall when the colours are gorgeous.

We are planning a weeklong trip to Beijing to ride the high-speed train, climb the Great Wall, and visit the Forbidden City.

I've already splurged on flying to a different country and paying out of pocket to get high-end private medical care and will do so again in a few months.

And I'll probably get a new phone.

[MaybeBabyMustache]

I just bought some fancy new running shoes.

I was not aware that they made socks specifically for running...I'll have to look into this.

I can only run in super thin socks (my current favorite, having tried A LOT of options) are SwiftWick. They are super thin, and I've been using mine weekly for 10+ years & just this year started replacing them.

DH & I are going to Spain in four weeks. The flights were "free" (travel credits about to expire), we used points & free night awards for 7/10 nights. So, out of pocket are 3 hotel nights, trains from Madrid -> Seville -> Granada -> Madrid, one tourist attraction, and of course... delicious food. My goal is to keep the trip to about $2500 (includes expensive transportation to/from our house to SFO).

[Turtle]

Europe with friends from late April into May. 

Great Northeastern USA road trip during my sabbatical in October/November.  Some of that will be staying with friends which will keep the average cost per night down somewhat.

There will also be some shorter weekends away with friends.  Already did one of those, in fact.

Somewhat tempted to update the phone in order to have a better camera prior to Europe, but I haven’t totally decided on that yet.

[2sk22]

We have a $60k travel budget for 20205 - that ought to do it :-)

[GilesMM]

A low end super car if the right one pops up.

[JupiterGreen]

I just bought some fancy new running shoes.

I was not aware that they made socks specifically for running...I'll have to look into this.

Careful, you are about to fall down a sock rabbit hole that you can never come back from.

DH and I happen to be in different sock camps, and it causes some tension. Lol. I'm Icebreaker and he's Darn Tough and that's like fuckin' Capulets and Montagues shit.

Lol, I'm Balega all the way! I hope we aren't mortal enemies now that I've disclosed that....

[MaybeBabyMustache]

I just bought some fancy new running shoes.

I was not aware that they made socks specifically for running...I'll have to look into this.

Careful, you are about to fall down a sock rabbit hole that you can never come back from.

DH and I happen to be in different sock camps, and it causes some tension. Lol. I'm Icebreaker and he's Darn Tough and that's like fuckin' Capulets and Montagues shit.

Lol, I'm Balega all the way! I hope we aren't mortal enemies now that I've disclosed that....

My husband is always trying to convince me to switch to Balega (and, I do like them for regular wear, but not running). He goes so far as to buy them for me as gifts. Too thick!

[spartana]

A stupid fast motorcycle (already bought). I haven't owned a car since 2019 so I can justify the cost.

And a bunch of new clothes. At least I'll look fashionable when I crash and burn.

[reeshau]

  Looks like Ireland is on the calendar in August.

Don't know if it's your thing, but the Bray Air Display is August 2nd.  Besides an airshow on the water (great view *down* on the planes from Bray Head, if you don't mind the climb) it has a carnival and a lot of restaurants.  Nice way to see the Irish at play.

https://visitwicklow.ie/event/bray-air-display-2024/

[baludon]

Business class tickets to Asia.  Get a private room on Amtrak's Empire Builder and California Zephyr.  100 scuba dives.

[use2betrix]

Nothing too wild. Depending on my bonus we may get our homes interior painted. I have no interest doing it myself when spending 12-15 hr weeks working out/biking, working full time, and having a 3 year old and 5 month old. It’ll largely depend on the quote as well.

Other than that, typical travel and several bike races 8-10 hrs away we’ll make long trips/short vacations out of.

I have started building furniture and last year spent a lot on tools/some welding accessories. This year I’ll be buying materials. I’ve already made a couple wood/metal bench/shoe racks, and currently working on an office bookshelf and entryway table. The bookshelf I’m building would cost about $1800 for a near identical one, and im building it for about $250 in materials. I have a dream in the back of my mind that I could turn it into a full time job some day, but we’ll see how things shake out once I build a bunch more things for the house first.

[Sandi_k]

Converting a lot of my pre-tax retirement funds to Roth.

I also hope to get a long-awaited home update done - chisel off the damn rock wall that is our fireplace, and re-tile it, while adding a better mantelpiece, and hearth.

That will allow us to redo the ceiling in our great room and major hallway, including adding can lights and surround sound to our living room.

[sonofsven]

I've been on a buying frenzy getting ready for spring salmon fishing:
a $57 dollar 10K BTU heater that attaches to a big propane tank, a $80 Makita battery powered electric blanket (I thought it was a mistake since it doesn't seem that warm, but I found a benefit in leaving it on for my little dog when I leave him in the truck),
 a $160 dollar pair of bibs (which I got for $108 since a friend works there),
and a $120 dollar double thick hoodie (link for hoodie nerds: https://arborwear.com/product/400440/)

As you can see I really don't want to be cold!

[Dicey]

  Looks like Ireland is on the calendar in August.

Don't know if it's your thing, but the Bray Air Display is August 2nd.  Besides an airshow on the water (great view *down* on the planes from Bray Head, if you don't mind the climb) it has a carnival and a lot of restaurants.  Nice way to see the Irish at play.

https://visitwicklow.ie/event/bray-air-display-2024/

Thanks! I love air shows. I used to work at Nordstrom in SF. During Fleet week, we'd gather in the break room to watch the Blue Angels zip by. I'll chat about this with our hosts. Our trip is tentatively planned for later in the month, but it's great to be FIRE and plans could morph to include this.

[Freedomin5]

We are splurging on buying Canadian as much as possible. According to the news, Trump is moving ahead on 25% tariff on most Canadian goods, to take effect March 4th. Even if he puts another last-minute pause on it, I don't like this psychopathic toying with other nations and bullying and making other nations jump through hoops just because you're a big bully. So annoying, and Not Okay. It might be more expensive, but I love that we are in a position where we can afford to splurge on boycotting annoying situations. In one sense, I suppose it's a form of FU money.

[pdxvandal]

I don't get much pleasure splurging on consumer-sucka items, so it's mostly travel in 2025. ;-)  San Diego/Encinitas for a bit next month, sending HS child to Japan for 9 days, and a stay near Olympic National Park this summer, college-town homecoming in October and Kauai in November. All booked and just slogging through brutally boring and unmotivating workdays. Met with a work-provided CFP today and quitting the FT job looks pretty good for October 2026, although may extend a few months longer to pay for a few consumer-sucka items.

[fuzzy math]

We have airfare to Switzerland and Italy in August. Now we just need to splurge on accommodations!
Also booked a freaky cheap trip to Mexico to visit a parent.
Hopefully no other splurging, because it would be on bad unexpected things as the Europe trip will totally tap out our cash and mental reserves for the year.

[Metalcat]

I just bought some fancy new running shoes.

I was not aware that they made socks specifically for running...I'll have to look into this.

Careful, you are about to fall down a sock rabbit hole that you can never come back from.

DH and I happen to be in different sock camps, and it causes some tension. Lol. I'm Icebreaker and he's Darn Tough and that's like fuckin' Capulets and Montagues shit.

You are absolutely right about the sock wars.  Also, I can't believe you favor Icebreaker over Darn Tough.  Your husband is 100% right on this one.

Oh, I have some Darn Tough socks, I wear them when I don't feel like enjoying my day as much as I could.

[Metalcat]

I just bought some fancy new running shoes.

I was not aware that they made socks specifically for running...I'll have to look into this.

Careful, you are about to fall down a sock rabbit hole that you can never come back from.

DH and I happen to be in different sock camps, and it causes some tension. Lol. I'm Icebreaker and he's Darn Tough and that's like fuckin' Capulets and Montagues shit.

Lol, I'm Balega all the way! I hope we aren't mortal enemies now that I've disclosed that....

My husband is always trying to convince me to switch to Balega (and, I do like them for regular wear, but not running). He goes so far as to buy them for me as gifts. Too thick!

Way too thick for me. I like the Icebreakers that you can almost see through.

[Dave1442397]

We just booked a trip to Club Med Turkoise (Turks & Caicos). My sister-in-law is in the travel business and keeps an eye out for good deals.

We went there in 2023 and really enjoyed it. Adults only, good food, and a beautiful beach. The rooms are pretty basic, but that suits me fine.

[JupiterGreen]

I just bought some fancy new running shoes.

I was not aware that they made socks specifically for running...I'll have to look into this.

Careful, you are about to fall down a sock rabbit hole that you can never come back from.

DH and I happen to be in different sock camps, and it causes some tension. Lol. I'm Icebreaker and he's Darn Tough and that's like fuckin' Capulets and Montagues shit.

Lol, I'm Balega all the way! I hope we aren't mortal enemies now that I've disclosed that....

My husband is always trying to convince me to switch to Balega (and, I do like them for regular wear, but not running). He goes so far as to buy them for me as gifts. Too thick!

Well you can have my Swiftwick and I'll take your Balegas.  Swiftwick are too thin for me even though I run in cushy shoes, I've got at least one pait that sit at the bottom of the stack.

[kina]

We have a $60k travel budget for 20205 - that ought to do it :-)

ok, well, if you live that long, that might buy you a bus ticket ;-)

[HenryDavid]

First paid lessons in music and languages for 45 years.

You can do a lot on your own, but the music lessons already started and it’s so motivating to have a coach. Already cutting through long-standing thickets of ignorance.

[FIREin2018]

Spend $3k total to upgrade my free 10 day cruise to a suite. (Haven't gotten the  free Oceanview cabin certificate yet)

I read that it's worth it.
You have suite only floors: pool, hot tubs , restaurants

You don't need to deal with the peasants :)

[Notch]

Dropping from full-time work to only 3 days a week to spend more time with my 1 year old son.

[ToTheMoon]

Dropping from full-time work to only 3 days a week to spend more time with my 1 year old son.

Winning!

[Cassie]

I bought a new car in the beginning of January because I knew tariffs were coming and my car was 17 years old. I saved money by buying a 2024 on the lot that didn’t have any extra features. I’ve cancelled all my trips because I think we will have massive inflation and possibly SS will be cut. I also no longer trust flying since musk’s engineers have been involved with the FAA. I’m going to buy as little as possible until I see how things shake out. I hope I’m wrong about everything.

[deek]

I bought a new car in the beginning of January because I knew tariffs were coming and my car was 17 years old. I saved money by buying a 2024 on the lot that didn’t have any extra features. I’ve cancelled all my trips because I think we will have massive inflation and possibly SS will be cut. I also no longer trust flying since musk’s engineers have been involved with the FAA. I’m going to buy as little as possible until I see how things shake out. I hope I’m wrong about everything.

fwiw, flying is still by far the safest mode of transportation

[Shuchong]

I like the Icebreakers that you can almost see through.

Ah.  This explains your other inexplicable anti-Darn Tough bias.  I live in a colder climate that you do (even assuming you went full time to  Newfoundland).  I need some nice thick socks.  I do have an icebreaker lightweight merino tshirt that I use for hiking on hot days and like a lot for that purpose. 

[Metalcat]

I like the Icebreakers that you can almost see through.

Ah.  This explains your other inexplicable anti-Darn Tough bias.  I live in a colder climate that you do (even assuming you went full time to  Newfoundland).  I need some nice thick socks.  I do have an icebreaker lightweight merino tshirt that I use for hiking on hot days and like a lot for that purpose.

I don't usually live in NL during the winter, I usually live somewhere much, much colder. I do have thicker socks for outdoors in cold winters, but winter is only part of the year, and even then, I don't spend the majority of my time outside.

Indoors and during non-winter, I wear slippers or Sketchers, so I like thin socks the vast majority of the time.