What recent splurge do you feel you can justify?

[greaper007]

I just bought/built a home brewing keg system for about $500.   Steep, yes, but....   I've been home brewing for about 8 years now and like a lot of home brewers I hate bottling, with a passion.    To the point that I'll often make a beer and just let it sit in the fermenter, sometimes for months before I'd get around to bottling it.

This meant, one the beer could possible go bad (not likely but maybe).   Two, I was often forced to buy beer instead of drinking my cheap, tasty home brew.   I've started to do some calculations and with my current setup that does 10 gallon batches I can save about $100-$160 on a batch of beer.    Considering that my wife and I both love our beer, that's a huge chunk of change.  Sure we could drink less, but that doesn't seem to happen.   

So...I only need to make about 5 batches of beer to pay for my equipment.   That combined with the fact that I've thought about this for about 8 years makes it worth it to me.


Your turn.

[cdnmustachegrower]

I just bought a pair of ski touring boots for $350.  One sale for 50% off at the end of the season, skiing is my passion and I've dabbled in backcountry skiing over the past couple years but looking to do more next year.

Plus Backcountry skiing is a lot more mustachian since it's just you and the mountain, no fancypants lifts to get you to the top.  Brand new boots on the other hand...not so mustachian. :)

In the past few months I've finished paying off my student loan, got a reliable used car, more than doubled my contributions so that I'll max out this year's TFSA contributions and be close on my RRSP, expanded my emergency fund.....I can justify this one. 

Congrats on the keg system, that sounds awesome!

[lifejoy]

$50 purse.

Kept me from buying a $6000 ring set.

I just needed to buy something! Too much abstinence can make a person go crazy. AND I have no debt.

Check out my journal "A librarian walks on the wild side" if you want details.

[Willbrewer]

Me and a friend went to see a Led Zeppelin tribute band ($30 a ticket). We drank many beers ($5 each). After the concert, the hungries got us, and we grabbed a couple of burgers and more beers (with tips, $20 each). So far, so good. While sitting at the bar eating my hamburger, I decided to get $20 worth of pulltabs. And holy shit, I opened up a $200 winning ticket, so my splurge ended up being a profitable experience. Can't beat that. I'm still grinning over that one.

[wtjbatman]

Me and a friend went to see a Led Zeppelin tribute band ($30 a ticket). We drank many beers ($5 each). After the concert, the hungries got us, and we grabbed a couple of burgers and more beers (with tips, $20 each). So far, so good. While sitting at the bar eating my hamburger, I decided to get $20 worth of pulltabs. And holy shit, I opened up a $200 winning ticket, so my splurge ended up being a profitable experience. Can't beat that. I'm still grinning over that one.

I recommend you attempt to keep your lucky streak alive, and invest the rest of your money in penny stocks.

Personally I bought a new LED flashlight for work. Sure my job provides flashlights, but they don't hold a charge well, they aren't very bright, and they are awkward to carry (my new flashlight came with a holster). So not necessary, a bit of a splurge even, but it makes my job a little easier and a little safer.

[simonsez]

All of them or none of them, depending on my mood.

[Thegoblinchief]

Most of my bike gear, though I'm still "ahead" versus paying for gas.

Over the next year or two I'll be slowly buying a fair number of tools, ideally used: table saw, my own miter saw versus my brother-in-law loaner, nail gun, tile saw....

My splurges come solely from my mad money, saved over time.

[Workinghard]

After my mom passed away, and things settled down somewhat, we did a short getaway with our son who came in for the memorial. We really needed the break as she had been sick for awhile.

I was talking to my brother, on the verge of tears, explaining how hard it was for me to spend money on nonessential items. He explained that it WAS essential and that I was investing in relationships. It really helped to put things in perspective.

[MissStache]

$375 to pay for movers this weekend.  I'm a damn grownup now, and I don't want to move my own heavy furniture.  These two 20 year old guys were lightening fast and had everything out of my old place and into my new in less than two hours- and they drove the moving truck!

Best money I've ever spent!

[hybrid]

MIL (who is 83) visited from out of state this past weekend, and we spent money on entertainment and such we normally wouldn't at other times. I just told myself to look the other way, don't know how many more opportunities there will be for the missus.

[totoro]

Interior car detailing.  I could have shampooed and super cleaned but somehow I never got around to more than vacuuming after the four kids and a dog.  I was very happy to spend that money.

[NHguy]

Ive really been watching my spending ....particularly as relates to 'spontaneous purchases' lately ..ie: I'm applying the 'cool down period' of reflection that ive read about on a few different posts here.  that being said, I seem to find myself drawn to one thing or another ...lately its digital cameras.  Historically, Ive  have a tendency to fixate of one thing....buy it ...and watch it sit idly in some corner of my house.   this time around (as relates to the 'camera fixation') I opted to buy a used digital photography book via amazon ... (under $5 total with my prime account).  Ive decided that prior to allowing myself the $500+ indulgence of a Nikon camera ...I'd read thru this book to see if there's enough real-interest on my part to justify it.  My though process was that, in-addition to learning about interesting new technology, a nice DSLR camera would enable to to photograph some of these other idle-acquisitions and get them posted on Craigslist or maybe ebay.

[ketchup]

Last night, splurged on a $10 chopped steak with grilled red and green peppers and fried potato slices, with soup and dessert at a farewell dinner for a friend-of-a-friend that's moving.  The first time in a long time that I thought dinner out tasted as good as dinner at home.  So naturally, I'll try to replicate this at home sometime soon.

[Samsam]

Recently bought a weight set for home (squat rack, weights, and bench for about 500).  Gym membership expired and instead of renewing I decided to turn half my garage into a workout area.  I'm hoping it saves me money in the long run and that I work out more (lets hope!)

[jpo]

Constant stream of DIY house projects over the last 6 months.

Outfitting the Prius to try car camping.

Went way over budget on eating out last month, cutting back this month to counterbalance.

Also, a Ruffwear float coat for water trips with the pup. Forgot about that since it was a gift card.

[Samsam]

Constant stream of DIY house projects over the last 6 months.

this sounds like me too...adding that to my list...haha.

[going2ER]

We haven't spent it yet, but next Wednesday when Aerosmith tickets go on sale I will be buying ;)

[hybrid]

Constant stream of DIY house projects over the last 6 months.

this sounds like me too...adding that to my list...haha.

That will always be the case at our (built in 1962) house as well, so we have to prioritize our need to from our want to list.

[Vorpal]

I went to the Astros opening day game and took the family to another game last weekend. I bought $11 bottled water and $6.50 nachos and cotton candy and chili dogs and ice cream in tiny batting helmets -- all manner of decadence. I can totally justify it and the rest of my discretionary spending because [shameless plug] I'm selling other junk I own to cover ALL of my discretionary spending in 2014! See the link in my signature for details.

[nosyparker]

a metal festival involving a full day's travel either side. but the line up is immense and i've wanted to go to a metal festival for about 6 years. will probably be a one off too as my fiancé is not a huge camping fan.

[mxer54]

We just bought an awesome carpet/upholstery cleaner for about $350.  Got it for $90 off with a few coupons. We are big on cleaning our carpet (dogs and kids), couches and vehicles.  We will also use it for our rental properties, which will save us $ by not paying someone else to do it.  Each professional you have come usually costs about 300-400 for carpets plus couches.  So we see it as a worthwhile splurge.

[DoctorOctagon]

Bought a Biolite stove and grill attachment straight from REI.  $189.90 for a little stove and mini grill?!?!  Well, I had a 20% off discount, $30.00 REI dividend, and $50 gift certificate from the parents that I forgot about a few years ago and found when cleaning out a drawer.  Total purchase price came to around $90.

I can justify this purchase because:
-It's going to function as my home grill all summer - I cook out for myself a couple times a week, plus 4-5 really big backpacking trips each summer.  Total petroleum-based fuel cost was around $20 last year, so the whole thing pays for itself after 5 years if I don't break it because it just runs on the cardboard I have laying around the apartment and twigs.
-Got it brand new for about half of the asking price using every discount possible.
-Brings my carbon footprint down significantly and it's fun to use!
-Charges my phone (I use an ancient flip phone) when the fire is going full blast, less need for chargers and great backup in case of a catastrophic situation.
-I was good from January - March, running my expenses so low that 70% of my after-tax income went into a taxable account (stocks) and IRA (mutual funds), and this purchase only totals .8% of my quarterly budget (.2% of annual budget).

[gecko10x]

If I feel the need to justify a purchase, I probably shouldn't have made it.

[greaper007]

If I feel the need to justify a purchase, I probably shouldn't have made it.

Disagree, I feel the need to justify every purchase.    Otherwise I'd be eating out of dumpsters and sleeping by the highway asking for change.   

Before I buy something I always make sure to figure out if I need, or want it.    Then I try to figure out how much it will save me in the long run over using something else.

This works for a lot of things.   Even vacations.   When we don't get out of our environment as a family and do and see things that let our souls breath, I find we get extremely depressed.    That leads to things like increased spending on therapy,  potential relationship damage (and an expensive divorce) etc.    Thus a $500-$1000 vacation a few times a year really is worth it.

Personally, I was inching up on alcohol purchases and decided to use my Costco dividend to buy a freezer to convert into a keezer.    I plan on keeping it filled with beer that only costs me $.32-$.57 a glass.   That's how I keep myself honest with the spending.

[MrsPete]

New frying pan. 
The Teflon on the old one had started to flake off.

[Norrie]

Ran away to Eureka Springs, Arkansas with my husband for our 16th wedding anniversary. It was only for one night, we took food with us, and just had one nice meal out. My justification is that when we looked ahead at our schedules, we realized that we wouldn't have a chance to be alone until the beginning of June at the earliest. So we went with it.

Oh, and the other recent splurge was a KitchenAid mixer. I've wanted one for 14 years, but haven't been able to pull the trigger on the cost. There are several recipes that I've wanted to make that really don't work without a stand mixer, but I just could not justify it. Finally learned that a high school friend works for the company and was able to hook me up with a great deal, so I ordered a damn KitchenAid, and I will probably spend the next 30 years feeling guilty about the effing thing.

[Bookworm]

We just bought a boat. A $10,000 boat. We talked it over and DH decided that to him, it is worth the extra life hours at work to spend the next four years, which is how long we plan to live here, having full access to being ON the lake and not just enjoying a nice view of it.  Given the fact that he's the only one with a career from which to ER, I'm considering it his call.

[arebelspy]

If I feel the need to justify a purchase, I probably shouldn't have made it.

Completely agree.

My justification for every purchase I make is "because I wanted it."

[Bookworm]

Ran away to Eureka Springs, Arkansas with my husband for our 16th wedding anniversary. It was only for one night, we took food with us, and just had one nice meal out. My justification is that when we looked ahead at our schedules, we realized that we wouldn't have a chance to be alone until the beginning of June at the earliest. So we went with it.

Oh, and the other recent splurge was a KitchenAid mixer. I've wanted one for 14 years, but haven't been able to pull the trigger on the cost. There are several recipes that I've wanted to make that really don't work without a stand mixer, but I just could not justify it. Finally learned that a high school friend works for the company and was able to hook me up with a great deal, so I ordered a damn KitchenAid, and I will probably spend the next 30 years feeling guilty about the effing thing.

In the interest of helping to assuage your guilt...when we spent 6 months living in another state a few years ago, we sold almost all our belongings and put the rest, including the "luxury" kitchen gear that didn't fit in our minivan for the move, in storage in my grandma's rafters.  My KitchenAid mixer and my cookbooks were literally the only things I missed.  That thing is worth its price.  I've had mine for 22 years, and it's still going strong.

[Unchained]

One of my biggest hobbies is lifting weights and its a great passion of mine. After I graduated college I no longer wanted to make the drive out there just to attend the gym even if the membership fee was going to alumni pricing. I decided to buy a bunch of gym equipment and put it in a buddies garage who lives 5 minutes away. We've probably spent around 5000 dollars all together (split between a few guys) for a power rack, 600 lbs of weights, prowler, two power bars, three specialty bars, weighted vest, collars and all sorts of other knick nacks. It really fills every possible need I could ever have in terms of training and I don't regret a single dollar I've put into it. I have the freedom to play whatever music I want, talk as loud as I want, and do whatever I want. It'll pay itself off over time, not to mention its massively convenient.

Aside from that, I do have a japanese chefs knife that i purchased which I cherish. Many of the hard wearing, durable clothing items I've purchased do cost a little bit more but I really appreciate it when they last. One of the worst things is having things break on you..

[sleepyguy]

Tennis equipment:

Life long enjoyment for me and my SO/GF and our kids going forward.  I purchase reels of string, grommets, grips, overgrips, lead tape, etc etc.  List goes on and on.  I also string my own racquets so that saves about $20 in labour per racquet, I string about 4-6x per month depending how many singles matches i play.  Getting string reels instead of individual packs "saves" a ton as well.

Tennis isn't exactly very cheap as well, membership, courtfees, balls, equipment, etc etc.  But well worth it imho.

[aetherie]

$50 on clothes today. Ouch. However:
(1) I'm starting my new job soon and I don't have a lot of professional-looking clothes
(2) I went to the local consignment store and got three dresses and one pair of flats for my $50
(3) I really like all of them and plan to get lots of mileage out of them

[Lans Holman]

Another one for concert tickets here.  Going to see the Mountain Goats in Seattle in a couple months.  I guess my justification is that they're pretty much my favorite band that I've never seen live.

[Mortgage Free Mike]

If you can afford it, you can buy it. No justification needed!

[jba302]

12" stainless lined copper frying pan. Thing weighs almost 9 pounds and will be given to the grandkids. Got tired of finding bits of Teflon in my food every other year.

[HappierAtHome]

Another one for concert tickets here.  Going to see the Mountain Goats in Seattle in a couple months.  I guess my justification is that they're pretty much my favorite band that I've never seen live.

Seen them twice back when I was spendier and they were popular enough in Australia to tour here.

Well worth the money :-)

[Primm]

$375 to pay for movers this weekend.  I'm a damn grownup now, and I don't want to move my own heavy furniture.  These two 20 year old guys were lightening fast and had everything out of my old place and into my new in less than two hours- and they drove the moving truck!

Best money I've ever spent!

I'm about to do that. Hubby got called in for semi-urgent surgery a couple of weeks ago, just after we signed on the house. Can't lift for 6 weeks, and my son who was at home is moving interstate the week before we move. Bugger it, I'm paying some big brawly guys to lug my stuff around. I can lift heavy shit, but not all by myself. Metal framed grand piano, anyone?

[Zikoris]

We've paid close to 4K for our upcoming summer Europe - just need to find a cheap place to stay in Paris and we're set. We'll be working  our way from Hungary to France via Austria and Switzerland, taking trains and all that. Looking forward to it.

It's justified because we have a $7600 annual travel budget, so still lots left over for our winter tropical getaway next January.

And I just spent $20 on good Easter chocolate for myself. It's fabulous.

[Rube]

Took the family on a 3000 mile cross country trip to visit the in-laws in a rental car. I'm pretty tall and had a hard time fitting in the full size cars they happened to have on hand so they let me take a minivan. I actually had a reservation for a van but we were trying to be thrifty. Total cost was $202 for 9 days. It's unlikely I'll get a deal that good again. Great vehicle for hauling everyone once we got there. And I was pleasantly surprised by the gas mileage.