So this is more of a shit that happens after FIRE when the firehose of cash is no longer.
So here we are a year or so after FIRE and two things are entering the conversations at the home front and they are kind of biggies:
1. Quality/$$$ of car replacement - we have funds set aside for a modest new/decent used/ok multiple used cars but now there is a desire from spouse for a better more luxury vehicle and kind of wants me to get a newer vehicle too. Both our vehicles are older ('06 and '07) but with low mileage. I get the desire to want something newer, although mine I feel fits me like a glove so I won't be changing mine.
2. Renovation/Addition of Kitchen and Master Bed/Bath - big ticket items obviously. Again had some money set aside (still big dollars) for some of this but maybe not to the extent now being discussed.
Personally, I think both are being driven by comparison/keeping up with the Jones as a lot of folks in our neighborhood, and entirely our close social circle (mostly comprised of very high earners and spenders), drive luxury branded vehicles and there has been a tremendous spate of renovations and additions being done. But that has not been entirely factored into the FIRE budget.
We could get a mortgage at todays low rates and fund most of this and it would take my WR to 3.6% (at peak values). We have slush funds that we built up before FIRE (mental gymnastics) not included in WR Net Worth for car replacement, home repair/improvement, and a big one for vacations that could fund most of it too. But these all add to the risk profile in my mind or change the plan....the vacation funds are more of the bigger deal for me bc it is money set aside to do a few bigger type of trips that would exceed our normal budgeted vacation amounts.
Spouse says we can afford it, deserve it, etc. Maybe we can, but don't believe we should. Annnnddd....I hate the whole "Deserve" mentality.
To be fair, I really hate spending money in general, but really on big amounts and especially for things that you lose big value on right out of the gate. I just hate it! The house stuff will surely add value to the house but what 50-70% of the cost of those improvements....UGH. And we all now how car values work.
At the end of the day, I am sure we will settle in spending somewhat more than the original plan but nowhere near the dream scenario, and it will end up being a nice compromise.
Anyway, a day in the life of a FIREee when it's not just you that needs to be satisfied.