Author Topic: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?  (Read 11219 times)

financiallypossible

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Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« on: January 23, 2017, 02:49:03 PM »
What's the most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?

We purchased a timeshare in 2010. We made the minimum purchase (in terms of points). Since that time, it's "forced" us to take vacations and explore destinations we probably would not have otherwise. It hasn't stopped us from consistently saving 55-75% of post-tax income, but it certainly doesn't fit our personality profile. The amenities have been nice and I believe it's one of the more reputable (i.e. less hated) timeshare companies.

We have enjoyed being able to cook for ourselves and explore local grocery stores in foreign countries. Booking our vacations has often centered around where we can stay and do so at a significant point discount.

Are there any other timeshare owners among this community? If so, what has your experience been like?

Also, what's the most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done? Did you consider yourself a minimalist/mustachian at the time you did it?

Gal2016

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2017, 03:08:27 PM »
My husband and I took an 8 day southern caribbean cruise this last fall. We even stayed in Puerto Rico an extra day after the cruise. We drank as much alcohol as we wanted and spent money on the things that we wanted. It was great.

Fortunately, we aren't big drinkers and we really didn't want that much stuff. But there was freedom in not setting limits. We did both get drunk, sitting on the beach enjoying local beers (for $1/bottle) one day, though.  That was fun.

TheCastle

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2017, 03:38:45 PM »
Mine was a frame off restoration/project Jeep.  Always liked turning wrenches on my own vehicles but now I know I hate body work and all the not fun parts of fixing up an older Jeep.  It was a money pit and continues to be.  My wife refuses to sell it because she says she loves it and it has sentimental value to her. But all I see is the more work it still needs (time and money) and the other maintenance costs for something I hate to even drive.  Extra stress on the relationship because I hate it and she knows I hate it.  Rant over lol

thebattlewalrus

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2017, 04:25:49 PM »
Back in 2009 I had just got a new FT job which doubled my salary. I immediately went out and brought a brand new 2009 F150 FX4 to treat myself. The price was actually good since the economy was tanking and got it about $12k off MSRP but it was a stupid thing to do. Paid it off in 2.5 years

regert

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #4 on: January 23, 2017, 04:52:54 PM »
I bought an engagement ring at 2-3 times my monthly salary... yea, that stings.  Never again.

Guys - diamond rings are a scam.  If she really loves you, the size of the diamond won't matter.  If she dumps you because you didn't buy a big enough ring... well, be thankful.

Eric

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #5 on: January 23, 2017, 04:59:51 PM »
We have enjoyed being able to cook for ourselves and explore local grocery stores in foreign countries. Booking our vacations has often centered around where we can stay and do so at a significant point discount.

I do love the local grocery store shopping.  It's one of my favorite things about travel.  Luckily there is AirBnb now, so you can get a nice place with a kitchen without having to own the damn thing. 

financiallypossible

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #6 on: January 23, 2017, 05:08:32 PM »
We have enjoyed being able to cook for ourselves and explore local grocery stores in foreign countries. Booking our vacations has often centered around where we can stay and do so at a significant point discount.

I do love the local grocery store shopping.  It's one of my favorite things about travel.  Luckily there is AirBnb now, so you can get a nice place with a kitchen without having to own the damn thing.

Quite true. We didn't even know of AirBnb's existence back in 2010. If we had, our decision would have been different for sure. If only the future was trivial to predict.

pancakes

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #7 on: January 23, 2017, 05:20:14 PM »
Mr Pancakes' Lego collection.

We never buy sets unless they are on the maximum sale but that doesn't make it any less excessive and indulgent and I enable it. It is an ongoing non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing we do.

I'm a red panda

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #8 on: January 23, 2017, 05:26:17 PM »
Luxury cruise to the Galapagos.

100% worth it.

CheapScholar

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #9 on: January 23, 2017, 05:45:06 PM »
My wife and I just booked an Alaskan cruise a few weeks ago.  It's on the new Norwegian ship that debuts in 2018.  We've cruised three times already (Europe, Caribbean and Alaska).  Europe and Alaska were just us.  We took our son, then 7, to the Caribbean.  We actually got pretty good deals in the past.  Our Europe cruise was 13 nights and had we tried to see that many cities by train/hotel it would have cost more.  Our Caribbean cruise was a steal at $1,900 for a balcony cabin last April.

But this 2018 Alaska cruise?  Cabin alone was $5,300.  Doesn't include room gratuity, airfare, hotel, miscellaneous, excursions.  This trip will cost us between 8k or 9k.  But I love it and I think it's worth the expense. 

HappierAtHome

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #10 on: January 23, 2017, 06:46:35 PM »
Bought my house. My beautiful, large, perfect, close to the city, house.

No regrets.

FIRE me

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #11 on: January 23, 2017, 07:36:02 PM »
Spent 14k getting a 2.5 car garage built, another 5k on the concrete work, and just over 1k on incidentals like new fence, gate, and accessories for the garage. A little over $20,000 total.

Now I have a good place to work on my old vehicles year round.


headwinds

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #12 on: January 24, 2017, 12:13:32 AM »
This:


Metric Mouse

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #13 on: January 24, 2017, 12:36:51 AM »

vittelx

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #14 on: January 24, 2017, 12:56:36 AM »
Back in 06(I think it was) i bought a Pioneer 43" plasma TV and it was arround USD 5,000. I had a perfectly fine 32" Sony Trinitron but young dumb me ofcause had to be first mover on plasma....

It was very cool for about a week and then came the inevitable buyer's remorse :) I felt like sh.. spending all that money on something stupid like a TV. Havent done anything like that ever since and doubt I ever will again.

....doubt my frugal wife would let me anyways :-)

headwinds

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #15 on: January 24, 2017, 08:28:12 AM »
Oh my... that is beautiful.

Thank you. It was my labor of love. Do you climb?

Last Night

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #16 on: January 24, 2017, 09:28:02 AM »
Unilock Paver driveway, $20/sq. ft. installed, over 1k square feet.  It was totally unnecessary.

brute

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #17 on: January 24, 2017, 10:16:54 AM »
This:




Oh. My. God. I'm in love.

Mine is this:


Followed closely by this:


The good news is both of them will last forever.

thebattlewalrus

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #18 on: January 24, 2017, 10:41:12 AM »
This:



Is that in your house/garage?? God I am in love with that, the closest climbing gym for me is 2.5 hrs (Des Moines or Chicago) :(

FireHiker

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #19 on: January 24, 2017, 12:39:16 PM »
Either our SUV (2009 Honda Pilot bought in 2008. Financed initially but paid off in under 6 months), or our borderline "mcmansion", 3690 square feet with 3 car garage, bought in 2012, so at least the market has been kind to us and we are sitting at 50% equity at the moment.

Both purchases are pre-MMM discovery by years. We are unlikely to replace the SUV until we have driven it into the ground; we have replaced minor things here and there ourselves and it is a dream of a road trip/camping car for our family of five, but we will never, EVER purchase such a ridiculous vehicle again.

As for the house, it is 1 mile from a fabulous elementary school and 2 miles from the location where both the husband and I work. I love the location but would give up half the size (and half the mortgage) in a heartbeat! Right now we're looking at downsizing in about 6-6.5 years when the youngest will move to middle school. I am in love with a small gated community of townhomes next to the high school. I have been running the numbers for awhile on downsizing there and retiring before the kids are done with school, which we definitely can't do in our current house. The ridiculous thing is that the house is well within our "means", but I am over it. At least we are starting to be on the same page in discussing the real possibility of early retirement.

FIRE me

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #20 on: January 24, 2017, 12:55:06 PM »
This:



What is it?

Edit: Never mind. With the tiny blocks at the bottom, and the nearly horizontal surfaces, I didn't think it could possibly be a climbing wall.
« Last Edit: January 24, 2017, 01:00:45 PM by FIRE me »

jorjor

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #21 on: January 24, 2017, 03:48:43 PM »
Ate at (and paid for) a meal at a Michelin 3-star restaurant. With wine pairing.

It was alright. I enjoyed the next night's meal just as much at a fraction of the price.

headwinds

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #22 on: January 24, 2017, 05:17:05 PM »

Oh. My. God. I'm in love.

Mine is this:



Thanks man. It helps me stay fit and psyched

Holy shit that is a hell of a squat rack. I have a rack too but it is positively puny compared to your monstrosity And I see you have the apres-training beverages handed as well :)

Quote
Is that in your house/garage?? God I am in love with that, the closest climbing gym for me is 2.5 hrs

It is in an outbuilding on my property. The building is 24x36 with 12'high apex. I'm sorry you have no good options in your area, thats basically why I built this as well.

Cherry Lane

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #23 on: January 24, 2017, 05:21:46 PM »
In 2005 I upsized from an 800 sq ft townhouse to a 2400 sq ft single family house a mile away.  For just me.  I still live in it, and have no plans to ever move.  I'll RE next year, but it could have been years earlier without this house.

Mr. Green

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #24 on: January 24, 2017, 06:07:54 PM »
In my early 20s I got a big salary bump. I was driving a new Honda Civic to work and I had a '78 Camaro as a project car. I had totalled (deer) a Hyundai Tiburon before the Civic and was still in love with them (I still am) so I went out and bought a new Tiburon to drive as a fair weather car. So yes I had 3 cars.

Stachless

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #25 on: January 24, 2017, 10:50:26 PM »
An 8 year or so bender (not including college).  Egads*





*I'd totally do it again!!

Metric Mouse

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #26 on: January 24, 2017, 11:38:29 PM »
Oh my... that is beautiful.

Thank you. It was my labor of love. Do you climb?

Does the Pope shit in the woods? Of course we climb. Probably not as well as you, though.

Metric Mouse

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #27 on: January 24, 2017, 11:42:04 PM »
An 8 year or so bender (not including college).  Egads*





*I'd totally do it again!!

Sounds like a W.C. Fields quote.

financiallypossible

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #28 on: January 24, 2017, 11:50:41 PM »
A really awesome and diverse set of responses so far!

So, no other timeshare owners out there?

TravelJunkyQC

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #29 on: January 25, 2017, 05:09:26 AM »
This:



Holy crap weasel, that is glorious. Luckily, my climbing gym is a 7 minute drive (or 15 minute bike-ride when the snow goes away).

In that same vein, I suppose my 800$ a year membership to my climbing gym is my most un-mustachian thing, although I have zero regrets.

In-home bouldering wall is in the plans as soon as I have a house and not a condo....

But yours is stunning.

Saskatchewstachian

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #30 on: January 25, 2017, 07:02:15 AM »
Back in 2009 I had just got a new FT job which doubled my salary. I immediately went out and brought a brand new 2009 F150 FX4 to treat myself. The price was actually good since the economy was tanking and got it about $12k off MSRP but it was a stupid thing to do. Paid it off in 2.5 years

I'm in a similar boat (truck) to this post. I had money set aside for me for university by my grandparents, I worked hard in summer jobs and an internship and paid my own way through Uni so I had never touched the money but it was locked in a trust until I turned 25.

Right after I got the money I figured it was time to upgrade vehicles and bought a 2012 FX4 crew cab. Atleast it was used, but it was still 25k........

honeybbq

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #31 on: January 25, 2017, 09:03:58 AM »
Definitely my too big and too $$ house.

But we are in an extremely tight market and were living out of a suit case for months when we moved cross country. Basically we had to throw money at the problem to not get into crazy bidding wars with smaller cheaper houses. The good news is it appreciates around 75-100k/year since we bought it.

headwinds

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #32 on: January 25, 2017, 09:19:20 AM »


Holy crap weasel, that is glorious. Luckily, my climbing gym is a 7 minute drive (or 15 minute bike-ride when the snow goes away).

In that same vein, I suppose my 800$ a year membership to my climbing gym is my most un-mustachian thing, although I have zero regrets.

In-home bouldering wall is in the plans as soon as I have a house and not a condo....

But yours is stunning.

Thanks, I do recommend. Having it is amazing, you can climb any time day or night. Mine has grown over the years, that first pic was from when we had just finished it, this is what it looks like now...



We have acquired a few handholds since then. :)

soccerluvof4

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #33 on: January 25, 2017, 09:47:45 AM »
Bought a 45' Carver for on Lake Michigan. Had one season and wife got pregnant with second child. End of Boat. Built a 7200 Square foot raised ranch with 6 car garage. Lost 500k.  Stupid times, stupid $ lost. Don't look back other than to learn!

Stachless

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #34 on: January 25, 2017, 09:38:48 PM »


Holy crap weasel, that is glorious. Luckily, my climbing gym is a 7 minute drive (or 15 minute bike-ride when the snow goes away).

In that same vein, I suppose my 800$ a year membership to my climbing gym is my most un-mustachian thing, although I have zero regrets.

In-home bouldering wall is in the plans as soon as I have a house and not a condo....

But yours is stunning.

Thanks, I do recommend. Having it is amazing, you can climb any time day or night. Mine has grown over the years, that first pic was from when we had just finished it, this is what it looks like now...



We have acquired a few handholds since then. :)


Wow!  This is really one of the most amazing things I've ever seen, and I can only barely climb a corporate ladder.  When I first saw the first pic, I felt the same awe as those two guys in Half Baked when got into the weed vault.  Do you mind sharing how long it took and how much it cost?  Are one of you a professional climber / is there a business angle to this or was it 100% for fun?  Really impressive!!!

Metric Mouse

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #35 on: January 25, 2017, 10:23:13 PM »
wife got pregnant with second child.

  Stupid times, stupid $ lost. Don't look back other than to learn!
I hope that these statements are not related. :)

RosieTR

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #36 on: January 26, 2017, 01:09:44 PM »
Split snowboards. They were expensive, purchased because it was a "good deal" and they have hardly been used. I also once paid for a class for a lot of money and then never finished it.

I don't count things that were expensive, or for which a large amount of research was not done prior to purchase, or were purchased new for more than used, to be necessarily "un-mustachian" if they were needed or highly desired, and found useful or fully enjoyed. So, for example, the anti-mustachianism of purchasing a new car in some cases would be overcome by needing a vehicle at that point, getting one that was great for the needs it serves, and driving it for a very long time or until it's clearly not useful any more. Things that create buyer's remorse or just become clutter/burdens are in-mustachian IMO because it's ultimately a waste of money. A $50 Kindle that I never use fits that category, while a $900 tablet that I use almost daily does not.

headwinds

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #37 on: January 26, 2017, 01:47:16 PM »
Split snowboards. They were expensive, purchased because it was a "good deal" and they have hardly been used. I also once paid for a class for a lot of money and then never finished it.


It's funny that you mention this because I have been thinking on this topic a lot lately. I was an avid snowboarder since '94, had passes every year, had three different resort boards plus an old Voile splitboard, transceiver, probe, shovel, etc. But my backcountry equipment was old and needed replaced. We hadn't had a real winter here in CA for five years prior to this one. The resort is always so crowded now, I swore I'd never go again. I sold everything.

But...

Then we had a real winter. And my friends have been going backcountry every weekend. I can't go climbing because everything is buried in snow. I train in my gym but I just want to play outside. I want to make some TURNS!!

I'll never go back to the resort, I'm done with lift lines and expensive tickets. I'm done with aggro people harshing the vibe. I just want to get up in the hills with my bros, I'll skin all day for that one perfect run and have a smile on my face for weeks.

But I have no gear now. And I am trying not to spend money. And splitboards are expensive.......

headwinds

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #38 on: January 26, 2017, 01:48:10 PM »
So anyway, what size boards you got? What brand? Wanna sell them? LOL I'm only half kidding.

SuperMex

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #39 on: January 26, 2017, 01:59:10 PM »
Mine is this:


Followed closely by this:


The good news is both of them will last forever.
[/quote]

You are working out with 315 on the bench???? I'm not messing with you.

Zoot

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #40 on: January 26, 2017, 02:20:28 PM »
My wedding, hands down.  I got married late in life and thought I would never do so.  I was ready to throw frugality (a bit) to the winds. 

We spent $6K on the reception and I do not regret a single penny of it; I'd do it exactly the same way in a heartbeat.  :)
« Last Edit: August 16, 2017, 02:14:31 PM by Zoot »

2Birds1Stone

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #41 on: January 26, 2017, 02:57:01 PM »
I bought a sports luxury car back in march. She sips premium fuel at a rate of 17 MPG and I love her very much.

Metric Mouse

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #42 on: January 27, 2017, 11:55:17 PM »
I bought a sports luxury car back in march. She sips premium fuel at a rate of 17 MPG and I love her very much.

Umm... pics please? :D

dreams_and_discoveries

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #43 on: January 28, 2017, 07:30:14 AM »
Damn, not sure I can top most of these....

I love the climbing roof, ingenious use of space, and I can't even climb...

MsPeacock

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #44 on: January 28, 2017, 07:34:43 AM »
I spend a lot on travel. I'm putting together my case study and expecting some punches because of the travel expenses. I've traveled a lot, internationally, since I was about 13 - its in my blood! Last year was about 10k, this year again will be 10k (this includes international trips with my two kids - so the 10k is stretched). Probably the most expensive/impulsive trip was heading out to Europe at age 22 for "backpacking" and meeting up with friends. I think I had my job when I came back, but I had little in savings and could barely afford the trip as it was. Still - great fun and no particular long term consequences for going.

Lindy

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #45 on: January 28, 2017, 08:47:13 AM »
I spent about $1200 on laser hair removal a few years ago.  Totally not worth it.  I knew going in that it wouldn't completely get rid of every single hair, but I expected better!  I would be a lot happier if I still had that money.

Dicey

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #46 on: January 28, 2017, 09:12:57 AM »
Unilock Paver driveway, $20/sq. ft. installed, over 1k square feet.  It was totally unnecessary.
DH wanted to replace our driveway with pavers, but he did the work mostly himself and got a great deal on Castlelite (local NCA firm) Cobble pavers. 2500 sf, plus a long, low, lighted retaining wall. Cost was about $9.50/sf. Paid cash, still a big chunk of change.

For both of us, it's the house itself. 2600 sf custom built home with ridiculously nice finishes and a 1050 sf garage. Crazy expensive, but it's three and a half blocks from DH's work. Bought it on a short sale, paid cash. Needed the house because his mom has ALZ and lives with us. Priceless to know he's nearby if help is needed, and he's home early, because, no commute.

We are frugal and prefer an uncluttered home, but we are in no way minimalists. 

jerseymark

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #47 on: January 28, 2017, 09:55:06 AM »
Two things for me:

1. I drive a Jeep Wrangler that I bought new.  I feel guilty but I love it...  It is a lower end model(sport), four door and manual trans so was a little less expensive and relatively practical.   I rationalize it by the following(which I know is incorrect - I could survive with a FWD hatchback or just biking):
- 4x4 so I can always get to work(I am in healthcare and cannot take off if it snows)
- It is as fun as having 2 vehicles and I sold my old sports car since I enjoy the top off and doors off in the summer more than a sports car

2. We live in New Jersey with High cost of living... This is purely due to my family and my wife's being in NJ as well

Other than that I feel relatively mustachian - do most of my own home repair, all vehicle maintainence, outdoor work, garden in spring, summer and fall for food, etc...  Plus save approx 65% of our salary and will have house paid off in about 1-2 years for fam of four.  So, I don't feel quite as guilty

headwinds

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #48 on: January 28, 2017, 10:38:33 AM »


I love the climbing roof, ingenious use of space, and I can't even climb...

Yes, but if you had that, you would be able to climb! :) Although to be honest it takes up a lot of space as the floor is now permanently occupied by 4-10" of padding of various sorts, got to protect yourself when you pop off the handholds unexpectedly

Catbert

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Re: Most non-minimalist, un-mustachian thing you've ever done?
« Reply #49 on: January 28, 2017, 10:41:59 AM »
Bought a vacation condo 9 years ago when the real estate market had dipped.  Unfortunately the "dip" was actually the beginning of an avalanche in home prices.  It took almost 8 years for it to be worth what we paid for it.  Now (according to zillow an recent open houses in the complex) it's worth about 25K more than we paid.