most unnecessary and expensive thing you bought but glad you did?

[bozack]

For me it would either be my Rolex or my Xbox, both were expensive but both are things I have come to enjoy more the longer I have owned them.

Also my RC cars, but I got those as gifts when I was younger and am only now thinking of getting a new one but forgot how much money they are, too bad I am saving for a house and really cannot buy anything.

My Oakleys I view as a good purchase as well, close to five years with the same glasses, this comming from someone who lost or broke them every other month.

Just wondeirng what else you all have spent money on and are happy you did

also things you wish you never spent money on....

for me there are alot of them but the biggies are....

My car stereo which got stolen-didn't get any money back through insurance either even though I had reciepts
My old 90 mustang which I got screwed over on when it came time to trade it in even though I totally rebuiilt the car
My first computer (compaq) would have been better off buying one from a local shop
My Ford Contour SVT..nice car but paint is awful and resale sucks, should have gotten another mustang like I wanted to
and all the mustang parts which I bought but never installed...made money on some but the rest are taking up space and were a waste of money.

I learned one valuable lesson though, never upgrade a car unless you plan to keep it forever or take a major loss when it comes time to sell....I know from now on I am keeping them pretty much stock until I am secure enough to have two cars, one for play and the other for a-b.

I look forward to your responses.

 

[technogeeky]

Sony DSC-F707
Sony PS2
Sieko Kinetic watch


I am happy with almost all of my purchases.

 

[pyonir]

Originally posted by: technogeeky

Sieko Kinetic watch

i have one too.

 

[NogginBoink]

Casio QV 4000 4-megapixel digicam.

I don't need four megapixels.

Waitiaminit...... what's NEED got to do with it anyway? I wanted it so I bought it.

 

[BigJohnKC]

Just a few weeks ago I bought a Taylor 614ce acoustic/electric guitar for $2300. Unnecessary expense, but I'm glad I have it.

 

[Jzero]

I guess technically my new car was "unnecessary" and at $14k was the most expensive, but in truth, a car is something of a necessity.
But:
$100--my new car's keyless entry
$300--my old car's CD changer
$300--my new car's CD changer
I've never spent more than a few hundred on a computer.
But the real biggies are:
29 Gal aquarium (I've probably spend ~$1000 in the last year for tank, stand, hood, lights, substrate, chems, pumps, filter media, fish, etc.
And my kayak, which was $400 for the hull, $80 for the paddle, $50 for the PFD, $15 for leg straps, $25 for backrest, $45 for the hatch.

But I would never look back. I love my fish, and my kayak has provided me with hours and hours of amusement over the past 4 years and will likely last me 10 more.

 

[spanky]

my glasses. sure i could live without them, but i would be walking and driving REAL slow.

 

[TallBill]

600 dollar tv

 

[vi edit]

I'm usually VERY frugal about my spending habits, so I don't really buy many expensive things that I don't need in the first place.

But, if I had to choose, I'd say my house. I could have gone bargain and got smaller, less expensive house, but it's nice having the extra bedroom, extra family room, and a two stall attached garage.

 

[bozack]

so vi, you are frugal with all purchases?? cars, clothing, food etc???

I find this interesting as my GF is the same way, she will only buy things on sale or which she can get a deal on. The only thing she splurged on was her VW Jetta and even that she "settled" for another color because she got a better deal on it.

While I commend people for that and think it is a good thing to do, especially with many people who live check to check and it is good to see those who save, I also think it is bad (at least with regards to my GF) as often times I think she is denying herself of something she may want but cannot buy because she is so tight with money.....

I personally wish I could be more frugal, and I am trying to cut down on my buying habits (don't buy any clothes or anything but I do have alot of hobbies which are rather expensive).

any pointers for those who like to spend money but know they shouldn't

thanks

 

[StageLeft]

I don't buy much but last thing of note I did buy was an upgrade for car stereo (other one didn't work). Damn good buy!

 

[vi edit]

so vi, you are frugal with all purchases?? cars, clothing, food etc???

With the exception of a stupid car purchase, which I have learned my lesson from, yeh, I'm pretty dang frugal. Or cheap, as my friends like to refer to me as

I only buy clothes when on sale, or at the outlet mall, complete with my 10% off coupon ON TOP OF the already low prices that they have. I also RARELY buy clothes. I've got some shirts that I still wear regularly that are 3-4 years old. I don't replace clothing until it is litterally falling apart at the seams.

With food, I try to buy only what I need, and what I need, only with coupons. It's not uncommon for us to go grocery shopping, buy $100 worth of food, and have $15-$20 knocked off by coupons.

For movies, I'll rent before going to a movie theater, and I'll only rent when they are having their specials - 3 movies for three nights, for $3.00. Or two new releases for $5 or something like that. If I MUST see a movie, I'll go see it at a $4.75 matinee. I also refuse to buy popcorn and drinks there.

For CD's and DVD's, I'll hit the pawn shops and buy used. I can get VHS movies for $2.50, DVD's for $7.50, and CD's for $7.00. Much cheaper than retail.

When we go out to eat, we only go to places where we have coupons for - Bennigens regularly has $5 off $15, and buy 1 of something and get a second one free, coupons. A few local places around here do the same as well.

If I want to go out to a bar, I'll go on drink special nights where I can get a pint of "good stuff" for $1.50 or something along those lines.

Just lots of little things that add up fast.

 

[bozack]

Hey VI I should take you out to help me buy my GF an engagement ring

I agree alot of those things add up quick.

I have pretty much stopped going out to bars, and don't buy any high end electronics short of that xbox....

and we are the same with food, only buy on sale and with coupons....

but I still have a thing for nice pens, cufflinks, and other man accessories...and they can get expensive.

 

[Electric Amish]

Originally posted by: vi_edit

so vi, you are frugal with all purchases?? cars, clothing, food etc???

With the exception of a stupid car purchase, which I have learned my lesson from, yeh, I'm pretty dang frugal. Or cheap, as my friends like to refer to me as

I only buy clothes when on sale, or at the outlet mall, complete with my 10% off coupon ON TOP OF the already low prices that they have. I also RARELY buy clothes. I've got some shirts that I still wear regularly that are 3-4 years old. I don't replace clothing until it is litterally falling apart at the seams.

With food, I try to buy only what I need, and what I need, only with coupons. It's not uncommon for us to go grocery shopping, buy $100 worth of food, and have $15-$20 knocked off by coupons.

For movies, I'll rent before going to a movie theater, and I'll only rent when they are having their specials - 3 movies for three nights, for $3.00. Or two new releases for $5 or something like that. If I MUST see a movie, I'll go see it at a $4.75 matinee. I also refuse to buy popcorn and drinks there.

For CD's and DVD's, I'll hit the pawn shops and buy used. I can get VHS movies for $2.50, DVD's for $7.50, and CD's for $7.00. Much cheaper than retail.

When we go out to eat, we only go to places where we have coupons for - Bennigens regularly has $5 off $15, and buy 1 of something and get a second one free, coupons. A few local places around here do the same as well.

If I want to go out to a bar, I'll go on drink special nights where I can get a pint of "good stuff" for $1.50 or something along those lines.

Just lots of little things that add up fast.

You sound like a real party-animal there, VI.

amish

 

[vi edit]

You sound like a real party-animal there, VI

Hey, there's a reason I've got remotely decent cars, my own home, and an investment portfolio more developed than a lot of people twice my age. Meanwhile, many people my age wonder why they never have any money, are pissy because they are stuck in a crappy apartment, and never seem to have any disposable cash.

It's all about priorities

You spend 1/3 of your life in retirement. Best make it a good one.

 

[Quaggoth]

My 72 Mach 1
MY 92 GMC Sonoma GT (#482 of 806)
and I got a 46" Sony TV for $225 at a Garage sale. Speakers were blown but I replaced them for about $12 and it's awesome now

 

[308nato]

Track mounted quad .50

 

[Electric Amish]

You spend 1/3 of your life in retirement. Best make it a good one.

Yeah, unfortunately it's the last 1/3.

amish

 

[StattlichPassat]

My Velodyne 10" home theater subwoofer last Sunday. :Q

Hell, my whole home theater setup actually.

 

[erikiksaz]

Well, soon enough i'll be dropping 130 bucks on a set of Etymotic Er6 CANALPHONES (or some of you might call them earbuds).

 

[StattlichPassat]

Originally posted by: vi_edit

so vi, you are frugal with all purchases?? cars, clothing, food etc???

With the exception of a stupid car purchase, which I have learned my lesson from, yeh, I'm pretty dang frugal. Or cheap, as my friends like to refer to me as

I only buy clothes when on sale, or at the outlet mall, complete with my 10% off coupon ON TOP OF the already low prices that they have. I also RARELY buy clothes. I've got some shirts that I still wear regularly that are 3-4 years old. I don't replace clothing until it is litterally falling apart at the seams.

With food, I try to buy only what I need, and what I need, only with coupons. It's not uncommon for us to go grocery shopping, buy $100 worth of food, and have $15-$20 knocked off by coupons.

For movies, I'll rent before going to a movie theater, and I'll only rent when they are having their specials - 3 movies for three nights, for $3.00. Or two new releases for $5 or something like that. If I MUST see a movie, I'll go see it at a $4.75 matinee. I also refuse to buy popcorn and drinks there.

For CD's and DVD's, I'll hit the pawn shops and buy used. I can get VHS movies for $2.50, DVD's for $7.50, and CD's for $7.00. Much cheaper than retail.

When we go out to eat, we only go to places where we have coupons for - Bennigens regularly has $5 off $15, and buy 1 of something and get a second one free, coupons. A few local places around here do the same as well.

If I want to go out to a bar, I'll go on drink special nights where I can get a pint of "good stuff" for $1.50 or something along those lines.

Just lots of little things that add up fast.

Awesome! You sound just like me. Minus my home theater system. I should also mention this is the first summer since last year that I am NOT upgrading/overhauling my computer like I usually do on an annual basis (have been doing so since '99). In fact, I think I can go a year more... what I've got is plenty right now (see RIG below).

 

[anonymouschris]

so how old are you VI?

 

[Viper GTS]

I should also mention this is the first summer since last year that I am NOT upgrading/overhauling my computer like I usually do on an annual basis (have been doing so since '99). In fact, I think I can go a year more... what I've got is plenty right now (see RIG below).

I wish I could say that. Just 5 months ago I bought a 128 MB GF3 Ti200, & today I ordered a 128 MB GF4 Ti4200.

Granted I can sell the GF3 + my Matrox G450 & cover 90% or more of the GF4, but I really didn't need it... Except that my GF3 is a little slow at 1600x1200 which is my new favorite gaming resolution. I bought the GF3 because the G450 just wasn't quite fast enough to play a little Unreal on the weekends with my roommate.

It's a terrible cycle.

Viper GTS

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: wongsoongpak
so how old are you VI?

I turned 24 a couple months ago, my fiancee just turned 22 a couple weeks ago.

 

[anonymouschris]

Nice. I'm still 20, about to turn 21 in October...I aspire to have my own house when I am 25, but i'll have to wait and see My spending habits are ridiculous. But I'm also somewhat decent at investing/investments.