What are some unexpected luxuries I can treat myself with?
July 8, 2017 11:38 PM Subscribe
After 25 years of continuous education and training, I have a job that comes with a signing bonus! I would like to use a small portion to get myself something(s) nice - but I need help figuring out what to spend money on.
I'm completing my last year of training and signed a contract for a job that will start next August. In addition to a salary that will finally allow me to make some headway on my student loans, and moving expenses, I get a sizable signing bonus. Much of this will be put into savings, or used to pay for boards and medical licensure. But, I feel like after spending so much of my life working for this, I should use some of it to treat myself to something nice. The problem (?) is that I have a tendency to save up for nice, high-quality things that last forever, and then purchase them for myself. So, I have a hard time thinking of stuff that I want that I haven't already purchased.
Additionally, I got married a few months ago, so we registered for a bunch of home goods - so I'm basically covered there. Our situation is further complicated by the fact that we live about 800 miles away until I join him - so we have two of almost everything. I also don't have a lot of spare time to pick up new hobbies or take classes. I'm not ready to buy a new car. Assume that I have a fully-funded emergency fund. Assume that it doesn't make sense to divert this money toward my student loans at this time, and that I have no other debt to pay down. Assume that we have money saved for a down payment.
Things I have purchased for myself in the last 2 years: nice linen sheets, Le Creuset cookware, high-end skincare and makeup from Sephora. A pair of Frye moto boots. A few pairs of the Betabrand dress pant yoga pants. I bought a nice Coach work bag earlier this year. I play guitar, but not enough to justify buying a much nicer instrument.
I've set a limit of no more than $2000 for this. So - what are some things I can buy for myself that will improve my quality of life, feel like I'm treating myself to something nice, and which I haven't already thought of?
I'm completing my last year of training and signed a contract for a job that will start next August. In addition to a salary that will finally allow me to make some headway on my student loans, and moving expenses, I get a sizable signing bonus. Much of this will be put into savings, or used to pay for boards and medical licensure. But, I feel like after spending so much of my life working for this, I should use some of it to treat myself to something nice. The problem (?) is that I have a tendency to save up for nice, high-quality things that last forever, and then purchase them for myself. So, I have a hard time thinking of stuff that I want that I haven't already purchased.
Additionally, I got married a few months ago, so we registered for a bunch of home goods - so I'm basically covered there. Our situation is further complicated by the fact that we live about 800 miles away until I join him - so we have two of almost everything. I also don't have a lot of spare time to pick up new hobbies or take classes. I'm not ready to buy a new car. Assume that I have a fully-funded emergency fund. Assume that it doesn't make sense to divert this money toward my student loans at this time, and that I have no other debt to pay down. Assume that we have money saved for a down payment.
Things I have purchased for myself in the last 2 years: nice linen sheets, Le Creuset cookware, high-end skincare and makeup from Sephora. A pair of Frye moto boots. A few pairs of the Betabrand dress pant yoga pants. I bought a nice Coach work bag earlier this year. I play guitar, but not enough to justify buying a much nicer instrument.
I've set a limit of no more than $2000 for this. So - what are some things I can buy for myself that will improve my quality of life, feel like I'm treating myself to something nice, and which I haven't already thought of?
Best answer: Actually I think you should save it for a nice vacation unless something comes up that catches your eye or presents itself in the meantime. It'll be nice to get that thing you really want basically for free because you put the special money aside.
posted by bleep at 11:50 PM on July 8, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by bleep at 11:50 PM on July 8, 2017 [4 favorites]
How about treating yourself to a spa treatment- massage or facial? Or other services like a cleaner or meal prep service depending on which chores you prefer/dislike?
posted by EatMyHat at 11:50 PM on July 8, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by EatMyHat at 11:50 PM on July 8, 2017 [2 favorites]
A nice bit of everyday jewelry?
posted by vunder at 11:51 PM on July 8, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by vunder at 11:51 PM on July 8, 2017 [3 favorites]
I've treated myself to a monthly flower subscription this year (you can also get fortnightly and weekly subscriptions). Very frivolous but brings huge joy!
posted by dogsbody at 12:15 AM on July 9, 2017 [8 favorites]
posted by dogsbody at 12:15 AM on July 9, 2017 [8 favorites]
Best answer: Hmm. I tried to think of what typically brings me joy and costs a bit and honestly? Cleaning service. There's nothing like a freshly cleaned house, it really makes me feel better about life overall. I'm a bit of a slob, though. If you're generally pretty clean/organized or have qualms about a cleaning service, then the next thing I'd probably spring for is fancy dining or events/experiences. Definitely travel/trip costs. Or travel gear--I just got a Tumi roller and I love it) And after all those? Probably the Sony a9 (haha in my dreams). That's actually more than your budget, but nice camera gear is always a joy.
posted by sprezzy at 12:43 AM on July 9, 2017 [12 favorites]
posted by sprezzy at 12:43 AM on July 9, 2017 [12 favorites]
Some really nice prints from your wedding? A photo book?
A nice camera?
posted by freethefeet at 12:46 AM on July 9, 2017
A nice camera?
posted by freethefeet at 12:46 AM on July 9, 2017
A really expensive tattoo from a world-class tattooist?
posted by fullerine at 1:32 AM on July 9, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by fullerine at 1:32 AM on July 9, 2017 [4 favorites]
The two expensive purchases I’ve got most consistent pleasure from were an expensive Japanese cooking knife (and a Minosharp 3 sharpener to go with it); and a top-range pair of binoculars (but I’m a birdwatcher; presumably if you had a similar hobby with lots of expensive gear available for it you would already have your eye on some bit of kit).
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 2:07 AM on July 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 2:07 AM on July 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
My sister's wedding present to me (and the best one we got) was to fund monthly trips to an upscale sauna complex all winter (Europe, so still affordable at 25 euros an afternoon, but such a luxury).
Otherwise, definitely take a celebratory vacation with your husband and relax before you go back to work!
Or buy some art?
posted by athirstforsalt at 2:15 AM on July 9, 2017
Otherwise, definitely take a celebratory vacation with your husband and relax before you go back to work!
Or buy some art?
posted by athirstforsalt at 2:15 AM on July 9, 2017
When I finished my PhD I bought myself a really nice projector and it's been the best thing ever. Other 'treats' over the years (off-an-on, when I've been able to afford it), Spotify Premium, weekly Sunday-night takeaway, monthly massages, a ridiculous watch, a satnav, museum memberships, music festival tickets with the nicer accommodation.
posted by iamkimiam at 3:03 AM on July 9, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by iamkimiam at 3:03 AM on July 9, 2017 [3 favorites]
Best answer: Also, sometimes it's nice to buy yourself a cake. A whole cake. For yourself. You can even ask them to write something on it, they usually do this for free. (ALWAYS get the writing, I cannot stress this enough!)
posted by iamkimiam at 3:05 AM on July 9, 2017 [22 favorites]
posted by iamkimiam at 3:05 AM on July 9, 2017 [22 favorites]
A really super nice raincoat - a little bit of luxury goes a long way on gray, rainy days when I have to go outside to go to work or wherever which could be depressing otherwise. Or, yes, a vacation. It sounds like you've certainly earned one.
posted by hazyjane at 3:50 AM on July 9, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by hazyjane at 3:50 AM on July 9, 2017 [2 favorites]
Best answer: If I were in your situation I would buy a piece of art that really spoke to me. I see in your profile that you'll be moving to a place with a vibrant and wonderful art scene but where you are now also has some incredible stuff happening. Perhaps you'd like the process of visiting galleries and seeing the work of local artists where you are and bringing a lovely inspiring piece to your new home next year will commemorate your time there, or maybe you'd like to check out what people are up to in your upcoming city and bring it to where you are now so you can connect in that way when you see it.
posted by Mizu at 4:15 AM on July 9, 2017 [11 favorites]
posted by Mizu at 4:15 AM on July 9, 2017 [11 favorites]
Two similar purchases I've made, which bring me joy every day: nice everyday earrings, and noise-cancelling headphones.
posted by third word on a random page at 5:00 AM on July 9, 2017
posted by third word on a random page at 5:00 AM on July 9, 2017
Really good knives can drastically upgrade your quality of life, even if you don't do a whole lot of cooking. I bought mine individually over the course of time but you can get a good start at $2000. And it's okay if you two end up with 2x good knives because you can't ever have too many.
posted by janey47 at 5:26 AM on July 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by janey47 at 5:26 AM on July 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
Dittoing buying a piece of art that you love. Take your time to find it.
posted by bookmammal at 5:38 AM on July 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by bookmammal at 5:38 AM on July 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
Are you an experiences person or a things person? I am the former and with $2000 I would either go to a world class spa for a weekend and be waited on hand and foot (if I didn't have much time) or take a solo trip somewhere amazing (if I had a bit more time).
posted by soren_lorensen at 5:39 AM on July 9, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by soren_lorensen at 5:39 AM on July 9, 2017 [2 favorites]
Are you a jewelry person? My mom to this day (~40 years later) wears almost every day a tasteful gold necklace she bought with the paycheck from her first full time job. I've always really admired that, in addition to her wedding ring, she wears a piece of jewelry that is a sentimental symbol of her own power and abilities.
posted by telegraph at 6:21 AM on July 9, 2017 [19 favorites]
posted by telegraph at 6:21 AM on July 9, 2017 [19 favorites]
Between finishing residency and starting my first job (which I'm guessing is where you are) I went to Hawaii for two weeks. It was awesome! Even if 2K won't get you far in Hawaii, I recommend you go on a vacation somewhere. It will get much more difficult for you to take time off once you're working- enjoy your brief funemployment!
posted by genmonster at 6:41 AM on July 9, 2017
posted by genmonster at 6:41 AM on July 9, 2017
You up to date on your electronics? Having ones that frustrate and annoy you reduces quality of life, so if you need a new phone / laptop / tablet, now might be the time to get one!
posted by cgg at 7:12 AM on July 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by cgg at 7:12 AM on July 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
Nothing I splurged on has ever left me more happy I did it than laser hair removal on my lower legs.
posted by Mchelly at 7:14 AM on July 9, 2017 [7 favorites]
posted by Mchelly at 7:14 AM on July 9, 2017 [7 favorites]
À lot of my classmates in a professional master's program took vacations when we graduated and I wish I had the financial ability to do that at the time. You can always buy things, but it may be a while before you have time off (and be able to use that time to do more than just recuperate).
posted by Aranquis at 7:17 AM on July 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Aranquis at 7:17 AM on July 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
It sounds like you are covered on the "things" side, so I agree with the people who are encouraging the "experiences" side. Extended travel (like 2-3 weeks) is something you may not get again any time soon. Another possibility might be using chunks of it for really nice dinners out with your husband, like a monthly date night.
You could also use this to fund a maid service so you don't have you spend your weekends doing chores. I hate vacuuming and scrubbing the bathroom, for instance, and I would definitely throw money at the problem if I could.
posted by basalganglia at 9:09 AM on July 9, 2017
You could also use this to fund a maid service so you don't have you spend your weekends doing chores. I hate vacuuming and scrubbing the bathroom, for instance, and I would definitely throw money at the problem if I could.
posted by basalganglia at 9:09 AM on July 9, 2017
If you're into paying it forward, I once went on a small spending spree on DonorsChoose and it felt excellent. It was so shamelessly gratifying to close out project requests and to be all "Those kids are getting meaningful books! And backpacks! And playground supplies! Because of ME! I made this happen!" I didn't bother checking off any "send me thank-you notes from the kids" options, but you could do that if you want a physical reminder/keepsake to look back on.
posted by cadge at 9:23 AM on July 9, 2017 [11 favorites]
posted by cadge at 9:23 AM on July 9, 2017 [11 favorites]
Travel is an incredible value. It took me too long to realize this. You can spend a week or two in a place that is interesting, beautiful, fun, then come back and be able to access those amazing memories for years and years ahead.
posted by belau at 9:30 AM on July 9, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by belau at 9:30 AM on July 9, 2017 [2 favorites]
Oculus Rift (with touch and 3 sensors) or HTC Vive
If you don't have a compatible desktop, you can get one within your budget. If you do have one, maybe add a better graphics card.
posted by Sophont at 9:41 AM on July 9, 2017
If you don't have a compatible desktop, you can get one within your budget. If you do have one, maybe add a better graphics card.
posted by Sophont at 9:41 AM on July 9, 2017
Once upon a time, I would have said buy yourself a really nice briefcase (if that was appropriate to your job). Seems a little old-fashioned now, but I think the idea is good: Treat yourself to something of excellent quality that you will use everyday rather than something that suffices but isn't special in any way. It could be phone, laptop, clothing, membership to whatever...
posted by SemiSalt at 9:49 AM on July 9, 2017
posted by SemiSalt at 9:49 AM on July 9, 2017
Biweekly massages. You might even be able to find someone to come to your house (search for mobile massage and, obviously meet them beforehand!).
posted by TheLateGreatAbrahamLincoln at 10:00 AM on July 9, 2017
posted by TheLateGreatAbrahamLincoln at 10:00 AM on July 9, 2017
Similar to housekeeping service already mentioned:
If you have a house with a yard, get a yard maintenance crew to do basic mow/blow/pickup once a week. It seems like such a frivolous waste, but OH MY GOD how nice. It's not that expensive and it takes them 15 minutes to do what takes me 2 hours and it ends up looking better than when I do it. Freeing up half a day, a quarter of my 2 days off per week, is totally worth it to me.
posted by ctmf at 10:08 AM on July 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
If you have a house with a yard, get a yard maintenance crew to do basic mow/blow/pickup once a week. It seems like such a frivolous waste, but OH MY GOD how nice. It's not that expensive and it takes them 15 minutes to do what takes me 2 hours and it ends up looking better than when I do it. Freeing up half a day, a quarter of my 2 days off per week, is totally worth it to me.
posted by ctmf at 10:08 AM on July 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
I bought myself a set of top of the line makeup brushes. I get a lot of enjoyment out of using them everyday when I put on my make up, they are so soft and feel like a little touch of luxury every single day I use them. Though they didn't cost anywhere near $2000.
I'm currently saving up to spoil myself with some lazer hair removal treatments.
posted by wwax at 10:49 AM on July 9, 2017
I'm currently saving up to spoil myself with some lazer hair removal treatments.
posted by wwax at 10:49 AM on July 9, 2017
Assuming your weight is fairly stable, $2000 will get you a pretty nice suit.
posted by praemunire at 12:19 PM on July 9, 2017
posted by praemunire at 12:19 PM on July 9, 2017
A fantastic mattress.
posted by emeiji at 2:36 PM on July 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by emeiji at 2:36 PM on July 9, 2017 [1 favorite]
Came in to say mattress. But I will also agree with the jewelery idea. The thing about jewelry is that most jewelery doesn't / won't seem worth it, but keep shopping until you find something that feels worth it. Ditto art, actually.
posted by salvia at 3:09 PM on July 9, 2017
posted by salvia at 3:09 PM on July 9, 2017
Can you spend your $2000 on a weekend getaway for you and your spouse? Something romantic where you fly in, meet in the middle, hole up in a beautiful spot for some alone-together time, then leave? That sounds like the perfect luxury to me.
posted by AmandaA at 8:54 AM on July 10, 2017
posted by AmandaA at 8:54 AM on July 10, 2017
I posted this ask a few months ago on what types of moderately expensive things had the most positive effect on people's lives and got some really good answers. Maybe some of those will work for you as well. Congratulations!
posted by helloimjennsco at 2:21 PM on July 11, 2017
posted by helloimjennsco at 2:21 PM on July 11, 2017
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by bleep at 11:49 PM on July 8, 2017 [23 favorites]