I too got a "a charge from watching my net worth climb"
once I started paying attention. Re. backing off and becoming a "non-Jones" consumption-wise, here are
some concrete examples from my high consumption life vs. my current situation:
Before 2 Cadillacs
After 14 year old Jeep, 7 year old pick up
Before 2400 SF house
After 1100 SF cottage
Before Expensive wardrobe
After Don't own a suit, maybe 2 dress shirts
Before Routinely bought new stuff (appliances etc)
After Almost all furniture/appliances bought used
Before Lots of jewelry/artwork
After Most sold. Only wear wedding ring and a watch.
Before New 19 ft. Bayliner plus a small used jon boat
After Bayliner sold. Still have jon boat.
Before We had 6 TVs in the house.
After Down to 3. Total invested $65.00
Sometimes I do ignore the budget and buy something just because I want it, but not often.
Since I retired completely in 1998, I splurged on
a new motorcycle. Otherwise, the only major cost
items went into the house. I do find
I am more willing to spend now. My net worth is up,
I am closer to SS, and being older am more aware of the "can't take it with you" concept. I agree with
Cut-Throat..... it has little appeal to find yourself 95 years old and only be able to say, "Gee, my SWR worked out
real well!"
JG