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freebird5825 · 01-23-2009, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt34

Not a bit of remorse. I am thoroughly enjoying it on the few warmish days we've had so far and I'm and looking forward to warmer weather. Although writing a 5-figure check does make me a little tense, looking at it in the garage I just smile.

We are on the same page.
I figure it this way - I cut costs so much in all other aspects of my life, I need a fun and totally materialistic outlet.

Buying it was not beyond my means while I was still w*rking.
My midlife crisis car may be totally self-indulgent, but you know what? That's exactly why I bought it.

In warm weather, I just love to hop in that car, put the top down, crank up the radio and go for cruises around the countryside. It makes me feel young to tool around, downshifting for the curves, opening it up on a flat stretch, etc. The best is watching people recognize the 'Stang as a look-alike of a memory of their own and seeing the big smiles. I get a lot of "thumbs up" and friendly waves

from other drivers.

Gpond · 01-23-2009, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ziggy29

I have the opposite problem; I have to fight the urge to be an extreme miser and squirrel away every extra cent we have to our name.

I am the same way. I see something I like at the mall or on TV then spend half a day looking for it cheaper on the Internet. Then come to the realization if I just wait a couple months it will be cheaper. A couple month later I forgot what I wanted to buy. Works like magic.

unclemick · 01-23-2009, 08:57 AM

Hmmm - mine was a 1967 XKE 2+2 coupe bought in 1970. Within a year I bought a 1961 Pontiac Bonneville cause it started in cold weather(Denver) and had room for parts(for the XKE). Plus single and under thirty male - insurance was a trip.

Hmmmm - now in ER may be time to sin again - not getting any younger.

heh heh heh -

W2R · 01-23-2009, 09:02 AM

Frank wants a Miata, but for a couple of years now he has resisted the urge to buy one. He says he really doesn't need one and couldn't drive a convertible on most days down here anyway.

I am so proud of him for not giving in to the urge to splurge! It's not easy.

ziggy29 · 01-23-2009, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Want2retire

I am so proud of him for not giving in to the urge to splurge! It's not easy.

It's interesting how circumstances change your perspective on this. It hasn't historically been easy for me to resist a good splurge, even though I've always been a pretty good saver. But today, given our current household circumstances, I find it very difficult to spend anything that doesn't absolutely have to be spent.

TromboneAl · 01-23-2009, 09:12 AM

Sometimes the urge to splurge can be fulfilled by shopping at garage sales. I know it sounds silly, but bringing home something neat or useful can satisfy the urge.

Could be the urge to shop or buy things is related to the urge to hunt or gather. You prepare, you spot your prey, you shoot, and you bring home the booty. Works the same for a deer, a car, or a blender.

NW-Bound · 01-23-2009, 09:14 AM

My first car was a Mustang 69, though not a convertible. My 3rd car was a 75 Datsun Z-280. My current car is a 95 minivan. Next car either a hybrid or a high MPG like T-Al's. I am done with fast cars.

W2R · 01-23-2009, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ziggy29

It's interesting how circumstances change your perspective on this. It hasn't historically been easy for me to resist a good splurge, even though I've always been a pretty good saver. But today, given our current household circumstances, I find it very difficult to spend anything that doesn't absolutely have to be spent.

That's just prudent, given your circumstances!

I suspect that Frank's temptation is the fact that he knows he could always take a contract after we retire, and use the extra money to pay for "toys". However I keep reminding him that money = time, and I do think he is doing pretty well in his efforts to save.

W2R · 01-23-2009, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TromboneAl

Sometimes the urge to splurge can be fulfilled by shopping at garage sales. I know it sounds silly, but bringing home something neat or useful can satisfy the urge.

It doesn't sound silly to me!! I have found some real treasures at garage sales (well, treasures to ME!

). Also I can get the same satisfaction from going to a second hand store and buying something for nearly nothing.

kumquat · 01-23-2009, 09:20 AM

W2R

If the price of a Miata means the difference between retiring and continuing to work, perhaps the decision to retire has been made with undue haste.

W2R · 01-23-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kumquat

W2R

If the price of a Miata means the difference between retiring and continuing to work, perhaps the decision to retire has been made with undue haste.

Frank is only 54, and I think that he is toying with the idea of semi-retiring - - just taking a contract now and then, if he feels like it. I'm not sure he is ready to completely "hang it up", and only he knows that for sure. He could easily retire now if he was willing to live a somewhat frugal lifestyle, but then if he worked sporadically he wouldn't really have to do that. Whatever he wants to do is fine with me, as long as he is happy.

unclemick · 01-23-2009, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Want2retire

It doesn't sound silly to me!! I have found some real treasures at garage sales (well, treasures to ME!

). Also I can get the same satisfaction from going to a second hand store and buying something for nearly nothing.

Brisket for the neighbor over the back fence turned out great yesterday(we got to generously sample) - so the $10 Cajun Cooker/Smoker II bought last summer has got a ton of mileage - usually garage sale items are what I call dust catchers and after a few years get put out to be garaged saled to someone else.

heh heh heh -

bbbamI · 01-23-2009, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt34

Not a bit of remorse. I am thoroughly enjoying it on the few warmish days we've had so far and I'm and looking forward to warmer weather. Although writing a 5-figure check does make me a little tense, looking at it in the garage I just smile.

Now, if I could figure out a way to carry a bicycle on a motorcycle....

I'm looking forward to your avatar showing you and your motorcycle...