Micro-BTD (less than $100)

[Route246]

Anyone have any micro-BTD (less than $100) moments? I'm talking about ridiculously overpaying for something relatively inexpensive, obviously getting ripped off and not caring one bit about it.

My latest is filet-o-fish sandwiches from McDonalds. For years I've boycotted them for myself (still do) but recently I've started getting them for my wife who loves them like me but respects my principles of not overpaying (they vary from $6 to over $8 here in California). Something softened in my brain and on a recent road trip we stopped at McDonalds 4 times in 5 days while driving the interstate and she had one at each of our stops. Son and I split a 2-fer Big Mac deal. With sales tax in California that is almost $9 for a fish sandwich. Crazy BTD (micro- that is)...LOL.

 

[USGrant1962]

I've noticed a couple recently. One is that I play computer games. Lately, if there is something in my genre on sale on Steam that I'm on the fence on I'll buy it at maybe $20 or less. Feels like if it doesn't work out it not a big deal.

The other is a bit of OPM, but I travel occasionally on my consulting gig or on my new volunteer advisory board. At megacorp, even when I was on expenses, I was pretty frugal. I've overcome that handicap! A year ago I spent a lot of time in one city and tried every Sushi restaurant in the downtown area, and a couple in the burbs. We now do that same at home in our town. I've also started paying for premium cocktails at good bars. Or paying too much for a nightcap at the crappy hotel bar.

So really small stuff, but quite a change in attitude after many years of frugality.

 

[Midpack]

My micro BTD is often a larger % tip than I ever used to, and 20% has been my average in restaurants for years. Covid profoundly changed my POV on essential workers, maybe forever. The $ difference between a good tip and a great tip is usually not much…

 

[tutan]

I've noticed a couple recently. One is that I play computer games. Lately, if there is something in my genre on sale on Steam that I'm on the fence on I'll buy it at maybe $20 or less. Feels like if it doesn't work out it not a big deal.

The other is a bit of OPM, but I travel occasionally on my consulting gig or on my new volunteer advisory board. At megacorp, even when I was on expenses, I was pretty frugal. I've overcome that handicap! A year ago I spent a lot of time in one city and tried every Sushi restaurant in the downtown area, and a couple in the burbs. We now do that same at home in our town. I've also started paying for premium cocktails at good bars. Or paying too much for a nightcap at the crappy hotel bar.

So really small stuff, but quite a change in attitude after many years of frugality.

Cocktails are dough blowy for me. But I often wonder how much money one can spend on sushi, or rather a good spread of sashimi and skip the tummy filling rice. It’s very tempting.

 

[Mark1]

My micro BTD is often a larger % tip than I ever used to, and 20% has been my average in restaurants for years. Covid profoundly changed my POV on essential workers, maybe forever. The $ difference between a good tip and a great tip is usually not much…

+1
Also, micro BTD now while eating out, e.g., I tell DW to get the good wine and not the HH wine; I get the saute onions for my burger, etc.

 

[razztazz]

Sorry, but these days my big spend is usually just buying the brand name of something instead of the house brand. Planter's peanuts vs Walmart is a big spread. There was a time I'd just go without peanuts.

As far as tipping, I adopted big tipping back in the late 70's early 80's. Inflation and unemployment were double digits or flirting with it. I had a good steady, if merely adequately paying job. I traveled some in those days and ate in restaurants a lot. I noticed most people waiting tables were either young people like me or older ladies like my mother. I felt for them and was grateful for the golden handcuffs

 

[GenXguy]

It bought some ribeye steak at the grocery store. Definitely too expensive, but I decided to splurge and didn't care since it was the exception.

 

[Koolau]

I'm with Route246. I won't micro-blow on myself very often, but for DW, the sky is the limit! She's as naturally frugal as I am, but I'll buy her an individual Dove Ice cream bar from time to time. She wouldn't buy it for herself and I never eat them, so it's BTD for DW all the way. She's worth it!

 

[latexman]

Yes, I’ve been consistent with my micro-BTD for years. By chance, if our server has went or is going to my Alma mater, the tip doubles (40%), as a minimum, or I just leave a $20 bill. It makes me feel better for when I was in university and could not tip well.

 

[target2019]

A few months ago I tried out Peacock Premium, to watch some soccer games. I went to cancel and the offer was two (2) additional months for $2.50 each. Since the olympics are coming up I went for it.

However, I see I'm only covered until August 2, but some must-watch games come after my expire date (if I cancel).

Now a $20 offer for a full year comes along for new subscriber. I'll do that before the end of June.

But it makes me feel they are toying with me. Lol.

edit: I have no idea what micro-BTD means. double Lol.

 

[old medic]

We were just discussing this the other day. Until a few years ago we very rarely went out to eat. Now we go out more in a month than we use to in a year.

 

[Jerry1]

Groceries. Specifically, produce. I'll go to the store that has the better produce and pay the premium. In fact, I just found a new store with a better selection but a little farther away from the house. Looked like their prices were a bit better so maybe that will offset the gas cost. Still, a good deal more $$$ than my nearby Kroger.

 

[tutan]

I occasionally buy the brown eggs instead of the white eggs at Costco. The price is almost double IIRC but eggs laid by pasture raised chickens seem better than chickens free-ranging inside the hen house.

 

[Midpack]

I occasionally buy the brown eggs instead of the white eggs at Costco. The price is almost double IIRC but eggs laid by pasture raised chickens seem better than chickens free-ranging inside the hen house.

We always buy pasture raised.

 

[aja8888]

Breyer's low carb ice cream bars (are they really ice cream? (probably not)) - $4.67 for 6.

 

[Major Tom]

Now here's a thread I can relate to. I couldn't relate to the BTD thread, as I never made those sorts of purchases. Micro-BTD though - now that's something I can get behind!

I recently sold my campervan. I had been thinking about it for a year or so, and with the annual insurance bill coming up, as well as the need for a new set of tires, I figured I'd sell it before those expenses came up. I made the buyer aware that the tires were 5 years old, BTW, and would need replacing soon. I'm not that kind of a seller! Running and maintaining the campervan was my only main expense beyond the essentials. Without it, the possibility of micro-BTD purchases seemed quite appealing.

On selling the van, most of the proceeds went into VMFXX, where I keep most of my cash. About $1500 went into checking, and was intended to be used for a few fun hobby purchases. 2 months later, I still haven't made them. This is a big reason I was able to retire early - I just don't spend money on things unless I either need them, or really, really want them. Recently, I have been enjoying experiences much more than things. As a result, I'm spending more time in local coffeeshops and cafes. More museum visits, and even the occasional concert ticket. More cheap lunches out, and more time spent lingering over coffee and a bagel, watching the world go by, and talking to passersby. Yesterday, while tackling coffee and a breakfast bagel, a feller I hadn't seen in a year or so walked by. Seeing me, he came in and we had the most wonderful catch-up chat for an hour. That wouldn't have happened if I'd had my coffee at home.

Also, like Midpack, I am tipping a bit more when I eat out. On cheap eats, the extra 5 or 10% doesn't amount to much, but it feels good to do.

 

[pacergal]

Like others: going out to eat more, buying better brands at the grocery store if I want.

Still feel pretty frugal, though.

 

[Sunset]

I bought a small box of those "Magum" ice cream bars. They are very tiny, but super thick chocolate and very delicious. For the same price I could have bought 1.5 Quarts of ice-cream.

 

[Goldendoodlebug]

On Saturday we went to a play downtown. We didn’t realize a huge parade was happening that evening. We couldn’t find street parking. Eventually we found a lot. It was preprogrammed to 25.00. Usually lots are 5.00 after 5:00.
We paid it.

I’ve always been a good tipper but since COVID I tip 20.00 in cash for my pedicures.

 

[skyking1]

I had worked on the Beetle ( I know, polar opposite of BTD ) and left the key on so I could move the front wheels. Long story short, I killed my decent aftermarket car audio unit with Bluetooth and microphone, HD radio.
I made a 200 mile round trip to do some dealings at the property with it. No tunes, no bueno.
There is a Radio Shack up there and they stock the Shokx Open run conduction headsets for the same price as online. I did NOT go home without tunes that day! ~$140 and I will replace that dead car unit too.

 

[GenXguy]

I bought Domino's pizza with extra toppings yesterday - I normally never do that. 50% off menu price deal made it easier plus 5% cashback on CC. This is my month for eating out extra. lol

 

[Aerides]

Technically less than 100:

We had already decided on a fancy faux-omakase dinner - it was fusion italian japanese multi course but looked like a unique experience, for $150 pp.

DH and I were deciding what to get to drink. We were staying at a hotel with an uber, and in for a couple of hours of dining based on the course menu, so driving not an issue. He figured he'd want a good sake for the more japanese courses, but I don't care for it, and he didn't want to spring for a good bottle for himself- even though they are usually only 375ml, it's a lot for one person. (no we're not talking that little hot bottle with two cups lol). I was looking at wine but it was the kind of place where a glass starts at $25.

The dinner featured an optional pairing menu, with wines, champagnes, and sake for each course, so we went with that, another $95pp (see I told you technically!). We googled the one sake pairing, and the bottle would be over $150 at total wine. We decided to go for it, and it was amazing. Each drink for each course was carefully selected - and smaller pours of course or they'd have had us sleeping there. When the first appetizer arrived, it was three small different creations, and was paired with 3 individual champagnes.

We quickly realized it was the right call, but don't let anyone on the inflation threads come in here!

The whole night was wonderful, the kind of service where you feel you are the only person there, even if you aren't paying for crazy expensive drinks.

 

[aja8888]

Tonight, I meet with the guys in the picture (avatar) for our weekly 2 mile walk at 7 PM (yes, they can make it) and then to Ronnie G's bar for dinner/drinks (burgers/nachos, etc). It's MY TURN to buy tonight (we rotate) and I don't drink spirits, so I get a big bill with only my water on it for liquid refreshments vs the beer/wine they drink. So the bill for 5 or 6 guys can be $100+ and than a 25% tip. When it's not my turn, I order Diet Coke to add to someone else's tab to get even (or close).

 

[Qs Laptop]

I bought a small box of those "Magum" ice cream bars. They are very tiny, but super thick chocolate and very delicious. For the same price I could have bought 1.5 Quarts of ice-cream.

I will sometimes splurge and get Haagen Dazs or else Ben & Jerry's "The Tonight Dough".

 

[Beldar]

Groceries. Specifically, produce.

Yes, I have to admit, I now purchase English & Persian cukes exclusively over the LBYM cheepies. Oh the Humanity!

_B