How to let go of the purse strings

silverwhistle

Vitor has come up with some good ideas there but I think it's important to pick and choose based on your own priorities. I've not flown in a plane since 2015 for example (it was cheaper than rail!). Slightly embarassed to say I'm up in a helicopter again tomorrow as that's my BFF's addiction but I do give her a generous contribution every time.

Receiving a FS pension at 50 based on service to 45 was odd. Not enough to live on but a good foundation and I managed to leave work that bored me to tears as all the interesting stuff had been outsourced. Subsequent employment was about a third of what I earnt before, but adjusting to income was easy enough (mortgage paid etc.). When I received the state pension I started saving again!

Follow your fancies. For various reasons I fancied an EV, so instead of my usual 4 year old models I splashed out on a new one, but at a very good price. [I did my research, still an MSEr..] Drove the test drive with a grin and a bigger one when I drove out of the dealer! Off to Italy in it with my pilot in a couple of months to indulge in some serious wine tasting, white water rafting, ziplines etc..

I do understand the OP though, and last year I inherited a bit, and feel a bit guilty. I could get a bigger, longer range EV but that would really be pushing my MSE credentials and have no need for one as my current model does what I want it to.

Shimrod

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81989983#Comment_81989983

When it comes to retirement, for many of us MSE should stand for money spending expert instead. It's how best to get value for money, but remembering that we accumulated to spend in later life. I took often find myself dithering over relatively small expenditures that we can easily afford - it's a habit that has been ingrained over the past decades of saving.

missile

Easy once you realise money cannot buy happiness

MarzipanCrumble

"

Easy once you realise money cannot buy happiness

But it can ease the way to happiness by eliminating worry and stress and giving (always) a choice.

missile

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81995636#Comment_81995636

and buy me a new Porsche <LOL>

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81993030#Comment_81993030

It can buy a nice restaurant table at Royal Ascot.

The 'Vista' restaurant starts from £3,720 per person on Thursday & Friday.

Personally I would choke on the food at that price 😄

Vitor

That's meant for corporate shmoozing, the options at around £500 are more suited to punters. I've found VIP packages at racecourses such as York and Ayr make for a pleasant day out; good view under cover, nice meal, easy acess bar and a dedicated Tote.

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81998259#Comment_81998259

I am sure there is a lot of corporate shmoozing going, but there are also some very wealthy people in the world/London/ around the Ascot area.

I booked an 'inside seat' at the Races once, but spent 90% of the time outside because it is a sport I follow, and I prefer being close to the action/horses. Plus its a lot cheaper to watch in the Grandstand than the VIP lounge ( no purse strings being let go here 😄)

annielyn

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81998543#Comment_81998543

Guess its Horses for Courses! (Sorry , couldn't resist)

It is interesting to see what people are happy and willing to spend their money on though.

Murphybear

someone mentioned charity shops. I love them. I managed to lose 6 stone with help from my diabetes nurse and a strict low carb diet😺

Of course there was a downside, my clothes were far too big 🙀 so I gave most of them to charity. I spent the next few months looking on eBay and visiting the local charity shops in our town. It’s an affluent area and some of the things they have are brilliant, very high end.

One day my OH went shopping and came back with a big surprise for me. He had found a stunning dress in one of the charity shops. It is dark red, made of silk and has a bolero to match. It’s from a local firm that hand makes things to order. It cost £10😺😺😺 The only problem was it’s a size 14 but even with my weight loss I’m a size 16. On my bucket list is being able to get into the dress before I pass.

now we’re getting on a bit we’ve decided to slim our savings and spend them on luxury items. As he says, you can’t take it with you. We have no one to leave our money to so whoever is left will leave everything to charity. My choice is either Cats Protection or the local Air Ambulance.

I’ve found something to splash out on. There’s a local air club and they do lots of pleasure flights. The jewel in the crown is an original 2 seater Spitfire. Trips start at £2800 🙀🙀🙀

But as he says, you can’t take it with you