Can I justify spending £170 on a "treat"?

MrsTinks

I know I know... £170 is like :eek: BUT when I say £170 it's actually more than that... Not only do I want to spend £170 on a treat, I want to spend a further £80 a month until I fall pregnant so in July that's £250 that I won't be OVER paying on my debts...

Now I'm not going to name names but the £170 is basically for a very very good dog trainer to come and do some work with me and our dog. The reason being that I've reached an impasse when it comes to her reaction to other dogs and it's my view I need professional help to resolve this. Yes I could probably get someone cheaper (infact I've attended lesson after lesson and whilst the problem is less than it was, it's NOT resolved. We will soon be trying to start a family and come the time when I am pregnant I CAN'T be in a situation where my dog takes a dislike to another dog. So... this is my reason for approaching this dog trainer for help. I class it as a "treat" because it's not essential if you see what I mean?

The £80 a month (or £20 a week) is for riding lessons. I currently have no hobbies (other than MSE) and I have cut our wine and 99% of all alcohol so am saving a bit each week from not drinking. Riding has always been my passion and I need to loose a few pounds if the nurse is to be believed and obviously once I get pregnant I can't do excessive exercise so I'm returning to what I know not only works but I will enjoy (and it will be a great de-stresser for me, something I desperately need thanks to my job!).

And ultimately both these things are things I WANT to do. OH is happy for me to do them but I am sat here and looking at the £250 amount and I'm struggling... £250 I could OVER pay on my debts...

DFW has got me SO addicted I am now struggling to cough up for this because I'm so set on bringing forward my debt free date although I honestly feel the money will be well spent...

Dear DFW's help me! Tell me it's ok to spend this! I mean I'm not going out and buying designer labels, having £120 hair cuts, buying things that will sit in my cupboard and never see the light of day.... I can AFFORD to spend this money... but I am struggling with putting my hands in my pocket far more than I EVER anticipated!

MrsTinks

Just to add... I'll still be over paying my debts in July by at least £500... It's just that it's not as much as I WANTED to over pay... I want to be debt free!!!

elantan

i think it is very important to get a balance between debt repayment and living horse riding sounds like fun to me and by the sounds of it you will benefit from the extra help with the dog training not that you need my permission but hey go for it

suzialwaysbroke

I'm biased as riding is my passion, but......life is short, I have given up as my horse died last year & I long to get back to it, but BIG debts dont allow. I guess, what I'm saying is go for it, also re dog.... if it works, then money well spent as dog will be happy member of family & a joy to have around (yep, you guessed it, got dogs too, I so shouldn't be giving advice on this!)

Suzi xx

PS, if you do go back to the gee gee's, have a gallop for me. xx

NUFCnutter

I think yes you can do this. The dog training is important. You need your dog to be able to be around other dogs.

As for hobbies, I think we all deserve to have some time out for ourselves. You are over paying by £500, you can allow yourself something for you.

hypno06

I agree with El....it is all about balance.

As long as you are not going short of the essentials by doing this, then go for it!

And it is an investment really - the less stressed you are, the quicker you will get pregnant, and the quicker you will stop paying out the £80!!

doodledo_2

I have to agree if you can afford to overpay £500 and do something you love than I say go for it.

I had a similar "guilty" feeling about booking my daughter some swimming lessons as I chose to go to a one to one lesson rather than one at our local leisure centre.

My nieces had been going to the cheaper ones for two years and showed little improvement. In 3 weeks my 3 year old is jumping in by herself and doing a very cute doggy paddle so I am hoping that paying that bit extra now will pay dividends later.

MrsTinks

Thanks gang... You know how daft I feel having to ask for others to tell me it's ok to spend a little on "me"... Through the wedding (and even on honeymoon) I have been keeping my mse head on.... with the result it cost a lot less than people thought and I feared...
I've got so used to stopping myself spending that I really felt sick at the thought of £170... I know to some people it's a small fortune and that made it even worse! Yes it's a lot of money, but I CAN afford it... *takes a few deep breaths* I CAN spend money, I CAN spend money... *puff puff puff*

MrsTinks

(btw DH thinks I've lost the plot :rotfl: He knows we can afford it too and really doesn't understand why I am struggling about this!)

chal

Maybe I'm playing devil's advocate here, but I think it's very selfish of you to consider this while you have debts.

Just kidding

Go for it. You're already overpaying on your debts, so it's not like you're using core money to do this, and it will help make your life both easier and more enjoyable - this will only help you continue to deal with your debts.

Enjoy!

Horace

MrsT its all about work life balance - you need a well trained dog (one that behaves itself and doesn't bark or snap at other dogs) plus you need something called ME TIME. What I am saying is go riding each week and train the dog at the same time.