In what aspect of life are you best a cheapskate (aka summoning your inner Dave Ramsey thread)?

The main indulgence, however, was college for three kids. We paid for them to go where they got in and wanted to go and didn't insist on an in-state ROI discussions and all that. One kid got into UW honors college and wound up going to the most expensive school of her choices. That has entailed sacrifice. In one case, did it benefit the kid really? No, I don't think so. In another, it was clearly a good investment. And I think in this last one, it will prove to have been, but that story isn't entirely yet written.

I have drawn the line. The oldest came out talking about law school, and I figured she'd profile for one of the NW privates or public OOS, and I don't think her toolkit sets her up to be good lawyer. I told her that while both her sisters were in private college that there wasn't an extra $40k / yr. in the budget for her, so she'd have to borrow, and that I thought it was a risk for her at that time in her life. She needed to live a little off the family tit. She'd be ready for it now, but I think that moment has passed.

The second got into fully funded PhD programs in math and decided beyond the last minute she wanted a masters and will "think about a PhD". Masters are typically not funded. She miraculously found one that is close to fully funded, and we're helping with rent but I made her borrow a small amount for the balance. She's one who gets these opportunities people dream about and tends to take them for granted, so I thought she needed some skin in the game going forward.

The last one wants to get her PhD and be a practicing clinician. We shall see where that goes. Talking about a PhD is fun. Getting one is another matter.

creepycoug said:

On indulgences, I'd say when we go on vacation we don't like to stay in cheap hotels. That's not a creepy snooty brand thing ... we're both people with a strong sense of place and we both value a nice lobby and room to return to after a long day out fucking around somewhere away from home. So while we don't do Four Seasons very often, we don't go low to save a few $$ on accommodations. Same with food. We spend for food.

It's not worth it for sure. If you're gonna do it, save a bit more and do it right.

Clothes are my number one on that. Buy good quality for the love of god. It's easy nowadays with men's stuff and direct order. Shoes in particular.

I like having fewer things but all good stuff.

YellowSnow said:

whlinder said:

Own 1 vehicle for a long time and lease the other, much nicer one. Want to drive cheap ass vehicle 1 til it dies.

1 Kid helps a ton

I hate spending $$ on clothes but occasionally I will get decent stuff.

Luxury baubles... I don't do watches or toys like Jeeps/boats/motorcycles, but the country club and all my golf probably counts

No student loans and no sporting tickets. Vacations we do "efficient" but not cheap.

We’re getting killed by all the gear needed to live in a resort town. New golf clubs, SUP for the Mrs, Mt Bikes for the whole fam, new fly Rod. I think Dave Ramsey says to live in Kansas or something.

I've "lived" (for a month at a time) in Kansas. Hunting, fishing/boating on man made lakes.... uhhh... rodeo? Shitty golf (other than Prarie Dunes)?
"Doing stuff" costs money. Recreation or vacations or drinking or sporting events.... if you do stuff, you spend money. If you don't, you save money.

Of course there has to be some point to life, so better to do stuff than not.