The hidden luxuries we spend on

amother

Copper

Thu, Dec 26 2024, 10:54 am

I grew up poor. Holes in my shoes poor.

Im not poor today, BH middle class, but the little luxuries feel very indulgent. For example:

I live in Boro Park. I take ubers rather frequently. I feel like it's a luxury because really I could walk.

Whenever I buy lunch I feel like that's a luxury. Like wow I can just buy a salad instead of making it for a fraction of the price.

Daily lenses as opposed to monthlies. Hands down luxurious.

New kitchen towels. Even if they cost $5.99 each, I know mentally that's not a lot of money, but any time I replace the towels it's just wow, thank you Hashem I could afford to just get new ones for my comfort.

amother

Saddlebrown

Thu, Dec 26 2024, 11:24 am

amother Copper wrote:

New kitchen towels. Even if they cost $5.99 each, I know mentally that's not a lot of money, but any time I replace the towels it's just wow, thank you Hashem I could afford to just get new ones for my comfort.

I relate to the kitchen towels comment so much. A few years back when my husband lost his job it was such a scary time. I had needed to replace my kitchen towels and was afraid that maybe I shouldn't even spend the $30 on something that wasn't strictly necessary. In the end, I did decide to buy them. I wanted a daily reminder that Hashem is going to take care of us, that its important to feel good in the house, and it will be OK. And if he doesn't find a job, $30 is the least of my worries. Anyway, thankfully it did take a couple of years but we are back on our feet covering our bills and kitchen towels somehow is something that always reminds me to thank Hashem for our daily living.

queen123

Thu, Dec 26 2024, 11:56 am

We spend a lot on eating out. Probably eat out 2-3 times a week. My DH likes me to dress nice and likes when I get me outfits so we spend a lot on clothes. It’s frustrating because he wants me to buy new outfits but at the same time we don’t have the money for this. So I’ll just sweaters a lot in the winter with different skirts and he thinks each time it’s a new outfit lol

amother

Yarrow

Thu, Dec 26 2024, 12:44 pm

amother Natural wrote:

I'm missing a tooth an have a hole there for a few years already. It cost a few thousands to put in an implant.
Is that a luxury or a necessity?
I did without for a few years! What

Not so simple!

Well, Here is my story- pulled a few teeth over the years due to neglecting fillings/root canals. Then neglected implants. Now I can barely chew. I want to put in implants but I'm missing all the bone due to leaving it empty so long. SO if I ever want to chew again it is costing me minimum 50k for bone grafting and implants.
Now I am screwed.

CPenzias

Thu, Dec 26 2024, 12:59 pm

I say getting my nails done and purchasing audible books to listen to on my commute..luxuries are things we can live without.
If you don't get your teeth fixed you'll be unhealthy

amother

Marigold

Thu, Dec 26 2024, 1:23 pm

10k for 2 dental implants, would love to hear where to get it done cheaper
$6,500 per child for braces so far
Lots more on fertility treatment
It's crazy!

amother

PlumPink

Thu, Dec 26 2024, 1:34 pm

Getting a cheap manicure every week (almost) is my hidden luxury. It's about $25 but discourages my nasty habit of nailbiting.
Went a few weeks without, and my nails ended up grossly short.

amother

Bubblegum

Thu, Dec 26 2024, 9:40 pm

Ivf is sure thing a luxury thus far spent 25k and that’s before paying for the insurance bills

Middle class doesn’t get a penny from all these organizations .

amother

Ultramarine

Thu, Dec 26 2024, 9:52 pm

amother Bubblegum wrote:

Ivf is sure thing a luxury thus far spent 25k and that’s before paying for the insurance bills

Middle class doesn’t get a penny from all these organizations .

I agree, IVF is definitely a luxury. We have 2 kids and the thought of pouring all our savings into a chance of having more children, while definitely no guarantee...
We may end up with a baby, but no money, or no money and no baby...
If I was rich with an endless bank account, I wouldn't think twice.

Light1234

Thu, Dec 26 2024, 10:17 pm

Truth is, I think a lot of my groceries are luxury, even though I cook and don't buy ready made.
Why?
Because I know if I had to, I could scrimp and make cheaper meals.

↑ Trademark

Thu, Dec 26 2024, 10:35 pm

amother Ultramarine wrote:

Luxury is not defined by the cost. Just because it's unaffordable doesn't mean it's a luxury.

Many countries, like Israel, cover IVF. Would you say they are handing out luxuries?