I really think the deal is that anything “other” people want to spend money on is a waste of money and doesn’t make any sense while anything I/we want to spend on isn’t.
Bags, Shoes, Clothes, Haircuts, Cars, Technology, cable/faster internet, dining out, travel, computer/ipod/camera’s…you name it. I’m sure everyone here has some of these things that someone else would think is a total waste.
No need to knock other people for their interests as long as you don’t have to pay for it or support them.
That said, it is easier to get a fancier car than a fancier house so many people opt to get something decent before a home since it makes them feel good I suppose. I used to be a cheap car snob and got the cheapest Honda you can find without power anything, aircon, etc…1st car I had was a Honda civic which I drove till it was totalled after 13 years. Cost like 7k new back then with less than 80hp I think. A nice car just wasn’t a priority and I didn’t care. Now, I certainly appreciate nicer/faster cars and could certainly understand why people buy them. If it’s not your thing, there’s really no way to convince you otherwise since you’re just not into that…In terms of used cars vs. new, there’s been a lot of recent studies/articles (consumer reports had 1 I think) stating that new cars are actually not that much more expensive compared to used cars now since so many people are leasing (the BMWs are a good example that folks lease a ton). I sorta like new cars myself for that 20k new car smell! 🙂 Also, almost every car out there after 3-4 years is pretty much 50% off. Only exception I’ve seen seems to be the Mini Cooper and maybe some hybrids.
Splurging on cars can be true for housing too. Do you really even need to have nice schools for your kids? Some folks probably don’t think so and just kick their kids out at 18 to let them fend for themselves. Might make them more competitive actually…
I had a family member who used to live in the worst parts of Oakland since it was so cheap. I wouldn’t, but it was ok for him I guess.
Different strokes for different folks.
In terms of their future retirement, I’m sure the folks who “waste” money young will have a tougher time no matter what compared to the hardcore savers even with any kind of help the gov offers.
Lastly, I’ve known people who are worth multi millions (over 10 mil) who are so miserly, it’s sad. They complain that they want to travel, are proud they get 20 dollar haircuts (I used to get $8 one and I’m some people get $5 from those hair cut students) and was worried they didn’t have enough in case they got sick or if they live too long (they are already in their late 60s/70s). Sorta annoying there. One of my aunts is like that as well.
I think having some balance is the key. If you like cars, splurge there, cut back elsewhere. Like tech toys, enjoy…buy a cheap used car…Don’t think there’s anything wrong with spending some of your hard saved money.
