Same, when she was younger it was swimming; her OT and PT recommended it for therapy, and the forced routine, intense aerobic activity and forced social interaction did so much for her that it was worth every penny to us. Now that she’s older and has reached more of the daughter/friend stage, we enjoy hanging out: movies, broadway tours, museums, gymnastics season tickets…We’ve had so much quality bonding time; before too long she’ll be out on her own, so I want to enjoy the time together now. I don’t regret any of it; I just put it as a line item in the budget.
For DH and I it’s been softball season tickets; we’ve had so much fun at the games over the last 4 years. Being near a large university has its benefits, so much to do from speakers to plays to sports; there’s never a shortage of reasonably low cost entertainment (football aside).
We have a lot of farms in the county, so I love shopping them for local organic produce in season. It costs a little more at times, but the quality is so much better. The asparagus is beautiful this year, and strawberries will be ready soon!
We have three sons so I love buying clothing for my granddaughters, three of them. Now while they are still young. I have a grandson who is older and his mom is super picky about his clothes.
Call me an over-spender but I find that spending more often will cost less in the end.
To compensate, I try to spend less often, but on higher quality services, products, and contractors (for sure)
But to answer the OPs question, probably (1) travel and (2) things that provide good ergonomics/posture : foot wear (Hoka, New Balance), mattress, pillows, chairs, road bike for long rides, cars with comfortable seats for long drives.
The back problems, knee problems, and foot problems aren’t worth it and keep me out of the gym and off the bike which isn’t good for my health
I don’t spend money on my kids any more. D1 spends quite a bit on the GD, so I am careful about what I buy for her.
I don’t mind spending money on nice hotels, vacations, or sitting in a nicer seat on a plane.
I don’t mind spending money on wines, food, shoes, bags…the list goes on.
I’ll spend to visit people I love. Unfortunately everyone moved away, so it’s on me.
I’ll also spend on quality clothes and accessories that I’ll have and use for decades – eg, my Nieman Marcus black cashmere sweater dress; a black Coach belt; Longchamps bags; Frye boots. I love and have always loved fashionable, quality clothing.
*Our kids (18 and 21)
*Our dogs
*My dermatology-related txs (love peels, etc)
*My shoes
*Any and all books (subscriptions, etc)
*Streaming (music, movie and tv platforms, etc.)
But kids’’ needs and wants trump everything.
(If they ever took our indulgences for granted or were arrogant, then I’d pull back in a heartbeat. But they are great kids, and have big hearts towards others, too.)
{DH and I are so very fortunate to be parents.
Weren’t sure for years if we would ever become parents.
Thus, we are so thankful every single day for the babies born so many years ago that became ours to love and nurture. }
In no particular order:
My kid’s education
Most anything with my kids
Excellent doctors
Travel
Comfortable shoes
Personal Trainer
Cleaning woman
Golf
A good show
A quality meal out
Donations to causes close to my heart
Grandkids
Kids
Travel includes business class for long haul flights
Organic strawberries
Premium ice cream
Chicken from a local market
Nicer model car
High quality cooking ingredients
Hair color at a salon
I stopped spraying our clover, and let the deer take care of it. They’re a constant source of entertainment.
}