[USER]

We’re FI and just chilling at our own pace. Seeing our portfolio rising $500k in the last 6 months, does it ever tempt you to say I’m just gonna take that month long trip to Europe?

Or I’m just gonna go out and buy that $70k luxury car?

Do you ever get that feeling? Or is that lifestyle creep?

For those of you in that position, how do you handle that?

[Amanda]

I am nowhere near FI but I value experiences over things so would say to take that trip regardless, without a question.

Isn’t that the whole point??

No advice on the car. Be safe and comfortable.

Again that’s the point of having financial security, no?

[Monique]

I buy what I want within reason. I did all 7 continents in 7 months.

No regrets.

So long as I’m still saving and investing I’m not waiting for some phantom moment to enjoy my life.

[Jule]

We are on the same boat with a $700k growth YTD. We are still saving over $140k a year with no plans to reduce the savings until we retire in 13 years.

However, we are losing up our purse strings with our disposal income AFTER all of the saving buckets are fulfilled, and enjoying our money and time more now that our child is off to college and our house is fully renovated, we don’t have responsibilities at home.

With his college expenses taking care of and unlimited vacation time we can take off anytime and do anything we want.

For example, for Mother’s Day I got an $8000 Cartier watch I’ve been eyeing.

We also have several trips planned from now until the end of the year (Las Vegas for F1, Mexico, Madrid, Paris, Nice and a Caribbean cruise).

[Alex]

Yes, but it’s hard to pull away from frugal ways that got us here.

We are slowly opening up the purse strings, bought a couple new cars and planning bigger vacations.

[Mike]

I’m not FI but can see the temptation but also remember returns are averages over a long period of time.

The idea is there will be double digit drops at some point as well.

If you also reduce your spending during that time you may be fine but if not is when you get in trouble

[Ewa]

Actually in a similar scenario. Taking the month long trip this summer.

Going to wait on getting a new *non* luxury car for another year or two.

In the meantime thankful to drive around our 2006 Toyota Corolla north of 250k miles which has treated us well for almost two decades.

[Olivia]

Of course, why would you ever want to only travel when you’re old.

I just went on a two week trip to Europe and saw all these elderly people.

Great, travel when you’re old but why would you ever not do it when you’re young and can actually enjoy it.

1000 percent enjoy your life.

I just rented a very expensive villa for me and my family and it was a week of core memories.

Would you want your family to remember you only as a penny pinching no fun to be had because we have to save for this ideal of early retirement that probably will be boring and depressing anyway.

[John]

You are not guaranteed tomorrow. For some a car is more interesting than a trip.

For others it’s concerts, sports stadiums, etc.

once your time is up, it’s up. Buy the car. Take a trip.

Be responsible about it but don’t wait until you can’t enjoy it.

Your way.

[Adrienne]

We’re taking our 5 and 6 year old on an Alaska cruise with my parents next summer.

It’s expensive and they may not remember it but we will

[Marty]

Lifestyle creep is something that should happen.

You have more money than you did before, enjoy it on what makes you happy

[Jasmine]

For me it’d be no to the luxury car. Partly because I’m not into cars, and partly because I’d be reluctant to spend that much on a depreciating asset.

I possibly would upgrade my current car though, which is 20 years old.

Although it would just be to some sensible/practical Toyota, Honda or Mazda.

But yes to the trip to Europe! I’m more inclined to spend money on experiences than on depreciating assets.

[Charles]

If you’re FI and have the time why not? Cash some extra out for spending money.

Can’t eat the paper gains until you realize it.

Sold a chunk of VUG earlier this week for a car purchase.

Used cars have gone down significantly this past year.

Sold my old car last year so didn’t have a car for over a year so it’s the perfect time to cash out for real goods.

Nobody knows what the markets going to do in the short/mid term.

But we know it has gone up, and if you’re already FI, then you’re currently in excess.

We know prices have gone down for durable goods, and we know the dollar is at its’ strongest ever for a long time.

If you have the knack and time to travel, go for it.

Money is a tool and isn’t there to just look at.

[Yisira]

We travel hack so we don’t need to wait FI to travel but my personal preference if I am FI will be more traveling and learning.

I don’t really care about material things, it doesn’t add value to my life but that a personal preference.

Some people really hate traveling too

How do you handle it?

By answering what complete you and make you happy

[Author]

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