OK, this is kind of a spin-off on my question about $50,000 more & frugal things you would or wouldn't do. Is there a point when you would say, "No, I'm not waiting for it on sale, we can afford it and I want it now," and not feel guilty about it? Like, you would walk into Baby Gap and see a really cute outfit that was all full price and just get it and that's okay?

If so, what would that point be? Is it an amount of income? An amount in your emergency fundings + fully funded retirement? All your debts paid off and you know this won't create more debt?

Or is there never a point when you would feel guilt-free/okay doing that? Would you always say some equivalent of, "Waste not, want not, silly to spend $150 or more on a baby outfit, we'll get it on sale or consignment."

(You can substitute some other splurge for the baby outfit, but you get the idea--something you KNOW is a ridiculous waste of money but you want it.)

I would never pay full price for Baby Gap or anything kid clothes - because of so little return for the money - they outgrow it WAY too fast!!

My dh is a videographer (for lack of a better term) and had started doing more and more freelancing that made purchasing a professional camera and tripod as well as computer to do this work. Did he "need" it? No. But he has more than made his money back and it made doing projects easier and faster.

I would be willing to pay more $$$ on things that will be with me longer = bigger return for the money.

I hate paying full price for anything.

The only exception are food basics.

Anything else, I can't stand paying full price. Of course, I can't say that I never buy things that are not on sale... I just hate doing it and will try to hold out as long as I can.

But, I also have in mind what is a good sale price. Some things that are "on sale" really aren't a great price.

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SAHM to 4 rugrats

Well, but that is useful. My DH has similar genuine needs for equipment for his business. I try to make sure we find the best deal on them, but even though they are expensive, I don't feel guilty about it. I was thinking of the Baby Gap example, because it is SUCH a frivolous waste of money, really...but they are cute clothes! So what is the point you would not feel guilty about frivolously wasting money? (Instead of saving it for something else, or whatever.) Or is there one?

You said it. The number of times I see two of the exact same brand food item on sale at the same time, in the same store and when you do the math on them, the larger item costs twice as much per ounce as the smaller is amazing. Multiple times a shopping trip.

I am generally REALLY tight with money. I mean, my kids have gotten "gently used" items for Christmas. So I very rarely will pay full price for anything. My dh has a PEZ collection - I used to buy him those for 97c without feeling guilty.

Does that count?

ETA: I will got out to eat sometimes w/o a coupon. Usually I still feel guilty unless it is a "date" with dh.

I tell people, "I've been rich and I've been poor, but independently wealthy is where it's at."

About that rich part ... I've found that it is SUPER easy to live on a large income. I would think nothing of walking into a store, seeing something adorable and buying it without considering the price. I mean, really, we all have a price sensitivity point. For many people - and I mean society at large - if the price is above $40, they think twice about the purchase. For some of us, the break-point might be lower. When you are getting a hefty income, your break-point might be $100 (a nice restaurant meal, easy - just because you didn't feel like cooking) or a $200 pair of shoes. If you're even wealthier, it is nothing to spend $500, $1000, or $5000 on a whim.

So what you're really asking is, "What is your break-point?" Do you find it easier to say "yes" to a toy your kid wants at the dollar store or thrift store than you would if you were in Toys R Us?

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"I've been rich and I've been poor but independently wealthy is where it is at."

Well we have the money but I just can't spend full price STILL. My dh makes 150K and the only debt we have is car and house. If I wanted to go spend $300 it would be no big deal, I could do it, but I'm just too frugal in nature. I have to make sure I'm getting a good deal or I feel guilty. I couldn't even buy a coach purse that was on sale for $150 (down from $350) b/c I just couldn't see spending $150 on one purse. I just think about what all that money could buy/what savings account that could go in, etc. However, I see no problem spending $150 on something that would benefit the family or kids, like our Aquarium membership.

So I don't know what it would take for me. Probably over 200K per year, plus all savings maxed to the hilt and kids college funds very high. Or it might take our outragous mortgage being gone. I don't know, I just see materialistic things as such a waste!

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A woman is like a teabag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.-Eleanor Roosevelt

I think my frugal breaking point will be after we complete Dave Ramsey's Baby Step 3 & 4 (6 months expenses banked, 15% income going into retirement). Once we hit those milestones, I'll probably be comfortable letting up on frugal practices that take lots of my time now: scouring deal boards/ads, and DIY yard & car washes & toilet cleaning I don't see myself ever just paying sticker price for anything though--I like to get the best, but for less!--I think that's just a part of my personality that will not go away no matter how much money we make.