Do you overspend on luxury items as a nurse?

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When you went into the nursing profession and received your first salaried job, did it make you want to spend more and buy luxury cars, electronics ,etc?

I ask this because I'm pretty frugal, but when I see a car or new gadget that I really really like the first thing that comes to my mind is "I'm going to get that when I become a nurse". Did any of you nurses felt like that with your salary where you just have to buy, buy, and buy because you can afford it but you don't need it?

No. I live with my parents so I live like I am a teenager working at the grocery store or something. I spend only $200 of what I take home after my expenses per month. I am putting a good chunk into retirement and the other chunk is being saved up for a house.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

It depends. My husband and I prioritise experiences over things, so we do splurge on vacations, but we can afford to. Our home is paid off and we don't buy new cars before we need to. Spending money on something that rapidly depreciates never has made sense to me. There are nurses I know with 50k cars that can't afford to go out and actually do anything for fun because of their car payment--really makes you wonder what their values are and why.

That said, I have silly things I shouldn't spend money on that I do. Occasionally being frivolous is harmless if it isn't an addiction. I bought a Chloe bag when I first started, and a few pairs of fancy leather shoes that will last a lifetime. It's not an everyday thing, though.

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awes,e experience

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Specializes in public health.

Nurses can go bankrupt just like everybody else if they don't watch their finance closely. If I want a Ferrari I wouldn't become a nurse. It takes too long to get something like that in my profession. :)

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Specializes in GENERAL.

No. I over spend on a nurse I know who likes luxury items all to no avail. She still wants to marry that Jewish doctor nonetheless. But, I love her...I love her... I love her.....!!!!!!

Do you suspect a problem here? Be honest. I can take it.

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No. I over spend on a nurse I know who likes luxury items all to no avail. She still wants to marry that Jewish doctor nonetheless. But, I love her...I love her... I love her.....!!!!!!

Do you suspect a problem here? Be honest. I can take it.

What does the doctor's religion have to do with anything?

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Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.

Yup! :D I bought a new car that was a hybrid to save on gas! Paid it off early and love it!

I just closed on a little house, under 1,000 sq ft, 2 bdrms 2 bthrms. I enjoy the money I'm making.

Next up going to spend my money on a degree-my daughter and myself. Life is good. :)

Oops well maybe these aren't' luxury items.

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What does the doctor's religion have to do with anything?

The stereotype that Jewish people are rich/good with money played into his joke.

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Specializes in Emergency.
The stereotype that Jewish people are rich/good with money played into his joke.

Jewish gramma 1: oy, i have good news and bad news.

Jewish gramma 2: and what's that?

1: the bad news is my grandson is gay.

2: so what's the good news?

1: he's marrying a doctor!

Before anybody gets the knickers in a knot, i'm a kinsman who answers questions with questions.

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I've always been a frugal person, that being said in the less than a year I've been a nurse I've almost paid off all my debt! I think it's all relative, but I feel like I'm in the top 1% haha, I make an average nursing wage, but I seriously feel rich. I live in a small house in a crappy neighborhood with cheap rent, paid off all my bills, no kids, no car payment etc. It's freaking awesome, I have so much extra money to spend on whatever I want, always pay cash of course.

That being said I work with a lot of people who are no better off financially than when me when I was working as a CNA living paycheck to paycheck.

You can live as luxurious as you want. But if you graduate and just head off straight into the "american dream", buy a new house and a new car, pop out a few kids, well, there goes your paycheck, just sayin ;) All depends how you want to spend your money and what makes you happy!

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

I live in probably the best area in the U.S. for nurses considering wages and cost of living. I know many nurses who work every day or almost every day. I know a guy who owns 3 luxury cars, his very nice house is paid off and he goes to Vegas a few times a year and spends TONs with a few other nurses who like to party. I can't imagine his family sees him much.

i could spend money on stupid nice things if my husband wasn't a stay at home dad. But having that, to us is a luxury because it benefits our boys.

Im planning on working some OT this year, but it's more to pay off my car enough to not be upside down so I can get something other than a coupe to haul around my kids. Our hope is to eventually have my student loans paid off and our cars paid off. I'd work OT for that, for more freedom. My biggest goal is to be financially stable enough to work more part time at my job and maximize time with my family. :)

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I am pretty sure I am spending less now, because I am NOC and am usually asleep during the day.

I used to maintain a nice wardrobe but now I am either in scrubs or sweatpants. I don't recall the last time I bought anything dressy.

I notice my coworkers all have very nice cars. My car is good for several more years but I could see getting something a little fancier and more plush the next time.

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