Do you overspend on luxury items as a nurse?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

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?

Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Hmmmm OP just how much money do you think nurses make? Very few that I know have the money for "luxury" . After my mortgage , taxes, car expenses , groceries and I send money to my kids in university there is not enough left over for that Lexus I want. You may be disappointed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I remember seeing things differently (idealistically) when I was younger, but fast-forward 25 years and I see things differently. One thing I can say is that you will have more money for luxuries if you don't start a family right away. Kids are expensive. Being married is a little more expensive than being single, at least in some ways. When I was young I didn't care much about saving, but luckily my smarter husband was a saver. I have to tell you, it is really nice not to have a house payment or a car payment or any credit card debt. I know it doesn't feel like saving is a priority when you have sacrificed so much to make it through school. I'm sure glad my husband is who he is.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in General Internal Medicine, ICU.

I've spent money on nice things like purses and vacations...but after paying off my student loans, and after making sure all my bills are paid. The nice things are my "treats", and as treats go, they are rare and planned for.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

I think everybody has to take into account the OP is only 18. That's a world of difference than most of us. Plus, luxury items to her are different at 18 than what they are to us. You have to think back to going out on your own for the first time and having pretty much zero responsibilities. No mortgage, no kids, many young adults don't have giant car payments. I also though think some good solid money management advice is good. I just don't know any 18 year olds with a mortgage.

I second getting to learn about Dave Ramsey. I did his plan and at 40 I live debt free except for my recent mortgage. I did though have my last house 100% paid for and will hopefully have this one paid for in 5-10 years. Other than that, no debt. I drive a decent car. Not a fancy brand, but it is loaded. It's paid for. I take nice trips every once in a while. And, I had the money to put down a decent chunk on my new home. It's a very nice home as well. Fairly new, decent yard, it's all up-to-date because it's less than 10 years old.

But I did that by living below my means. I don't have a closet full of shoes, my clothes are not name brand for the most part. I don't eat out very much. I budget every month. I don't have the latest electronics. But it's a trade-off and what is important to the person. Maybe somebody prefers a fancy car over a bigger house. Maybe the clothes matter more than the car or house. Everybody is different. As long as you are within your means and don't have 8 different credit cards, you will be good.

Live now as someday you will have lots of responsibilities such as a mortgage, kids, and all the stuff that goes with it. I buy cheap shoes so my kid can have the nice ones. I'm wearing shorts from 3 years ago so he can have the Nike clothes. That's how it goes with kids.

Have fun, but spend responsibly. I wish somebody had taught me that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, Pulmonary, Travel, Homecare, Psych..

With the exception of when I was a travel nurse, I never had the feeling that I was making enough expendable income to purchase 'luxury' items. Even then, my impulse spending got me a vase and a very decorative pub style eating table. (oh gee, I sound so boring).

I certainly never felt that a luxury car was suddenly in the budget, that's for sure.

IDK, I get HBO, probably wouldn't have done that before I was a nurse. Is that an exciting enough luxury? It is for me anyway, I watch Game of Thrones.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.
Luxury cars? A nurse? Seriously?

And why not?? As long as you have that 'luxury' non-nursing, white-collar spouse...:yes: But then if that's the case, why even bother with nursing at all?:down:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hmmmm OP just how much money do you think nurses make? Very few that I know have the money for "luxury" . After my mortgage , taxes, car expenses , groceries and I send money to my kids in university there is not enough left over for that Lexus I want. You may be disappointed.

Well the way I looked at it, I'm only 18 with not kids, bills, or relationship. A 35k salary after taxes would be enough to satisfy my wanting of mice things. I planned on living with my mom my first year as a nurse and pay back my student loans then I plan on moving out and find a very cheap apartment so I don't spend too much of my income on rent.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When I was in nursing school my idea of luxury was maybe being able to buy cheese that wasn't in the discount bin and maybe a book once in a while. And that totally happened and it was amazing! Now most of my income has generally gone to paying off my student loans as fast as possible, and rent. That's one thing that nursing has afforded me - the ability to live alone in a teeny but nice apartment in the city close to work. It's amazing. I'm never leaving.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Public Health, Maternal Child Health.
I grew up with nothing, so when I started making money, I bought shampoo that wasn't from the dollar bin and started making dinners that didn't come in a box. I felt like I was living the life ;)

yes this!! Me too! No more ramen noodles for dinner. Sometimes I even splurge on the $2.00 extra for a side of guacamole at Chipotle ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Public Health, Maternal Child Health.

We got a new apartment that was bigger that cost us $700 more per month than our last studio. We bought a new car so I could commute (0 downpayment!) and we got married so basically all extra money went to the wedding... We are living paycheck to pay check... But we are "comfortable" and we take at least 2 budget vacations per year.

for the first time in my life I can afford birthday presents or Christmas presents for all my friends and family. That's amazing as I always had a lot of guilt that I couldn't afford gifts for people.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have come to believe the best "luxury" on which to spend money is experiences, not things. If I am going to overspend this is where it will go. Life is short. That and I refuse to compare myself to others. IF they have luxury items, good for them. None of my business.

Yes. This. Any time I have extra money I try and get away to do something cool. Last weekend I drove just an hour out to a hiking trail with a friend, only money spent was on a tank of gas and some lunch, and we got legitimately lost in the woods for an hour. It was incredible. And cheap. I'd pick that over a new outfit any day.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, trauma.

I'm a new grad, i went to triple what i made with my two part time jobs while i was in college. I must admit i might have splurged a little with my new income....but i also don't have kids or any other responsibilities so hey why not? :cheeky:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment