Do you overspend on luxury items as a nurse?

Bumex, DNP, NP · Jul 10, 2016

I try to live way below my means in order to be able to save....and pay off student loans.

loriangel14, RN · Jul 10, 2016

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.

Instead of blowing money on fancy stuff why not try to save some money while you live with your Mom? One thing I have learned us that "stuff" doesn't bring happiness.

martymoose, BSN, RN · Jul 10, 2016

No I dont overspend- theres nothing to overspend with! Or else I wouldnt be driving a 13 year old truck with 225,000 miles on it. Boy, I would love to have a new one of those- or even a used one.

Erythropoiesis · Jul 10, 2016

Instead of blowing money on fancy stuff why not try to save some money while you live with your Mom? One thing I have learned us that "stuff" doesn't bring happiness.

Absolutely agreed. This is an important point OP. I'm 24 years old and I learned this only about a year or two ago. Unnecessary stuff doesn't bring happiness--it provides you with a 30 minute thrill, that's it. The closest I can describe the feeling is when you eat a piece of cake, or a few cookies, knowing darn well it's not a nutritional requirement and you really shouldn't. Then after the very short-lived thrill of how good it tasted wears off...you're left feeling kind of sick but even more so guilty. Sometimes it's not even as good as you thought it was going to be and you're just mad that you are it to begin with. That's what it always felt like to me when I bought things I knew were extravagant and that I didn't really need. It's not worth it. I'd rather put that money into my retirement fund.

proud nurse, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2016

I can admit I'm a sucker for a certain brand of candles and quilted bags. To me, those are my luxury items.

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 11, 2016

I don't overspend, but it has given me the means to make sure my children get to have the braces they need and the medical resources they deserve as special needs kids. I will admit that they are spoiled, but culturally-they go (and love) museums, concerts, baseball games, cool historical places to visitand they will be able to have good educations.

I feel blessed to have my job which allows us to give our kids a childhood as normal as can be for them (both are T1 diabetics)

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2016

I live well below my means, always have.

Material goods have no value for me. I'd rather spend money on travel and education. I'm also planning to retire at 57, so I'm actively saving for that.

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 11, 2016

I'm saving my money for a house and grad school. I do spend money but it is only on items of quality that I like and will use for a long time.

Kitiger, RN · Jul 11, 2016

Two words: Dave Ramsey.

WE'RE DEBT- FREEEEEEE!

NOADLS · Jul 11, 2016

I bought my girlfriend red bottoms earlier this month. Looking over previous posts, please don't look into my garage. Most of you will be depressed.

Fleuvre · Jul 11, 2016

Yes when I know that OT is plentiful.

ArtClassRN, ADN, RN · Jul 11, 2016

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?

If that is someone's mindset when they are considering a career in nursing, they are definitely pursuing the wrong job.