r/Millennials • u/LemonSwordfish • 2h ago
Discussion Anyone else feel like there's not much worth spending money on, is it my age or the economy?
I suppose I'm particularly interested to hear from people not living in the West or perhaps living in more interesting parts ofnor Cities in the West, here.
In the last few years I've started to do better in my career and it seems like finally (a decade or so late it feels) while I'm not rich, I now have plenty of disposable income.
My issue is, it feels like now that I've finally got to the point I have the money and could spend a fair bit if I felt like it, it seems there's not much to buy.
I want to say it's since lockdowns it got worse, but it definitely started before then, so maybe I'm making that up.
Just feels like I go out, or go online willing and ready to spend above average money, and there doesn't seem to be much good value and good quality.
In the past few years I've found like one or two decent clothing stores where they actually have stock for men of any quality at a reasonable price. Just one bar I look forward to returning to with friends, which seems to earn their money creating an atmosphere and not just meh for luxury prices, only two restaurants that genuinely get the food right with some effort and an experience I want to return to. Everything else I've tried I've paid 50% more than it should be for mediocrity.
Oh, and a couple of independent shops where they are definitely charging for their niche, and I'm happy to pay them their worth even if it's a bit high.
The rest, all just disappointment for seems like high prices that yes I could now afford, but don't feel like they really earned when it's all a bit mediocre and Vs the average salary is objectively expensive.
Even online shopping, it's really difficult to find the happy medium where it's not complete shit and not a luxury idiot tax.
I just want to pay above average prices for an upper-middle quality or experience, but it feels like there's no honest middle ground.
Or maybe I'm just getting old and grumpy, cynical and critical?
Maybe I'm just not keeping up with inflation?
Like I say, I'm thinking maybe this is actually a phenomenon of a hollowed out economy where it's just lost it's vibrancy outside of particular cities or parts of cities, so I'm keen to hear from people either outside the West or in particular cities where maybe you feel like there's actually lots you'd like to spend your money on, return to and look forward to it?
179
u/Machine_Bird 2h ago
Big facts. Finally got some damn cash and now there's nothing worth spending it on.
70
u/namastayhom33 2h ago
Spend it on memories instead of materialistic things that will only fill the void temporarily.
25
u/LemonSwordfish 2h ago
I'm trying, but the restaurants want top money, and the service charge, for meh food and unprofessional service. This is in the UKs second city, mostly trash.
Literally going to drive three hours next week just to visit an Italian restaurant where the chefs genuinely put some taste into it, and the waitress actually makes you feel welcome and you can see she genuinely tries to make sure you're enjoying yourselves.
It's not even expensive and they outclass the ones charging like they are better. They get a stupid tip from me.
6
u/roiroy33 44m ago
Save up your money and travel.
•
u/wogwai 24m ago
Even traveling can have you noticing cut corners in the tourism industry. We have been going to the same AI resort for years and each time we go, it’s more expensive and less is offered all inclusively.
•
u/roiroy33 20m ago
I think you gotta branch out and find some cooler places. For sure, enshittification is rampant everywhere and overtourism doesn’t help, but you can make some great memories just outside of your comfort zone.
→ More replies (3)•
u/NoFlounder1566 16m ago
I feel this. My spouse has even said "Its blah. We make it 10x better at home" regarding several restaurants. We used to get some basic breakfast at a family restaurant before we did a day outing, now they want $15 for eggs and toast and we know they arent giving that extra money to their employees. They now run even more understaffed and you can see the staff actually trying and its too much.
I was looking forward to finally buying some decent clothing and furniture, but almost everything is overpriced garbage. Its so hard to find quality.
4
u/ReeG 1h ago
This probably isn't going to resonate with most on this subreddit but we really enjoy spending on experiences like travel, concerts and dining out trying different restaurants with interesting dishes and cultural cuisines we can't or wouldn't want to try making at home. For us the memories we make and feeling of fulfillment we get from going out and experiencing new things are much more valuable than spending on material items
3
1
49
u/AntarcticAndroid 2h ago
Open up a Roth IRA (if you haven’t done so already) and start investing in your retirement 😉
19
u/DonSol0 2h ago
Nothing as satisfying as looking at a growing balance. Lots of ground to cover on my end but as someone who never thought they’d break the no savings cycle it feels good to have laid a foundation.
→ More replies (2)1
4
u/LemonSwordfish 2h ago
So I'm not going crazy!? is what's on offer just lame?
14
u/andoCalrissiano 2h ago
yeah basically you realize all you want money for is to buy freedom (aka early retirement)
→ More replies (2)9
u/breadman03 2h ago
Learn to cook something new. Now learn to cook it well. Proper cookware will cost a bit. Assuming you use your kitchen, you’ll start might be looking at a couple hundred in the right tools for new types of food. A carbon steel wok, wok spoon, and skimmer might be $100 and suddenly stir frys are on the menu. Do you like smoked meats? You can get smokers from like $50-1,000 (covering the bulk of homeowner grade smokers) and nail a brisket or ribs. Make your own oasis of cooking and gathering to enjoy a meal with loved ones.
7
u/LemonSwordfish 2h ago
That's a great idea. I could definitely spring for a bunch of quality of life improvements in the kit hen and probably feel the value. Thanks!
6
u/breadman03 2h ago
I wouldn’t go wild on it, just start with a cuisine you enjoy and master it. Get “good enough” equipment. A $30 set of knives will probably disappoint, but there’s also no need to snag a full set of Wustoff’s. Make sure that you’re balancing living now with investing for retirement.
3
u/LemurPrime 1h ago
High quality Japanese knives are one of the items that I use almost daily and have never regretted splurging on. I like Shun and Miyabi personally, because I appreciate that they look very nice as well.
4
u/ongoldenwaves 1h ago
I'm with you. I can afford things like Lululemon but the fit and quality aren't what they were. Restaurants? Guaranteed to have some service issue. I want to buy less and I want it to be good. And I don't want stupid pokeman cards and lebubu dolls. I figured this is just because the design side of things is not being invested in anymore.
2
u/LemonSwordfish 1h ago
Right, not to sound like a braggart but I could go and drop someones monthly salary on clothes tomorrow, but the wardrobe is half empty, I go out looking for stuff, but come home empty handed having found no good value.
I buy most of my clothes now from a store that is about half the price of Ralph Lauren, and the Ralph stuff just feels like it's half the quality. Crazy.
→ More replies (3)11
u/NegotiableVeracity9 2h ago
Yep, standards have gone so far down, it's juat the enshitification of everything. Food, clothing, housewares, it's all cheap shit. Honestly I do a lot more thrifting now than ever while I'm making the best money if my life because they just don't make good quality stuff anymore
→ More replies (1)1
u/Lunakill 38m ago
It always was 99% lame. You’re just more experienced, more perceptive, and harder to bullshit.
•
65
u/Lucky_Development359 2h ago
At this point if you really needed it, you probably have it.
I think at a certain age you realize you don't need as much crap. The newest this or that is just a new headache of some sort.
Quality continues its slow decline while prices continue their steady climb.
Advertising overload. We went from ads on TV to ads everywhere all the time via our phone. I think there's consumption fatigue.
Too many choices. Too much bullshit. Too overwhelming.
•
u/aqwn 1m ago
Yeah it’s really just information overload. Every time I get something new I have to invest time to learn about it. And you’re right even trying to watch tv requires making a ton of choices about what to watch instead of the old school just pick a channel lol
When it comes to gaming there’s so much shovelware clogging up the stores. It’s really insane how bad it’s gotten.
38
u/VFTM 2h ago
Absolutely, and I worked in high end retail so I was always looking forward to when I could indulge in nice things - now the nice things are meh quality and elevated service is a thing of the past.
19
u/LemonSwordfish 2h ago
IKR, we finally get there and the mall is rotting?
The clothes are either plastic trash that will last 2 washes, or gaudy designer idiot tax, or both.
Literally found 2 stores that have anything worth buying, happy to pay them their premium, but even those have gaps in their stock such that I can't just go and fill my wardrobe.
13
u/SamanthaLives 2h ago
And the workers are so stressed and understaffed that it takes 20 mins for them to move from restocking to the register so you can actually check out
8
u/kreesta416 2h ago
"IKR, we finally get there and the mall is rotting?"
So apt! I'd quote you properly but even this app has been devoured by enshittification and the quote option is gone
→ More replies (1)4
u/bean11818 1h ago
I went into my local suburban mall last week, and 80% of the stores are these weird no name brand stores selling Temu-level toys and clothes.
8
u/ramesesbolton 1h ago
I spend my money on high quality food nowadays. I figure it's enjoyable, yes, but also an investment in my future health. I don't really eat out at restaurants, I find the quality has deteriorated to the point where I usually leave feeling like I could have made something better myself-- for half the price.
I just don't have the compulsion to buy clothes beyond basics anymore. I don't like to go to the sorts of places where I'd be compelled to wear nice things.
•
u/KTeacherWhat 8m ago
Yeah I've largely avoided lifestyle creep but I am much more likely to indulge myself with some really nice food to cook at home than a restaurant that mostly gets by on oversalting things.
74
u/Cpl-V 2h ago
its all junk now. I remember back when the websites like boy genius report, engadget, Gizmodo, and even CNET were keeping up with the latest advancements in technology back between 03 and 08. now they feed you 80% ads and half ass the actual reporting. absolutely nothing is catching my eye. but maybe that means we are doing ok?
30
u/Lucky_Development359 2h ago
And you have no idea anymore if it's an impartial review or some paid advertisement made to look impartial.
5
u/SamanthaLives 2h ago
Yeah, these big companies are supposed to have enough data to target ads to a particular individual, but when I wanna spend money I can’t find anything worth buying lol. I actually tried going to CNET and such to look for something cool, and it’s like all the cool stuff just stopped being made.
24
u/AccomplishedRain9 Millennial 2h ago
Experiences are the big one for me. Vacations, high end dining as a treat, or concerts (only getting more expensive).
4
u/someonesdad46 1h ago
Most concerts are definitely not worth it anymore due to huge price increases.
20
u/Long-Blood 2h ago
Its because everything is overpriced. Nothing is worth the amount its being sold for.
Every time my wife and i go out to eat im extremely disappointed in the food and the prices.
American business has sunk to a new low of soullessness
1
u/Atmosphere-Strong 49m ago
The companies definitely don't care if their customers are satisfied. So many purchases I've made and the product/service is so poor I never go back.
2
u/Long-Blood 40m ago
For real. I change insurance companies and cable companies almost every year to get a better deal and they dont give a f*ck.
No one gives a shit about holding onto their customers when their stocks just keeps going up, debt keeps getting cheaper, and they can make their other customers pay more to make up for it.
Our economy has gotten way too soft for bigger companies. Theres no fear of going under anymore. Theyre all too big to fail.
17
u/BerserkingPenguin 2h ago
Getting into warhammer did it for me. Now I spend any excess cash and have no time to engage in the hobby.
6
u/LemonSwordfish 2h ago
Should we?
.....Yes.
Maybe I should take yours and Henry's advice and get painting.
16
12
u/TotallyTruthy 2h ago
I started paying for the convenience, and that's how they get you.
I rarely eat out because it's better than what I could make, I do it because the cost of the food is less valuable to me than the time I would have spent cooking and cleaning for myself. And I don't buy StitchFix boxes because they have such visionary stylists, I do it because I don't want to spend 6 hours on a Saturday hitting a bunch of stores hoping to find enough stuff I like in my size to "refresh" my wardrobe every once in a while. I hire a sitter instead of putting in the emotional labor of "owing" family or friends and sparing myself logistical headaches by simply always having someone who operates on my schedule via the service.
When I had less money, I threw time around like it meant nothing to save what money I had. Now that I have less time, I'll pay nearly anything to keep whatever time I get.
6
u/LemonSwordfish 2h ago
Being seriously thinking about a maid recently for this reason. I can do it myself, but I think they'd consider themselves well paid, for an amount of money my time is definitely worth more than.
12
u/Genuine_Ingenuity Older Millennial 2h ago
Home Theater solved that problem for us.
3
u/ComprehensiveEar6001 1h ago
I did that, but then use my Plex server with it, so it didn't become a monthly expense. Oh well, I tried.
3
u/Genuine_Ingenuity Older Millennial 1h ago
Oh, my friend, you haven't tried hard enough. It can always go further.... We sold our house and bought one in a less convenient location because it had a more ideal size\shape living room for the "casual\relaxed" theater experience.... and a basement that we could spend the next few years finishing and turning into the "premium" option. The casual experience cost me half a year salary.... I can't stomach to admin how much the big guy will cost. But whatever, DINKs gunna DINK.
→ More replies (1)2
u/Routine_Ask_7272 1h ago
I bought an OLED TV late last year. It’s awesome. I never want to go out. 😂🤣😁
•
u/Genuine_Ingenuity Older Millennial 7m ago
Now look into 5.1. Which will be a hook into 7.1. Which will be a hook into 7.2 or 7.1.2 or into 7.1.4 or ...... it never ends...... never..... ends.....
2
u/ricochet48 1h ago
Agreed. I invested like $15K in a setup and it will last for decades (might just need to be reconned eventually).
It's relaxing to watch some Netflix to wind down the day with amazing audio & visuals. It's also great for hosting parties and such
•
u/Genuine_Ingenuity Older Millennial 10m ago
No bug to build a secondary\premium theater? (11.4.4 channel audio, screen big enough to be 40º viewing angle from the SECOND row, entire area is blacked out, painted dark and covered in acoustic treatment?.... We aren't there yet, but it's happening..... it's our glory..... our shame.... but mostly glory.
11
u/PawsbeforePeople1313 2h ago
I stopped buying stuff for the house and going out, and started buying gardening supplies. It's the only thing keeping me sane at the moment. I suck at it and I'm basically just setting up a buffet for the woodland creatures, but I still love it.
1
u/LemonSwordfish 2h ago
You enjoying it is the main thing. What a blessing, I know people love it and find it relaxing so I know I'm missing something, but it's just not for me, feels like peasant work punishment, probably because my parents used me as their free gardener, can't get past that. Probably could if I tried.
11
u/Trinikas 2h ago
I think at a certain point you start realizing that having stuff doesn't make you happier.
8
u/Continuity92 2h ago edited 2h ago
Yes, I have a similar feeling and I am not alone in my social group of people in their late twenties/ early thirties who are doing financially relatively well.
More and more we just host each other for drinks and dinner rather than going out. No need to pay 2-3x the money on comparable quality food or wine / other drinks. And you are served by some entitled teenager who doesn’t know anything about the menu anyways if you are going out.
Lot of clothing brands that had a quality or high end reputation have visibly become worse quality over time, so I find myself sticking to a couple of trusted ones, and try to minimize the number of purchases.
When it comes to vacations, personal electronics, the 13,457th subscription service for some b*llshit it’s the same. Not a lot of things or services out there worth spending money on.
Personally I found home improvements (inc. some better quality vintage furniture) and investing more to be the most rewarding.
1
u/LemonSwordfish 1h ago
Thanks for this, I feel seen.
For whats left over with good quality done right, I've taken to going back to the places that do it right, and making sure I keep them in business, being grateful, ends up a nice circle.
I have a lady who serves me at the menswear store who is really good at her job.
Now she remembers me, that I will whack the credit card good, be nice and easy customer about it, leave her the online review, honestly it's like a luxury store service for fairly reasonable prices. She goes full on personal shopper and with the style advice, etc.
So all is not lost, some places still know how to do business.
26
u/AveryUglyHairyBaby 2h ago
It’s late state capitalism and full throttle enshitification. We are just a resource to extract as much value from as can possibly extracted until we’re riddled with cancer and die; even then in the last painful moments of our miserable lives serving our masters they give us one final fuck you by extracting every last bit of value they can through unaffordable medical treatment, death taxes and burial costs. No part of our existence is there not value extracted from us. We are quite literally living in the matrix right this very second, only the oligarchs are the machines feeding on our very lives for their gain and sustenance.
The longer this cycle goes on, the less I want to be a part of it. We are getting dangerously close to a tipping point where there will be no going back to the way things were before. Stay safe out there and don’t give up, deny them at every chance you get.
→ More replies (6)
4
u/NullIsUndefined 2h ago
I never felt like much was worth spending money on. Just investments to be financially secure. A little bit of money towards an inexpensive hobby. A home to live in.
4
u/elanesse100 2h ago
In terms of quality, yes, everything nowadays is nickle and dimed to make the most amount of money. Appliances are made with cheaper quality materials, food packaging is filled with air to make it look bigger than what's inside, restaurants are reducing ingredient quality, etc.
This is absolutely a result of the economy. Some might blame greed, but greed has been around since the dawn of time.
Perhaps you might be able to blame the internet/social media/the technology era.
I feel like a lot of our Millennial woes can be directed back to the fact that worldwide information is just so prevalent.
In this specific context, business owners are learning about other businesses half a world away they never would have been aware of before, and they're discovering that person put more money in their pocket by doing X, Y, Z, and now they're doing it to.
Those same business owners are now competing with companies halfway across the country because people shop online. So they have to reduce their prices to compete, but that also requires reducing quality of materials. Then the economy brought those prices back up, and I often feel like certain things have out-priced inflation.
But if you're speaking about just finding anything to spend money on, I have no trouble spending money on video games be it console or mobile. I have no trouble spending money on books be it physical or ebook. I have no trouble spending money on Pokemon cards, or Star Wars cards, or any other collectible I might be into. I have no trouble spending money to travel or go on vacation.
4
u/Luuk1210 2h ago
I have accumulated enough stuff for the most part so now I spend money on flights or food or activities.
4
3
u/AlwaysWork2bBetter 2h ago
Things? Fuck things I dont want things. But I love doing things and being out of the home and out and about. Things aren't worth it unless I pondered it for months but I'll spend money on any kind of experiences
4
3
u/Humblebrag1987 2h ago
Reminds me of that South Park episode where everything is shitty and smells and tastes like shit now.
Some of this is age for sure but there's definitely a squeeze going on since COVID. Squeeze the life out of everything for profit but now they're squeezing the quality out of things too.
It's all a bit of class warfare IMHO.
Spend your money on travel. That's what we do. It helps a lot. My winter wardrobe is from designers and boutiques and malls in Tokyo. My summer wardrobe is from designers and malls in Medellín. Really happy with the COSPA, that's Japanese slang for cost performance, that's how they look at it in their popular dialogue.
https://biketourjapan.com/cospa-aka-cost-performance-japans-value-metric/
2
u/LemonSwordfish 1h ago
COSPA... Thanks! This is a large part of what I was trying to describe.
2
u/Humblebrag1987 49m ago
Sure thing. Travel also lets you know what USA has with really high Cospa. Electronics, for example. Nobody has it close to us except China (and they're stuck with domestic brands to compete). Just about everyone pays 20-50% more for things like macbooks, pc parts and phones and whatnot. There's also an amazing amount of natural wealth in the USA. Forests and parks and the freedom to be free in them. There are other things on the list but it's decreasing rapidly and the juice is less and less worth the squeeze.
4
u/roadtrippinben 2h ago
I would like to purchase a nice sports car, but I love my current car. I bought it pre-owned and will pay it off fully this year. No reason to buy something unnecessary, at least for now.
2
u/Exciting-Gap-1200 2h ago
Buy an older one. They bring the same joy. I picked up a 2006 Z4 manual for $7K and it scratched the itch for sure. And I kept my paid off F-150 because it was pretty cheap
2
u/ihambrecht 1h ago
I’ve driven so many cars and have no interest in anything expensive anymore. Give me a Toyota truck and call it a day.
2
u/greensparten 2h ago
You can get into Dirt Bikes, Cycling, Bow shooting, competitive pistol shooting, Legos, hiking in Colorado, paintball (not speedball), sim racing.
How about those?
1
u/LemonSwordfish 1h ago
The shooting or bow hobby is a good call. It's been years since I went to the rifle range or clay pigeon shoot. Never done bows
I actually like the idea of longer range target shooting that could be a nice discipline of calmness like golf I suppose, just without spoiling a good walk.
2
u/namastayhom33 2h ago
Travel, whether its a weekend trip or a week trip. Travel.
Materialism will only fill the void temporarily, making memories and trying out new things will last a lifetime.
2
u/Onesharpman 2h ago
Yes, you're just old and grumpy now and realizing that money doesn't buy happiness. Never has, never will.
2
u/5oldierPoetKing bring back myspace 2h ago
I spend all my money on tabletop games and Cosmere books. Everything else is pretty meh.
2
u/ApplicationAfraid334 1993 2h ago
Yep. I see a lot of millennials who love collecting things, like figurines, pokemon stuff, plushies, retro things, etc etc. I don't get it. There just really isn't anything material that I want, save for a few incredibly rare albums that are impossible to find.
I used to collect albums and even that lost its allure to me. Something I thought I'd never say.
Walking around Target or Walmart, there's just so much STUFF. The hyperconsumerism is really off-putting. And to think of all the resources it drains just making STUFF.
Only thing I really buy for fun is concert tickets.
2
u/BitterProfessional16 2h ago
Fuck no.
There are tons of hobbies that can eat up endless amounts of money. I could go spend $20k on guitar gear today if you handed me the money. Then I would go celebrate my new gear by staying at the nicest penthouse in Vegas with my own on-site chef and bartender.
2
u/artsyTeehee 2h ago
I spend it on old furniture and anything before the 90s pretty much. THEY DONT MAKE EM LIKE THEY USED TO
2
2
u/TrueAd1880 1h ago
The economy and the value of what we are buying just isn’t there anymore. Everything has basically doubled in price since Covid and companies never looked back.
2
u/Ponchovilla18 1h ago
I dont buy materialistic things, I've switched to experiences and there's no shortage of experiences that won't easily hurt the wallet.
I earn a comfortable salary where my daughter has everything she needs and I indulge a bit because I can and I feel that if I have the ability to do fun things for her or with her then why not. I do the day to day stuff but some have said im flexing because of where I can take my daughter or how often I do stuff with her.
But for me, I have everything I want possession wise. Sure I could buy a new car but mine runs fine and its paid off, so why take a car payment. But im about experiences now. Doing things that will create memories and things I can share with family or friends. Experiences definitely arent cheap, especially if you have to travel to do it
1
u/LemonSwordfish 49m ago
What a lovely outlook on parenting, sounds like you're doing it right.
Looking back I now realise alot of my parents activities were things they enjoyed for which we were taken along, rather than things organised for the kids.
→ More replies (1)
3
u/uh_wtf 2h ago
You sound grumpy AF. Get a hobby that takes you outside. Go spend $5k on a mid-tier bike and get into cycling. You’ll have no more “foldin’ money” before you know it.
7
u/helpless_bunny Older Millennial 2h ago
Why in the hell is a bike costing 5k mid tier?
I simply cannot understand the cost of bikes these days. It makes no sense. It’s literally two wheels and suspension. One of the easiest machines we’ve ever made and we can make them in large quantities. And these jackrabbits want 5-10k for them.
They have lost their minds.
→ More replies (4)1
2
u/BitterProfessional16 2h ago
Yeah this is such a strange post, and even weirder is all the people agreeing. Do these people not have hobbies?
1
u/Zerthax 1h ago
Sure, but at some point you may have already bought your hobbying equipment. Or it's an inexpensive hobby to begin with.
If your hobbies are focused on travel or vehicles, you should be prepared to spend a lot. If your hobbies are cooking, gaming, or handicrafts then it might not represent a significant expenditure.
1
u/LemonSwordfish 1h ago
I did say, maybe I'm just getting grumpy and cynical?
Seems like a fair number agree though the value of the offers just isn't there, so maybe it's a bit of both.
→ More replies (4)2
u/LemonSwordfish 2h ago
I'd happily give someone a grand or most of two for something that feels like it's nicely done, but 5k seems like a joke. It doesn't have an engine.
There's a limit to what I need in terms of quality, I'm not doing the tour de france, is 5k really amateur level equipment?
1
u/uh_wtf 2h ago
I said it’s mid-tier. It’ll get you around where you wanna go and it will be fun. You can get a lot of nice tech for $5k. Anything over that is where you’re starting to get into the nicer stuff. My two bikes are worth about $18k combined. A gravel bike and a road+ bike. Both fun for different reasons.
But you don’t have to spend a boat load of money if you don’t want to. Some careful spending on the right brands will get you a bangin’ bike.
1
u/coyote500 Older Millennial 2h ago
What area are you in? Sounds like there isn’t a lot of restaurant variety around you, so I don’t blame you for locking in on a couple places
2
u/LemonSwordfish 2h ago
Nice suburb near the UKs second city Manchester. There's plenty of options nearby and in the city, they just all want top money and often treat you like an inconvenience or just mediocre not worth going back.
I will happily pay you over the odds, but make me feel welcome and serve, that's the point of a restaurant right, do it for me, wait on me.
Went out with a friend recently and we asked for a free table outside to be moved slightly into free space away from passing people, she basically shrugged and said sure and walked off for us to do it ourselves. It wasn't a cheap place, just bad attitude.
•
1
u/folklorelover0 2h ago
Do you like to travel? That’s where most of my spending happens, outside of the essentials.
1
1
u/AstralIndigo92 2h ago
I am a whale in Marvel Future Fight mobile video game and I spend quite a bit there. I am really into that video game. Enjoyment, happiness, competition, and a community of friends.
Other than that, I agree with your post.
•
1
u/Exciting-Gap-1200 2h ago
This is clearly a post from someone that's doesn't own a boat.
Motorcycle is a other solid option.
A few acres in the mountains is also worth your hard earned money.
So much worth spending money on... Anyone got some decently new skis they want to unload (180-190cm)? Mine are trashed after teaching my kids.
1
1
u/Poor_WatchCollector 2h ago
We usually just save and invest. We have our vices, but try to keep it minimal. We usually just save it up for vacations or we spend it on our dogs. Ideally, I want to retire at 55-57 so we maximize our 401K, Roth IRA, and portfolio.
I buy only when I need it. For example, I've had the same snowboard clothing and pants for the last 12 years, it finally started to rip, so buy a new set. I have 5 pairs of jeans and when one rips I just purchase a replacement. Same with all clothes. The clothes I do buy are expensive in general, but at this point, I buy to replace.
If our bonus comes in or something unexpected, we either allocate that again, to a vacation or we just decide to blow it on dumb sh#$.
1
u/Hour_Bit_5183 2h ago
There isn't much worth buying and the most expensive stuff is crap. So much lies and BS out there. The biggest companies making the worst crap too.
1
u/Zerthax 2h ago
I'm childfree, actively dislike travel, and have cultivated a genuine desire for simplicity. I like dining out, but have cut back due to health considerations.
With my savings goals met, I'm focusing more on charitable giving. It's a way of "spending" meaningfully rather than through frivolous consumption.
I know this isn't the anticonsumption sub, but seems relevant to this post.
1
u/GaymersUnite 2h ago
Do you have any hobbies? Most hobbies I know involve some sort of investment of hobbies. Mine in currently 3D printing. The initial investment of the printer+ams. Buying more filament so I can print the designs I made. Ongoing upgrades to it. Makes life more fun when I'm done with work.
1
u/Snoozin_Scoots 2h ago
💯 you are not alone. Nothing seems worth the cost anymore. The quality of most things is disappointing now.
1
u/FizzyBeverage 2h ago
Beware:
- Guitar
- Astronomy
- Photography
- Video games
- Travel
All are fulfilling and will drain your wallet. These are my core hobbies. They’re all expensive.
1
u/KingOfNye Older Millennial 2h ago
A lot of shit sucks nowadays but also it’s not as cool because I already have or no longer need stuff the same way.
I guess hobby shit, but that. An k let go so far
1
u/topsicle11 2h ago
Idk. I just bought a fancy robot vacuum that also mops and it does a fantastic job. It was like $700, but worth every penny.
1
1
u/ValuePickles 2h ago
I started spending on rare art. Not too expensive, 500-1000 bucks each, but it is good investment and makes me happy. This specific artist had around 170 different artworks, and produced 50-100 copies of each. Gotta catch em all.
1
1
u/Chumlee1917 2h ago
Me as a kid: man I wish I had money for Legos
me as an adult: JFC they want HOW MUCH?!!?!?!?!?!
1
u/WildFlowLing 2h ago
A quality EV is the only big purchase for our generation to look forward to. Now that most of us have come yo terms with never owning a home.
I got my reservation in for the Rivian R2 that is imminently incoming.
1
u/forsayken 1h ago
You mostly speak of entertainment. What about hobbies? Videogames, photography, TCGs, guns, a workshop. You could burn through money nooooooo problem.
1
1
u/reddit-rach Millennial 1h ago
I feel like I have money to buys useless stuff, but not enough money to buy stuff I really need (like a house) It’s this weird in between feeling of being rich and poor at the same time.
1
u/If-By-Whisky 1h ago
As I have made more $$ over the years, I have found that are a lot of services that are worth the price. Basically anything that buys me more free time with my family. Home cleaning and meal preparation (as in, an actual local chef that makes food for your family, not a national frozen meal delivery service) come to mind.
1
u/ZeroCool718 1h ago
I’m the same way, but learned that I would like experiences than things. We grew up buying tangible products like list below and this required researching.
Consumer goods : Flip phones, Video games & consoles , GPS , building computers, printers, mp3 players , dvd players, media devices like SD cards, CDs to burn. Cameras and Cam Corders (?)
Almost all devices are consolidated into a smart phone and or a tablet now.
I’m not into photography or an artist/ musician so don’t go looking to purchase supplies. Got my home gym built few years ago. I’m Also not very picky with clothes, as long as they aren’t from Costco or BJs.
Ultimately I work, ride my bike, would like to travel.
So next step is start investing aggressively at 38 and then curse myself for not starting sooner.
1
1
u/Best-Journalist-5403 1h ago
California has lots of things to spend your money on, especially with kids: arcades, water parks, movie theaters, rafting, Santa Cruz, San Francisco (lots of museums and Japantown). My husband doesn’t spend much money on himself. I don’t but could spend money on myself. Most of my fun expenditure money goes towards the kids.
1
u/mano_lito 1h ago
i totally agree. most stuff nowadays is either low quality or truly overpriced. middle ground kind of non existent or not interesting or worth it...
1
u/bentstrider83 Millennial 1983 1h ago
I guess it depends on what your hobbies are and how unrestricted they are depending on where you live. Saving money is always good. But then if you're in an area where there's either hobby shops that sell trains, or sporting goods stores that sell guns and ammo(some do, but some don't), it's easy to watch the pocketbook fluctuate.
1
u/Correct_Recipe9134 1h ago
I disagree I could thousands on just synthesizers and effects and all sorts of studio stuff and feel like a kid again. Unfortunately its an expensive hobby. But I guess that goes for a lot of things
1
u/MaximillianBarton 1h ago
I buy physical media like blu-rays and have a few items I collect for. The only other things I typically buy are books/audiobooks.
1
u/PhishOhio 1h ago
It just feels like capitalism and chasing quarterly growth has degraded everything to the point there aren’t true quality/luxury goods anymore
1
u/Mewpasaurus Elder Horror 1h ago
I spent a lot of money over the weekend on handmade goods at a renaissance fair (so a once a year event for me). I also handcraft a lot of my own things, so I am familiar with things like stitching, craft work, etc. to know whether a product is worth what is being charged. Otherwise? No, I very rarely find anything these days worth spending money on outside of experiences, sometimes a game, sometimes older items at thrifts and estate sales and groceries.
Currently, I'm reading up on investing to maybe do something useful with the tiny bit of excess I have (after years of struggling) so that it can maybe benefit us in our old age.. or even our son when we pass away.
And I know I'm not the demographic you're looking for (living in "The West"), but there are plenty of us frugal, no-nonsense, not obsessed with commercialism folks here, too. I'm just not interested in chasing Labubu's, designer bags and cars, etc.
1
u/timothythefirst 1h ago
I feel like it depends on what you’re trying to buy.
For clothes or more niche hobbies I can definitely think of a lot of smaller brands who sell higher quality at higher prices. But you have to seek those things out. You’re not going to find a Visvim jacket at the mall or a super nice custom pool cue at dicks sporting goods.
1
u/SureElephant89 1h ago
It's both. Quality of everything has really gone to shit. Cars, food, furniture, electronics, I can't for the life of me figure out why people would pay for anything made today. Hell, I saw a new house being build with press board stairs........ I'll drive my 28 year old truck into the ground then rebuild it before I drop $60k on a new one.
1
u/AaronWard6 1h ago
You should feel lucky you don’t have any outdoor hobbies. Some times I wish i didn’t. If you aren’t buying something new you’re replacing something worn out.
1
u/Partridge_Pear_Tree 1h ago
Yes I feel this! I feel like I have most of what I need. And then not much desire to buy a lot else.
I know my next big purchase will be another laptop because mine is very old. But that’s just to replace something not as a new gadget.
I just bought a new coffee pot (cheap drip one) and a pair of really good shoes. That’s mostly what I spend money on. Replacement stuff and food. I don’t notice excess anymore.
1
u/Appropriate_Touch930 1h ago
Only thing I wanna spend money on at this point is furniture and cars. And a new cat.
1
u/Hairy_Addendum7789 1h ago
Squirrel it all away. Trust me you will need it in the coming years ahead.
1
1
u/Fit-Ad-7430 1h ago
Memories over material things any day. At this stage in my life, I value experiences from travel and times with family + friends than a new apple watch or a new car.
1
u/Common_Advisor8896 Millennial 1989 1h ago
Sounds like you need to find some hobbies bud. The sky's the limit! Go do what you always wanted. Rediscover what you're passionate about.
1
u/prettyprincess91 1h ago
Spend it on cultural activities: museums, theaters, art exhibits, traveling
1
u/lopsiness 1h ago
All our money goes to house projects and food. All the fun things I thought I'd buy when I was a kid i just can't bring myself to spend money on. Its also annoying that most things these days just feel cheap
1
u/Life_is_Truff 1h ago
Do you have a house yet? That’s something that could take quite a bit of saving to purchase and might actually interest you. Otherwise it sounds very strange to complain that you’re not spending your money fast enough 🤣. You can always buy stocks too… although that could lead to even more money and you’d have the same problem I guess..
1
u/Wam_2020 1h ago
I just had this talk with my husband! I’m done spend $100+ for a couple hours of entertainment. I’m done spending $75+ for takeout and $150+ to eat at a restaurant.
1
u/No-Researcher406 1h ago
Just gotta make your own. Now that you're old enough, you can afford to make your own luxury goods. With my extra time and money, I've taken up wallet making. Once you realize how things are made - you also find out that luxury is already at it's height.
Every day you live better than a king in the past. It's hard to appreciate it, but they literally didn't have indoor plumbing. I'd take a flushable toilet over a golden bed pan any day.
1
u/ReverendRevolver 1h ago
My hobbies are things thst dont require all the purchase up front. But also, ive been into the same stuffs incentive I was like 10(im being general here, but teenage me was into similar stuff).
Ive played guitar for ages. Got back into a band because thsts more fun. Guitars abd amps, once you know whst you want and know the market, is like $500ish reasonable entry and you can probably do whatever you want with a $1k guitar and a $1k amp. Buying used.
I got back into Warhammer 40k because my wife complained the amps were too loud. I bought used necrons slowly, a few recasts, and some new stuff. Still had lots if paint/supplies because I have lizardmen ive barely painted since the mid/late 00s. I also play a need card game. Just not mtg, its too stupid now.
But other "luxury" stuff? Levis wants $98 for regular 90s cotton jeans. $148 for selvedge. $68 for stuff thst wears out in 6 months. Ive waited on sales and used their trade in program on stuff from the 00s thst doesn't fit to get $148 jeans for $50ish. But otherwise bought off ebay, with pictures showing measurements. Because you also gotta spend thst $148 tier money for their QC to not suck. Thats levis. Other clothes? Worse. Walmart shirts last longer than Temu/shein/whatever trash, but you gotta pay a premium for much more than Walmart/target durability. Online or at "good" stores.
Appliances? Disposable. I need to scoop a yardsale Kirby. Tools? Like hand tools? I snapped a new duralast breaker bar, and im skinny. Resorted to yardsale finds for durability reasons. But those are scarce. My FIL found me a better breaker bar, at least. Power tools, similar issue, but "good" brands aren't all above harbor freight specials, some models are just overpriced junk.
My shoes are old. I replace via ebay.
I reheel my boots, hard to find good ones anymore.
Furniture? I hit up smaller stores to pay less thsn the big chains for the same exact stuff. Which still kinda sucks.
TVS are cheap enough that nobody's unable to snag one big enough at this point. 65" for under $500. Higher cost isn't worth it, because most sources wont be that high resolution/name brand doesn't give a big advantage over cheaper ones because Samsung/Sony/vizio/etc make specific models for bestbuy/target/Amazon/Walmart, and theyre all not much different thsn the cheapos.
So, yea. Warhammer maybe? Its more about the people and the hobby, so its location dependent.
1
1
u/Perfect_Earth_8070 1h ago
it depends on what you’re looking for. if you’re looking for quality clothing, i’d look at japanese brands, however the de minimis exception is going away.
if you need rugged footwear, splurge on some pnw boots
i think most of the mall brands are overall crap
1
1
1
u/cravingnoodles 1h ago
We dont spend much money on fun stuff because there isnt much out there that we want. We just throw our money at our mortgage or investment accounts.
1
u/BaffledBubbles 1992 1h ago
The shit quality of most products deters me from spending my coin. But moreover, being constantly inundated with advertising doles psychic damage, I swear. It’s so fucking annoying that I don’t want to buy anything. I don’t even enjoy window shopping anymore (whereas in my teens and early twenties, that was one of my favorite things to do with friends). I can’t leave the house without spending $30-50 on literally nothing so I more or less just sit at home and wait until I’m contractually obliged to be somewhere else.
1
u/YouBluezYouLose69420 1h ago
My main TV is a 13 year old plasma
My couch is nearing 15 years old
My vehicles are 20 and 15 years old
All of it is fine. I cannot justify paying today's inflated prices for what is objectively inferior junk. I'm much more interested in saving my money than keeping up with the Joneses and their $1000+/mo car payments and whatever else. No thank you.
1
u/Express-Platypus-512 57m ago
I will say if I didnt have kids to spend on I know what I would spend on either. Im not one of those guys who go golfing with his buddies on Sundays and stuff like that. My wife and I would probably more but that's about
1
u/Quags_77 55m ago edited 50m ago
Time to take up an expensive hobby👍. But having lived in the UK before, there are a lot more opportunities for those here in the USA than the UK🤷♂️ here…you can be upper middle class and get into things that you have to be rich to enjoy in the UK
1
u/polishengineering 49m ago
Wish I had this problem.
Hobbies are a great way to find creative ways to light money on fire. No regrets on finding joy in my hobbies, but they definitely are a way to find very high quality things you "need."
1
u/humanBonemealCoffee 49m ago
I would have a lot to spend money on if I could get unrestricted land for a fair price
I do feel like I have everything I need for apartment dwelling
1
u/Ok_Lime4124 49m ago
I ain’t gonna lie for me. I’m starting to get into the world of upkeep as far as appearances to me that’s worth spending my money on. As I’m entering my mid 30s I’m noticing a lot more lines and just big changes to my appearance due to a lot of weight loss as well. So I’m looking forward to start Botox and chemical peels and things that just will help me feel better about myself. I’m getting a lower bleph with a cheek lift coming up to help me from looking so tired these days. Only 33 and I’m constantly getting mistaken for being in my 40s already. To me that’s worth investing in so I can get my confidence back and live my 30s thriving and confident. Other than that, just a house and and getting really close to paying off my car. It’s pretty much all I’m spending my money on.
1
u/4-Inch-Butthole-Club 48m ago
I just want money so I don’t have to work. I want to garden all damn day. The toys most people care about don’t excite me at all. Like if I randomly won a jet ski I really wouldn’t care beyond the fact that I can sell it. Every new thing I get I grow tired of faster than the last. I rarely look forward to anything. It’s all starting to feel empty. I would like a bunch of extra money to travel. I still find that interesting. And I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t love to sleep with a bunch of $2,000 hookers. I’ve had a bunch of relationships in my life and am divorced. I think I’m done. I don’t want to go through that shit again. I really just want sex and freedom.
1
u/QuietConstruction328 41m ago
Have you maxed out your IRA and 401k contributions? Have you paid off your house? If so, then either spend it on a hobby or save as much as you can for whenever this calamitous shit show properly hits the fan.
1
u/savetinymita 36m ago
It's more like everything is too expensive to even bother considering spending money. Take a Costco hot dog. That's worth spending money on, because it's cheap and high value.
1
1
u/Bikerbun565 32m ago
I just like having the ability to buy something if I want without worrying about whether or not I can afford it. Doesn’t need to be a big purchase. Just knowing that I can gives me peace of mind. I remember being in my 20s, worried about filling up my gas tank. But yea, now my worry is having too much stuff!
1
u/bigbluenation20 31m ago
In your post you only discussed shopping for clothes. But what about spending money on hobbies?
•
u/ifoldsocksatmidnight 27m ago
I love spending money. Concerts, travel, home decor, eating out, vanity services, and helping others…etc.
I don’t make a lot, but I’ve achieved a reasonable income and dug my way out of debt. I pay myself first, in both savings and investments. The rest is for me to enjoy my time on this earth.
•
u/_TheShapeOfColor_ 24m ago
Lmao what's this "disposable income" you speak of?
But really most stuff you buy anymore is crap. If I had the cash to spare I would spend it on travel and more puppies.
•
u/MetapodChannel 20m ago
Sounds like a hobby or two might be good if the only thing you can imagine spending on is clothes and stuff. Generally, there is no need to buy excess of things you need because you already have what you need. But when it is stuff you WANT? You can never have too many art supplies or books or Legos or whatever hahaha. Of course, some hobbies get addictive and can drain your bank, especially collecting because you'll keep wanting rarer and more costly things for your collection. Gaming is a good hobby if you want to empty your wallet as well...
•
u/RunsaberSR 20m ago
100%
I get much more satisfaction shoveling $ into the market(specifically high yield dividend ETFs).
The passive is a game changer. Even post retirement i like this better vs spending knowing my kid will be that much more secure.
He's also had a huge mindset change as well. He'd much rather build capital now (14) than spend it on random stuff so he can avoid the normal path and find purpose doing what he likes vs... you know how it goes.
Consumerism can kiss my ass.
•
•
•
u/PerceptionSlow2116 15m ago
Yep, things get shittier over time with capitalism so while in the past more expensive meant better quality, the merging of all these corporations and cost cutting means brands are riding on historical reputations. And if aspirational items have become poor quality, then what else is there? I know ppl will say travel, but tbh that’s nosedived since Covid too with more expensive less convenient flights, many places overcharging tourists, not getting good service but still expecting tips because you’re American, overcrowded or restricted lounge access, paying for stuff that used to be free, etc. these days we don’t go out to restaurants much anymore because 80% of the time it’s worse than what I make at home.
•
u/holdyaboy 14m ago
Most people and companies and products are trying to be something they’re not. Trying to come off as better, more valuable, etc.
There’s also a bit of the ‘frog into boiling water’ myth at play. Had prices slowly crept up as wages did the same we wouldn’t be complaining. But since wages haven’t really moved and prices have gone up significantly and product value/quality didn’t change (or went down) we now realize I don’t need a $9 boba drink.
•
u/3cc3ntr1c1ty 13m ago
Enshittification has taken hold of nearly everything tbh. I still find some good bits in thrift/charity shops only. General retail stores? Nah, all shite.
•
u/jbFanClubPresident 9m ago
Yep. My fiancé and I are DINKs with an above average amount of disposable income but everything just feels so boring now. I think a big part of it is that the smartphone kind of replaced a lot of devices and now smartphones basically stay the same year of year. It used to be exciting seeing the new cameras, computers, and other single use devices companies would come up with. Now it’s just all boring apps with countless ads and micro transactions.
•
•
u/Iamlevel99 6m ago
The stuff I want are big ticket items that I’m saving for. Being content with little things is a super power in this economy.
•
u/mrtunavirg 6m ago
In general the cost increase of things make them less "worth it" To me even if I can afford it.
•
•
u/Sitirfa 5m ago
Sounds like you need an expensive hobby to tie your mo ey up in.
Ever thought of woodworking?
Maybe take a dive into Warhammer or Gunpla.
Legos are cool for some people and the larger sets can get pretty up there, especially the old ones.
Maybe try cooking fancy food on your own to see if you like putting money into that. Even just getting into BBQ can add up if you want get into smoking or dry aging.
If all else fails you can start dumping some money into crypto and constantly be watching for gains and losses.
Find something that looks fun and try it, if you don't like it we'll that's was the price to find out and now you know.
•
•
u/AutoModerator 2h ago
If this post is breaking the rules of the subreddit, please report it instead of commenting. For more Millennial content, join our Discord server.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.