If the opportunity cost is too steep, it may not be worth the sacrifice. But ’sometimes’ a slight detour adds value to the journey of achieving the ultimate goal.

For example, in my case, although I didn’t go all out for Christmas when I was saving, I did buy my daughter ONE gift - a $250 flute. That year, she made first chair and had her first solo. When we finally moved into our house, she was unpacking boxes in her room and the first thing she put on the wall was a picture of her band mates when they placed second in the state competition. That moment was just as important to her as buying the house was for me.

So again, allow room for things that will add value to the journey, instead of just focusing on the end result.

Thanks for that - it gives me more perspective. And from this perspective, I’m certain that I won’t regret going on this trip.

I think you should take a proper vacation (doesn’t have to be luxury!) once a year… it’s doing somthing good for yourself, which I think can get lost in the whole-must-save-or-else-I-will-starve-at-80 mentality (which, though I am 23, I still have sometimes). I think it’s true that people rarely regret spending on experiences.

Hi, and thanks for coming and commenting, Well Heeled. I do know that sometimes being too frugal can backfire, because you could wind up blowing a wad because of some sense of deprivation. Maybe blowing off a little steam in New Orleans will keep me from doing something worse.

Re: the italicized, I hear that - wasn’t even thinking about that, but I hear that. Guess that’s something I’ll have to get used to…

I don’t know what it is about gifts that makes me want to break the bank. Money is STILL an object, no matter how much I love the recipient, but it’s like I just want to take one for the team in the name of love. That is not cool for my wallet.

Hole up! Decided? I’m still beating myself up! LOL! That don’t sound very decided to me… that sounds, um, pensive… tentative…