What do you do when you fall in love with the expensive stuff

**RaineyDaye** · 07-21-2010, 03:04 PM

I want to get a new energy efficient refrigerator. I know I could get a nice one at any of the major big box stores. But I'm in love with these that cost over twice as much! And the shipping to my house would be awful, too. My frugal self says its not a good use of money... but I want the entire set - refrigerator, stove and dishwasher!

Guess I'll just keep my old appliances...

Big Chill Fridge – Vintage inspired Retro Appliances

**frugal is fun** · 07-21-2010, 03:11 PM

you save for it

I have a totally expensive want right now and I opened up an ING account and am putting $20 a week into it for my want.

Granted my want is only $500, where you're looking at thousands but the process is the same.

You save for it and then by the time you have the money saved, reassess if you still want it. If you do great, you have the money, and if you don't, great, you have yourself a nice little cash cushion.

**Paws** · 07-21-2010, 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by RaineyDaye

I want to get a new energy efficient refrigerator. I know I could get a nice one at any of the major big box stores. But I'm in love with these that cost over twice as much! And the shipping to my house would be awful, too. My frugal self says its not a good use of money... but I want the entire set - refrigerator, stove and dishwasher!

Guess I'll just keep my old appliances...

Big Chill Fridge – Vintage inspired Retro Appliances

I understand and can completely relate...

**larabelle** · 07-21-2010, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by RaineyDaye

I want to get a new energy efficient refrigerator. I know I could get a nice one at any of the major big box stores. But I'm in love with these that cost over twice as much! And the shipping to my house would be awful, too. My frugal self says its not a good use of money... but I want the entire set - refrigerator, stove and dishwasher!

Guess I'll just keep my old appliances...

Big Chill Fridge – Vintage inspired Retro Appliances

I calculate how many hours I would have to work in order to obtain it. I quickly realize that the item is just not worth it to me.

**nuisance26** · 07-21-2010, 09:53 PM

~I had that site marked for so long because I have a retro kitchen and I love those. No way I could justify the cost though. I got a big box store fridge and it has a bit of a retro feel to it. It has a curved top and front.
I'm getting a real vintage gas stove though! I'm using a 30+ year old gas stove now but it's hideous. But it's nice knowing the old stoves work just fine! So it seems more like a good investment to me than a retro fridge. The vintage stove should retain its value and appreciate.~

**Early Bird** · 07-21-2010, 11:26 PM

Originally Posted by RaineyDaye

I want to get a new energy efficient refrigerator. I know I could get a nice one at any of the major big box stores. But I'm in love with these that cost over twice as much! And the shipping to my house would be awful, too. My frugal self says its not a good use of money... but I want the entire set - refrigerator, stove and dishwasher!

Guess I'll just keep my old appliances...

Big Chill Fridge – Vintage inspired Retro Appliances

Like frugal-is-fun said, you start saving. But ... and this happens too often to ignore .... sometimes you find that the attraction diminishes.

That's a win-win: you've got some money saved, and you don't have buyer's regret!

**Momto5RN** · 07-21-2010, 11:35 PM

as long as you dont go into new debt to buy it -/ or get into trouble paying off debt while saving for it - i agree you save for it .

sometimes once you have had the time go by while saving - you decide you dont want it anymore also .

**Palooka** · 07-21-2010, 11:59 PM

Oh, I love those refrigerators. I want!

Not much help.

**frugalwarrior2** · 07-22-2010, 12:19 AM

It's ok to want it. I carry pictures around in my purse of new kitchen for maybe some day. It's ok to save for it too as long as you realize that by doing that you are giving up on somethign else.??

**Early Bird** · 07-22-2010, 06:43 PM

Another thought: could you give your kitchen a sort-of retro look by maybe buying vintage linens or decorations. Although they can be spendy for what they are, they're inexpensive compared to new appliances.

**Lady_V** · 07-23-2010, 05:30 AM

Hang on to it like a squid on a ship... refuse to let go, even when the sales people prod you with push-brooms!

Eventually they will have to sell it for half price because it has permanent dents where you had your death grip...

Or... you can save and buy piece by piece, You said you wanted the whole set... you didn't say you wanted them all at once

**Greebo** · 07-23-2010, 07:47 AM

Greebo prepares his wet noodles for a future lashing...

You think about what I'll do to you if you buy those and don't pay cash!

**RaineyDaye** · 07-23-2010, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by Greebo

Greebo prepares his wet noodles for a future lashing...

You think about what I'll do to you if you buy those and don't pay cash!

But think of all the points I could earn if I used my credit card!

**MomToTwoBoys** · 07-24-2010, 01:03 PM

I just look at what I have and be thankful that mine still work. Then I start saving up for the ones I want or I get ones that are close but cost way less.

**Luckybustert** · 07-24-2010, 01:17 PM

I don't think frugality means doing without things we want. I think it's more about prioritizing the things we want to do with our money, and using it for the things that truly make us happy.....so if it'll bring someone joy to see and use those expensive appliances, and they have worked and saved the money to purchase them without going into debt, I say get them and enjoy! But if when you prioritize your spending you find there are other things that would bring you more joy, focus on those instead. It's just a matter of setting priorities and making choices that are consistent with those priorities.