Feeling a bit quilty

**Mamaw** · 09-09-2005, 11:56 AM

Here's the story folks. Next month my DH and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary. Now after about 10 years of marriage, we decided instead of buying each other gifts, we would make it a tradition to take a long weekend away together to celebrate. Which we have done yearly.

Since this year is a "biggie" for us, instead of only a weekend, we booked a week long cruise. We saved and budgeted and paid cash for the cruise and have a budgeted amount saved for spending also. I am really looking forward to going so why am I starting to feel quilty???

Because, this week I was informed my company would no longer give bonus. Basically makes it a 10 percent reduction of salary. Medical costs have risen, gas is higher and I committed just a few months ago to getting debt paid down using the snowball method. Plus before the end of the year I have a new grandchild being born, my first grandchilds 2nd birthday, thanksgiving and Christmas to contend with. I have budgeted for it all and intend to limit the spending on gifts more than I ever have in the past.
But, bottom line... I still feel some guilt about this cruise. If I had known before I booked and paid for it, I might not have gone. I cant cancel now as I would lose all the $$$ plus DH is really looking forward to going as are another couple who is going with us. So I am committed.

I guess I am just venting on this post and trying to work out my feelings. Thanks for listening and be ready to help me get back on the wagon when I return

**homesteadmamma** · 09-09-2005, 12:17 PM

OMG you don't need to feel guilty because your going on a cruise to celebrate your 25th wedding anniversary. How many people can say they make it to 25 years. Its a wonderful time to celebrate. You go and enjoy every minute of it.

You know a number of years ago we made a trip of a lifetime. We spent $7,000.00 on that trip. We rented a motorhome and went to northern B.C. I've never regretted it, even now when I could have used that $7,000 on paying down our van.

You know, life is so short. So many times we put off things because we want to be frugal. However, at the end of our lives what do we have to show for it. Wonderful memories are made on cruises or lifetime trips. I'm not saying we don't make memories if we don't these things. However, these types of things make memories far beyond our wildest dreams.

You go and have fun. Dance away the night hours, eat to your hearts content and enjoy that special time with your hubby of 25 years. When you get back, we will all be hear to hear about your dream vacation. HAVE FUN!!! Life will go on. It will all work out, I promise!!

**Darlene** · 09-09-2005, 12:25 PM

Well said CJ.

You go and have a wonderful time and do it without a care in the world.
Things will work out, they always do.

**joyofsix** · 09-09-2005, 12:29 PM

If you amortize that trip over 25 years it's cheap!! LOL! Go, enjoy, the point of frugality is to have money left for enjoyment. And make a plan to go at 50 year again!

**Emerald_Mommy** · 09-09-2005, 01:12 PM

I think you should go! 25 years deserves a "to-do". It's not like you'll be doing this every year. Go on your trip and get back "snowballing" your debt as soon as you come home! Have a great time!

**psjkmom** · 09-09-2005, 02:06 PM

Go and have fun till you can't stand to have fun anymore!!! I agree wholeheartedly with CJ. 25 years of taking care of one another is worth celebrating.

**lammiepie** · 09-09-2005, 03:37 PM

We did the same for our 25th anniversary and even though it did strap us for awhile, and knowing now what I didn't know then, I still would have gone on that cruise! It was the highlight of our time together and is probably our best memories together ever! GO AND ENJOY! Let this time be for the two of you only and DON'T FEEL GUILTY!

**lammiepie** · 09-09-2005, 03:38 PM

PS Hopefully we will be able to do Hawaii for 30th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**lammiepie** · 09-09-2005, 03:42 PM

PPS Oh yeah, now more than ever we are glad that our cruise left from New Orleans. We were able to visit that wonderful city in its glory. Hopefully will be able to see it again as it returns to life. (And it will rise again)

**alabamagirl** · 09-09-2005, 05:01 PM

Enjoy and celebrate! Don't you dare feel guilty celebrating 25 wonderful years of marriage.

Congrats,

Debbie

**SewCrafty** · 09-09-2005, 08:19 PM

I agree with all the ladies. You should feel no guilt what-so-ever! That is why you have been frugal in other areas of your life and hey you paid CASH!!! WTG!

**pkellyc** · 09-09-2005, 11:07 PM

Happy Anniversary! Go and enjoy, my Dh and I took a week all alone together for the first time in 22 years and we had a ball! We are already thinking of our next escape.

P.S. Worry almost never, ever, makes things easier it only makes them harder. The cruise is booked so go and try to let go.

**babetteq** · 09-09-2005, 11:43 PM

Guilty?

Do you feel that you should be able to enjoy the money that you have scrimped adn saved for?

Life is not about money - or saving it. We save money so that we can enjoy life, not the other way around.

go have fun adn congratulations on your 25 years together!

babs

**Mamaw** · 09-10-2005, 09:01 PM

Thanks so much ladies. I will go, I will have fun and I will NOT let it worry me any longer! You are right, life is too short and 25 years only comes once! Thanks for listening!!!

**SHOPGIRL** · 09-11-2005, 12:12 AM

Hey, Congratulations! Don't feel guilty about the cruise...you've earned it. Plus, it's all paid for. You'll have a wonderful time so just enjoy yourself. All your frugal living paid off!