I’m always so frugal with money

antimatterx

I hate spending money all the time. I don’t mind treating myself, but I can never spend money instantly. I always wait weeks and think about spending money, I’m not spontaneous with it:

I’m 23, and work as a software engineer. For my first year working (8 months, as I was unemployed for the last 4) I was making **** money. I took it for experience. Some regrets, but not loads.

I’m on my second job now. I make 32K, and live my parents so I bank 1500-1800 a month in savings. I want to by a PS4 this weekend as a treat for myself. I’ve been in my new job 5 months, and have 10K banked. The purchase is €300.

Should I buy it and stop being so stupid

Rodin

antimatterx wrote: »

I hate spending money all the time. I don’t mind treating myself, but I can never spend money instantly. I always wait weeks and think about spending money, I’m not spontaneous with it:

I’m 23, and work as a software engineer. For my first year working (8 months, as I was unemployed for the last 4) I was making **** money. I took it for experience. Some regrets, but not loads.

I’m on my second job now. I make 32K, and live my parents so I bank 1500-1800 a month in savings. I want to by a PS4 this weekend as a treat for myself. I’ve been in my new job 5 months, and have 10K banked. The purchase is €300.

Should I buy it and stop being so stupid

Yes.

ILoveYourVibes

Yep

Whereisgalway

antimatterx wrote: »

I hate spending money all the time. I don’t mind treating myself, but I can never spend money instantly. I always wait weeks and think about spending money, I’m not spontaneous with it:

I’m 23, and work as a software engineer. For my first year working (8 months, as I was unemployed for the last 4) I was making **** money. I took it for experience. Some regrets, but not loads.

I’m on my second job now. I make 32K, and live my parents so I bank 1500-1800 a month in savings. I want to by a PS4 this weekend as a treat for myself. I’ve been in my new job 5 months, and have 10K banked. The purchase is €300.

Should I buy it and stop being so stupid

Hold out for the PS5

Purple Mountain

I hope you are contributing to your parents too.

antimatterx

Purple Mountain wrote: »

I hope you are contributing to your parents too.

They won't take money off me, so I just try pay bills when I can. I've paid €500/600 in vet bills over the last few months, I brought them to a show for my mums birthday, I paid for brothers college registration fee.

Markcheese

Depends, have you a plan for your savings?
If you're buying the the PlayStation cos you want it, but won't be able to enjoy it because of feeling bad about spending the cash, then you have a problem ,

antimatterx

Markcheese wrote: »

Depends, have you a plan for your savings?
If you're buying the the PlayStation cos you want it, but won't be able to enjoy it because of feeling bad about spending the cash, then you have a problem ,

Buy an apartment in a couple of years, and start some investments once I have enough in a reserve fund.

Abba987

antimatterx wrote: »

They won't take money off me, so I just try pay bills when I can. I've paid €500/600 in vet bills over the last few months, I brought them to a show for my mums birthday, I paid for brothers college registration fee.

Buy the playstation

anacc

antimatterx wrote: »

I hate spending money all the time. I don’t mind treating myself, but I can never spend money instantly. I always wait weeks and think about spending money, I’m not spontaneous with it:

I’m 23, and work as a software engineer. For my first year working (8 months, as I was unemployed for the last 4) I was making **** money. I took it for experience. Some regrets, but not loads.

I’m on my second job now. I make 32K, and live my parents so I bank 1500-1800 a month in savings. I want to by a PS4 this weekend as a treat for myself. I’ve been in my new job 5 months, and have 10K banked. The purchase is €300.

Should I buy it and stop being so stupid

Get married and have kids then in a few years come back and read your post and have a good cry.

Purple Mountain

antimatterx wrote: »

They won't take money off me, so I just try pay bills when I can. I've paid €500/600 in vet bills over the last few months, I brought them to a show for my mums birthday, I paid for brothers college registration fee.

Good man!

antix80

antimatterx wrote: »

Should I buy it and stop being so stupid

Yes!! The premium one, extra gamepads, the top 5 games and an online subscription. My god.. Life's too short. In a year's time you could still flog it for a fair whack.

Maybe you developed the unhealthy attitude through earning rubbish money and trying to save for a rainy day...

Don't think about an elephant. What happens? You think of the elephant.

Thing about saving towards a rainy day is you're actually not making a safety net. You're creating an obsession with money while meandering towards the "rainy day"

So you have 10k.. What did you save it for? Why are you still living with your folks?

Create a habit of having a meal or a coffee and pastry out once a week, something you fancy without worrying about the price.
And on payday, set amount an amount to spurge. Maybe 5 to 10 percent of your net pay that you have to spend on something without going to a huge effort to get a discount or shop around.. You have to spend it unless you're actively saving for something equally cool but more expensive.

If your parents contributed towards your tightness (by praising you for being "good with money", or by grand gestures but no regular pocket money, or by being bad with money themselves) make sure you're not just overcompensating in your relationship with money. Parents are usually shockingly bad at this stuff.

wiggle16

antimatterx wrote: »

They won't take money off me, so I just try pay bills when I can. I've paid €500/600 in vet bills over the last few months, I brought them to a show for my mums birthday, I paid for brothers college registration fee.

Buy yourself the playstation.

If you NEED to rationalise it, tell yourself it will be good for the economy and the VAT will go back into the pot

You're 23. Buy yourself the bloody playstation.

bluelamp

antimatterx wrote: »

They won't take money off me, so I just try pay bills when I can. I've paid €500/600 in vet bills over the last few months, I brought them to a show for my mums birthday, I paid for brothers college registration fee.

You wouldn't do those things if you were stingy.

You're just too careful with money. Allocate some money every month just for nice things and for having fun, and make sure you spend it.

Have a bit of fun before you have actual financial responsibilities.

antimatterx

antix80 wrote: »

Yes!! The premium one, extra gamepads, the top 5 games and an online subscription. My god.. Life's too short. In a year's time you could still flog it for a fair whack.

Maybe you developed the unhealthy attitude through earning rubbish money and trying to save for a rainy day...

Don't think about an elephant. What happens? You think of the elephant.

Thing about saving towards a rainy day is you're actually not making a safety net. You're creating an obsession with money while meandering towards the "rainy day"

So you have 10k.. What did you save it for? Why are you still living with your folks?

Create a habit of having a meal or a coffee and pastry out once a week, something you fancy without worrying about the price.
And on payday, set amount an amount to spurge. Maybe 5 to 10 percent of your net pay that you have to spend on something without going to a huge effort to get a discount or shop around.. You have to spend it unless you're actively saving for something equally cool but more expensive.

If your parents contributed towards your tightness (by praising you for being "good with money", or by grand gestures but no regular pocket money, or by being bad with money themselves) make sure you're not just overcompensating in your relationship with money. Parents are usually shockingly bad at this stuff.

I saved it because I want to be ****ing rich and to do that I need capital to invest. If I splurge consistently, I'll always have less money to work with than I should have. Maybe it's a said approach to life, but I don't like treating myself often. The though of spending 10% of my paycheck everymonth on a treat makes me feel sick. Maybe every few months is OK.

I live with parents as I'm not ready to move out. I'll miss them, my brothers and my pets. I also don't want to rent. I'd rather buy 1/2 bed apartment, and living at home gives me the option to save, and I'll probably be able to buy one in 2/3 years

antimatterx

bluelamp wrote: »

You wouldn't do those things if you were stingy.

You're just too careful with money. Allocate some money every month just for nice things and for having fun, and make sure you spend it.

Have a bit of fun before you have actual financial responsibilities.

I'd be more frugal than stingy. I hate spending loads of money often, it makes me sick. The best way I can describe it is, some people get their highs from traveling, or going out every week. I get it from seeing my bank account ticking upwards every month

antix80

antimatterx wrote: »

I saved it because I want to be ****ing rich and to do that I need capital to invest.

You usually won't be rich as a paye worker in ireland. Esp not once you're paying 52% tax, a mortgage and raising kids, and even if you put all that off til you're 40 and your job stays steady and your investments perform well... You still won't be rich. You'll just debate whether you should pay your mortgage down or put more into your pension.

Best bet is to squeeze as much from your parents as you can and move city/job to where the biggest opportunities are.

A big mortgage, demanding lifestyle and a competitive career path/environment is usually the best incentive to maximise your income, and that will often translate into higher pension contributions.

In the meantime, buy the PlayStation.

LegacyUser

I wish I was more like you but unfortunately I’m the complete opposite. Buy the PlayStation! If you have it you might as well spend it, enjoy it and don’t feel bad about it. it’s better than pissing it into a pub toilet a few nights a week. Or spending 15 quid on a pack of smokes that will damage your health. I earn a decent wage, have minimal savings but plenty of nice things.

qwerty13

You’re assigning your happiness exclusively to watching your bank balance. If that makes you genuinely happy, then fire away. However, it seems that it doesn’t make you wholly happy - you want to make a relatively small purchase, and feel guilty.

I don’t think either being completely frugal or completely spendy is a recipe for happiness. A bit of balance is needed. So buy the game stuff if it is going to give you enjoyment.

But you should consider why your views are so extreme re money. Especially as you’ve said that you like living at home. So it’s not a ‘happiness’ need. Is it that you’re valuing money greater than your current and future happiness so much, that you’ve become a little obsessed?

2pacshakur

Life is for living and your only 23. A lot of people your age could be spending a grand a month on going out two or three nights a week getting pissed and spending a ton on rent with no savings whatsoever and only start thinking about the future when they hit 30.

And if your happy living with your parents stay living with your parents.

Splash out on nice things OP, once your not wasting it on beer or snorting it every weekend then buy whatever you want. Obviously within reason.

Was like you for quite a while OP. Saving tens of thousands I had no need for. Finally realised that spending a bit more on things I like while still being good with money was the best way.

Why live like a pauper most of your life just to have a bit more when you're older. You won't even want to spend this perfect balance you grew over the decades. You'll have the miser mentality of not wanting to ruin all those years of frugality with a silly purchase. Buy the yacht? Nope. Buy the classic beemer? Nope. Travel the world? Nope.

It's practical but the best time to spend money on things you enjoy is when you're young. A playstation is a few days savings. Buy the thing and maybe start to really think about what it means to be rich, and how many decades you're willing to sacrifice to get there.

robbiezero

Be careful it doesn't warp into outright stinginess.
Its one of the worst attributes of a friend or partner and once you get a name for it, it is very hard to shake it off.

utyh2ikcq9z76b

It would be stupid not to hold on till black friday at this stage and get a good deal.

It's a NO from me

KaneToad

Nothing wrong with being frugal OP. Not spending money can be as satisfying as spending money, for some people. Spenders will be jealous of you and call you stingy. Ignore them, it's your money - do what you like with it.

The_Conductor

Being frugal is a virtue. Being stingy- is a totally different matter.
You seem to have an irrational attraction to growing your bank balance- alongside an unhealthy reticence towards spending, even modest amounts, on enjoying life.

With respect of the PS4- thats just one item- and its not a particularly expensive item- a decent flatscreen to go with it, games, online subscriptions etc- all amount to a lot more than the 300 you're suggesting (and no- its not fair to monopolise the television at home- don't even try to rationalise it).

From the little you've imparted here- you sound like you have an irrational and unattractive attachment to your bank balance. Being intelligent with your money- does not mean locking it up in Fort Knox- nor does it mean going out 3 nights a week and getting pissed- it means finding a middle road that allows you to enjoy life and make the most of the resources at your disposal.

Also- something that got my goat with your examples of recent expenditure- you paying the vets fees. Yet you mention *your* pets. I'm sorry- it sounds like you're too used to Mommy and Daddy paying for every little thing for you- and are happy for them to continue to do so.

Most people at your age have moved out from home, are probably living in a house share or renting a bedroom- and are making their way in the world. You seem to assume that this is not for you- and are happy to grow your bank balance at your parent's expense.

Life is short, and money does not bring happiness (well, it does for some people- however, are they truly happy?)

The whole procrastination over whether or not to buy the PS4- speaks volumes.

Life is for living- you have opportunities many others can only dream of- esp. parents who are willing to let you live on in the family home- there is so much you could be doing- yet your preoccupation is with growing a bank balance, its what your little heart desires.............money...........

I'm sorry- but you really could do with growing up. I don't mean to be harsh- but you're obviously not getting the message.

popa smurf

At 23 you should be working on getting your own place. Work hard if they is overtime going take it, if not get a second job if you can, get on that property ladder. Your at your peek in fittness and in health don't wast a second of it sitting on your arse playing silly games.

antix80

popa smurf wrote: »

Your at your peek in fittness and in health don't wast a second of it sitting on your arse playing silly games.

You missed the bit where he said he was a software engineer

Peatys

Ps5 coming in 12 months, buy this to tide you over
http://www.adverts.ie/19070019

antimatterx

The_Conductor wrote: »

Being frugal is a virtue. Being stingy- is a totally different matter.
You seem to have an irrational attraction to growing your bank balance- alongside an unhealthy reticence towards spending, even modest amounts, on enjoying life.

With respect of the PS4- thats just one item- and its not a particularly expensive item- a decent flatscreen to go with it, games, online subscriptions etc- all amount to a lot more than the 300 you're suggesting (and no- its not fair to monopolise the television at home- don't even try to rationalise it).

From the little you've imparted here- you sound like you have an irrational and unattractive attachment to your bank balance. Being intelligent with your money- does not mean locking it up in Fort Knox- nor does it mean going out 3 nights a week and getting pissed- it means finding a middle road that allows you to enjoy life and make the most of the resources at your disposal.

Also- something that got my goat with your examples of recent expenditure- you paying the vets fees. Yet you mention *your* pets. I'm sorry- it sounds like you're too used to Mommy and Daddy paying for every little thing for you- and are happy for them to continue to do so.

Most people at your age have moved out from home, are probably living in a house share or renting a bedroom- and are making their way in the world. You seem to assume that this is not for you- and are happy to grow your bank balance at your parent's expense.

Life is short, and money does not bring happiness (well, it does for some people- however, are they truly happy?)

The whole procrastination over whether or not to buy the PS4- speaks volumes.

Life is for living- you have opportunities many others can only dream of- esp. parents who are willing to let you live on in the family home- there is so much you could be doing- yet your preoccupation is with growing a bank balance, its what your little heart desires.............money...........

I'm sorry- but you really could do with growing up. I don't mean to be harsh- but you're obviously not getting the message.

Most people my age have not moved out. The vast majority of people I was in school and college with are still at home.

The_Conductor

antimatterx wrote: »

Most people my age have not moved out. The vast majority of people I was in school and college with are still at home.

Those who are still living at home, but have a good job, are normally making meaningful contributions towards the household budget. Its not fair or reasonable to expect Mommy and Daddy to sub you forever.

dellas1979

I dunno - I was always a good saver myself. I get a kick out of it too.

I would think about buying something, and then set it aside, think about it some more, then possibly buy it.

What would lead me to buy something is: Is it good quality/made well, would I use it more than once, would it give me happiness/pleasure-is it an investment in myself. I don't deny myself. I could be dead tomo.

So instead of buying many pairs of badly made shoes, I would buy a more expensive pair that would last me (lady here!). Same for clothes. I also only buy what I need. I have 3 pairs of shoes (one for work-leather/good quality, one going out shoes, one pair of fancier shoes (expensive pair).

I don't need to buy things to "fill me". I really don't understand (never have) why people need to buy various styles of the same thing...

At the same time, when I was 30, I spent savings on buying a brand new spanking car. Fabulous car and I still have this car. I had had enough in savings to buy it straight out - and still have savings left, but I decided to take out a small loan with a very low interest rate against the car as previous to this, I had no credit history. I was thinking even then, if I want a bigger loan/mortgage in years to come, this will show bank my ability to pay off a loan. And per below, now I am in the mortgage game.

I also decided to put money into travelling, to expand my knowledge - an investment in me. I travel maybe 3/4 times a year now.

I also saved up enough to build a house. I have partly paid for the house using savings, paid architect myself, paid electricity and water connections, bathroom ware and kitchen myself, and kept some back as a small cushion.

During my lifetime, I was on the dole for 8/9 months, and paid all the rent, and still managed to save. Might be e50 a month, but still all added up.

My next quest (its almost like a challenge) is when the house is done is to save up some extra money over next 3.5 years, and when my fixed rate is over, pay off another small lump sum off mortgage. I do all that on a fairly modest salary-nothing big.

I dunno-as I said at the start, I was always a good saver and thought about where my money goes, and if its worth it. I never deny myself anything that would make me comfortable/happy, as it is an investment.

antix80

antimatterx wrote: »

Most people my age have not moved out. The vast majority of people I was in school and college with are still at home.

I think you missed the point.

If you watched your bank balance grow by €1500 a month, it's not an achievement you can be particularly proud of. It's your parents doing you a favour by allowing you to save for a specific purpose (buying a house).

If you save a deposit and have a good enough wage to get a mortgage, and you do all this within a few years, your parents will be proud, no doubt.

And fair play, you're hard working and have a good career.

But you asked for advice.. And mine is drop your obsession with your bank balance. Some people save 10k a year by signing on the dole and staying in their childhood bedroom while their parents pay bills and stock the fridge. (i know people who've done this, sign on the dole and live frugally while accumulating money to go travelling)

Sinking your time and money into investments just to watch a balance grow that you can't spend/won't spend /have nothing to spend it on seems like a waste of a life.

Reviews and Books Galore

In some ways you have to spend money to earn money. So, the PlayStation could give you some time to unwind and refresh for your day.

hawley

You can buy a second hand PS4 in Cex for 230e. You could trade in old games, phones, tablets etc and get vouchers/money to reduce the cost of it. 300e is a lot to spend on a console.

Brian?

antimatterx wrote: »

I'd be more frugal than stingy. I hate spending loads of money often, it makes me sick. The best way I can describe it is, some people get their highs from traveling, or going out every week. I get it from seeing my bank account ticking upwards every month

When I was your age I earned more than you do and spent constantly like a drunken sailor at port.

I have continued in this vain until now, I’m 40 now. I own a house and a decent car. I’ve never not paid a bill on time. My kids go to private school. I go on 2-3 holidays a year. My bank account generally ticks up.

Being frugal is overrated. Develop yourself, get promoted every now and again and you’ll have a decent life without being rich. My kids won’t struggle for money through college, but will have to work after it and I have a decent pension. That’s all I ever really wanted for myself.

You could spend your 20s saving and be miserable later or worse get hit by a bus tomorrow. Life is for living though.

Brian?

popa smurf wrote: »

At 23 you should be working on getting your own place. Work hard if they is overtime going take it, if not get a second job if you can, get on that property ladder. Your at your peek in fittness and in health don't wast a second of it sitting on your arse playing silly games.

That’s a bit much. He’s a 23 year old software engineer, excellent earning potential. I doubt there’s a software company in Ireland that pays OT.

As for a 2nd job? That time would be much better spent doing a postgrad.

sashafierce

I think some posters are being unfair to the OP. I'm very frugal with money also because it's hard to get. I saved a chunk when I was the OPs age by living at home since then I've been paying at least a 1/3 on rent.

Many people my age, mid 30s, are living at home for this very reason. My parents own their home and would be happy for me to be at home to save for an apartment. An option not many have (working in Dublin being from Galway for example)

OP buy the PlayStation you'll get the enjoyment out of it. Worst case scenario sell it on if you're not using it.

hawley

You can rent a PS4 for a specific amount of time online too.
https://www.hireintelligence.ie/gaming-hire/sony-playstation-4

You could get a loan of games off friends or work colleagues. Your other option is to buy a PS3, but maybe you might consider it too out dated. Can buy a console plus a bundle of games P2P for forty euro. There's plenty of free games out there for smartphones if you want to be frugal and spend nothing at all.

bitofabind

Are you generous OP? Are you kind and considerate when it comes to sharing with others around you? Do you date or have a girlfriend?

Your attitude towards saving and future investment is on the one hand admirable, but there’s a bigger picture we’re missing here. I’ve met the “loaded” men who wouldn’t put their hands in their pockets and everyone has that friend who’ll skip his round and do anything to not have to contribute. It’s one of the most repulsive traits in a person IMO.

I agree with Brian and can echo his experience. I get a kick out of an upticking savings account too. I also get my latte every morning and pay a fortune on beauty treatments and gym memberships. I’ve worked hard enough and long enough to climb up the salary ladder and prioritise saving while also not counting the pennies too closely. Develop yourself. Work hard and upskill and network and job hop up the ladder and all that. But don’t miss out on the joyful little things or worse, risk your reputation for the sake of a few extra quid in your bank account each month.

tara73

OP, you are 23, you have a very good education, with this profession you will most probably never have issues to find a well paid job anywhere in the world. You are already saving crazy amounts of money regarding your age and you open a thread here asking whether you should buy yourself a play station...

I'm not listing this to be mean, but I'm a bit baffled about the responses here while I think you are bordering on some form of condition.

I would like to echo the questions from the previous poster, how's your private life? Do you have friends, a girlfriend or ever dated someone?

I think you need to get to the root why you are so afraid of spending a small amount of your money.
Such condition can effect your life and your relationships with other people, so kudos for regognising it and asking for help. I think you need some counselling to get to the bottom of it.

2pacshakur

popa smurf wrote: »

At 23 you should be working on getting your own place. Work hard if they is overtime going take it, if not get a second job if you can, get on that property ladder. Your at your peek in fittness and in health don't wast a second of it sitting on your arse playing silly games.

Don't listen to that crap

Purple Mountain

Don't agree with above.
He's already making huge savings towards his goal. He's not putting money into a landlords pocket, waiting instead until he can apply for a mortgage.
He deserves a treat as a reward if anything for his perseverance.
And if he's clever, he could buy it in a shop like CEX or Gamestop second hand or buy new and sell it when he's done with it.
He's clearly a smart young man.

lawred2

anacc wrote: »

Get married and have kids then in a few years come back and read your post and have a good cry.

Amen to that.

antix80

Purple Mountain wrote: »

And if he's clever, he could buy it in a shop like CEX or Gamestop second hand or buy new and sell it when he's done with it.

As opposed to stealing it and setting it on fire when he's done?

hawley

Purple Mountain wrote: »

Don't agree with above.
He's already making huge savings towards his goal. He's not putting money into a landlords pocket, waiting instead until he can apply for a mortgage.
He deserves a treat as a reward if anything for his perseverance.
And if he's clever, he could buy it in a shop like CEX or Gamestop second hand or buy new and sell it when he's done with it.
He's clearly a smart young man.

Agree, don't think he should throw away such a huge amount on it. It might be worthwhile to wait for the PS5, you might be able to recoup a lot of your outlay on it later if you trade it in after a few months. If you price around for PS4s you might get a good deal. If you're going for a mortgage by yourself you'll need to save every penny.

vikings2012

OP, I think you should buy the play station you deserve it. Financially and career wise you are doing great.

I don’t think anyone can judge you for not spending your money. We don’t know your family circumstances. Oftentimes people who grow up in poor or disadvantaged households find it difficult to spend money on non essential items. It can be a real struggle for people. Maintaining a heathy bank balance might mean a lot to you in terms of security etc.

I used to be in your shoes living with my folks. If you enjoy living with your parents and get on well with them then don’t be worrying about what others think. The thoughts of buying a house at 23 would personally feel like a ball and chain for me. You seem to be providing some assistance to your family which is great!

Being rich is a way of living. Maintaining a significant bank balance may make you rich on paper but you will never feel rich. The majority of us (working class people)will never be rich especially when we work for others. I think there is an economic theory out there that says, in order to maximize potential wealth we need to spend and invest in early years (20-30), Save during our mid years and spend again during our retirement.

Enjoy the PlayStation

Purple Mountain

antix80 wrote: »

As opposed to stealing it and setting it on fire when he's done?

Obviously as opposed to buying new and hoarding it in the attic when he's done with it.

rob316

You can be frugal OP with your money but been kind and generous to your loved ones with it is more important. Don't measure your worth of yourself by your bank balance as we all go to the ground with the same.
Your smart and have a good career ahead. Spend your money OP, we work to live. Travel the world, meet people, live life.
You are 23 you are in your prime, don't be worried about money yet. It's likely you won't be rich and you will crawl around on your knees like most of us.

kerryjack

OP be carefull not to get too comfortable and life will pass you bye, believe me 23 turns in 33 pretty fast. As a parent myself I wouldn't like to see my 23 year old manchild playing Xbox up in his room. Sorry if I have ofened any 23 year old gamers still living with there mom and dad. When I was 23 I was over in New York 2 pay checks away from the park bench and sending home some money to get a house built at home.

Dual wheels

antimatterx wrote: »

I hate spending money all the time. I don’t mind treating myself, but I can never spend money instantly. I always wait weeks and think about spending money, I’m not spontaneous with it:

I’m 23, and work as a software engineer. For my first year working (8 months, as I was unemployed for the last 4) I was making **** money. I took it for experience. Some regrets, but not loads.

I’m on my second job now. I make 32K, and live my parents so I bank 1500-1800 a month in savings. I want to by a PS4 this weekend as a treat for myself. I’ve been in my new job 5 months, and have 10K banked. The purchase is €300.

Should I buy it and stop being so stupid

Your not stupid at all in fact your very clever, it’s great to see a young lad being sensible with his money, you will have it when nobody else will. However you don’t want to end up being an auld Scrooge so there is a fine line between being sensible and being tight, as a treat for Xmas get the box for yourself, well done

Greyfox

kerryjack wrote: »

OP be carefull not to get too comfortable and life will pass you bye, believe me 23 turns in 33 pretty fast. As a parent myself I wouldn't like to see my 23 year old manchild playing Xbox up in his room. Sorry if I have ofened any 23 year old gamers still living with there mom and dad. When I was 23 I was over in New York 2 pay checks away from the park bench and sending home some money to get a house built at home.

Good parents understand that young people need to have some enjoyment too, it's about balance, I reckon the OP would be very silly if he didn't buy the PS4 as financially he's doing way better than most people his age. Working hard is important which the OP understands but some people work too hard when their young and end up missing out on the best years of their lives.