As someone who takes pride in being thrifty, when I finally decide to splurge, it’s a significant event. Unfortunately, that means the disappointment can sting even more when the experience turns out to be less than stellar. Here are eight indulgences that I regret.
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My 40th Birthday Dinner
Approx. cost: $800 (discounted from $1,400)
Let’s kick things off with my most regrettable splurge. I chose to celebrate my 40th birthday at a prestigious Michelin three-star restaurant in New York. While many people spend lavishly on cruises or beach vacations, I thought I could justify a memorable meal for a similar price. Sadly, it was one of the most underwhelming dining experiences I’ve ever had. The food didn’t meet my expectations, and spending a fortune only heightened my disappointment. I learned to appreciate more affordable, second-tier restaurants that often surprise you. Plus, I learned the value of politely voicing my concerns, which led to a $600 discount on the bill. -
A Pair of Designer Stilettos
Approx. cost: $300+
I’ve completely blocked out the exact price of these high-fashion pumps I bought years ago. All I remember is the pain of wearing them just once. While I still wear heels, I now choose to spend less on shoes that torture my feet. It seems every woman has a painful shoe regret—why is it so hard to learn this lesson? It’s as if our feet are drawn to bad choices, just like a moth to a flame. -
An Elegant Pen and Pencil Set
Approx. cost: $215
At one point, I believed that adulthood meant owning a classy set of writing instruments for important documents. So, I splurged on a beautiful Cross set to symbolize my maturity. However, the pen disappeared within a week, and I realized I dislike writing in pencil. Now I embrace the bigger picture of adulthood and have resorted to pocketing hotel pens when I travel. -
Hot Stone Massage
Approx. cost: $155
As a self-proclaimed spa enthusiast, I enjoy spending money on various treatments. However, my hot stone massage was a letdown. The stones barely stayed warm long enough to make a difference, leaving me feeling like a fool on a table with chilly rocks. A tip? Ask your masseuse to warm their hands before starting—instant savings! -
Gel Mani-Pedis
Approx. cost: $65 plus tip
This is another beauty treatment I regret. Gel mani-pedis are overpriced and not worth the hype. I once had a gel pedicure, and a week later, a whole patch of polish peeled off. Talk about a letdown! -
Any Bottle of Wine Over $50
Approx. cost: More than $50
Feel free to gift me a $100 or $200 bottle of wine, and I’ll enjoy it wholeheartedly. However, when it comes to my personal purchases, I prefer to stick to bottles priced around $30 or less. No one I know can tell the difference between a $70 bottle and a $17.99 one, and I’d rather not stress over whether my wine choice was worth the splurge. -
My Three Unused Wedding Dresses
Approx. cost: $1,600
When I mentioned this article to my husband, he immediately brought up my wedding dresses. After going through five ex-boyfriends, I ended up with three wedding gowns during my one and only engagement. I piled up dresses due to my self-doubt in choosing my own clothes. While I love the dress I ended up wearing, my family never lets me forget my extravagant spending. -
My Condo Purchase
Approx. cost: $149,999
Purchasing my condo in 2007 as a single woman was more about pretending to be financially savvy than understanding the reality of a six-figure mortgage. I bought it just before the market crashed, thinking it would help me move on from a breakup. A year later, I was miserable and rented it out to unreliable tenants. While it was a tough experience, it ultimately taught me valuable lessons about money and business.
Splurges often turn out to be valuable lessons disguised as regrets, and that’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything.
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