Gransnet forums

Chat

Extravagant purchase.

(19 Posts)
Missfoodlove Sat 12-Sept-20 11:51:23

What’s been your most extravagant purchase?
Was it an impulse?
Was it a success or a waste of money?

tanith Sat 12-Sept-20 12:31:26

Apart from the car and house and my bike I’d say my iPad which has been a godsend during lockdown. Not an impulse I thought long and hard about it’s pros and cons.

sodapop Sat 12-Sept-20 12:34:02

A pellet burning stove to replace our wood burner. Yes a great success, No more chopping and stacking wood, more controllable temperature. Pellets easily accessible in all supermarkets. The only drawback is a minor one, it is a little noisy but we soon adapted to that.

Calendargirl Sat 12-Sept-20 12:35:18

Many years ago, I treated myself to a diamond cluster ring which I saw and liked as I passed a jewellers window.

It was with money I had been left by an old auntie, and was exactly the right amount.

Have to say, haven’t worn it much. It was a bit ‘blingy’, which is what took my eye! Also caught on tights and clothing when I did actually wear it. But I felt rather glam, a bit Liz Taylorish.

It will go to one of my granddaughters I expect, as DD will have my other rings.

Grandma70s Sat 12-Sept-20 12:39:53

I bought a painting when I was a student in the 1960s. I saw it in an exhibition and fell for it at once. I certainly couldn’t afford it, but the gallery owners were very sympathetic and gave me “easy terms”. They even brought it to the station and helped me get it on the train. (It’s quite big.)

I have never regretted it. It is on my wall now and I can see it at this moment.

EllanVannin Sat 12-Sept-20 12:55:22

Extravagant, I suppose, to others maybe, but my more recent purchase was a 50p coin for $86. Only because 30,000 are going to be minted in Perth, Australia and a limited amount being sent overseas----15,000.
The postage cost me half of the purchase grin.

It's silver with the image of a Quokka on one side and the Queen's head on the other and weighs an ounce I think. I haven't received it yet as I'd ordered it before its release date which was/ is this month.
Whether I'll have to pay duty on it remains to be seen, I'll just have to be prepared.

Hoping it'll come as an investment in later years for the GGC along with other similar coins I have of Aussie fauna etc.

Charleygirl5 Sat 12-Sept-20 13:01:39

I suppose mine was my dishwasher as I live on my own. I would never buy expensive clothes because I could not justify the cost. Neither would I go to London's West End and have a very expensive haircut. I am still Scottish!

Lucca Sat 12-Sept-20 13:15:49

Business class flight to Sydney.

Riverwalk Sat 12-Sept-20 13:18:37

Charley a dishwasher is not an extravagance, unless you run it daily with just a cup & saucer in it!

Modern dishwashers are said to be very economical with water and energy, compared to washing the dishes by hand.

GrannyGravy13 Sat 12-Sept-20 13:24:44

I couldn’t resist buying a brand new sports car last year. My mum left me some money and every time I drive it with the roof down I think how much she would have loved it.

Charleygirl5 Sat 12-Sept-20 13:25:59

I run it most days and it is full to overflowing. The dishes in my opinion are washed so well.

Beauregard Sat 12-Sept-20 13:29:25

Air conditioners for our bedroom and lounge. Not used very often but an absolute godsend during a heatwave.

Riverwalk Sat 12-Sept-20 13:35:31

Twenty-odd years ago I paid £500 for a beautiful MaxMara coat - to answer the OP it was a success as I wore it for about 10 years then passed it on to my DIL.

About 10 years ago I can't remember the exact price but it was around £300 for a MaxMara dress for a friend's son's wedding - it was a waste of money as only worn once!

Riverwalk Sat 12-Sept-20 13:37:49

GrannyGravy13

I couldn’t resist buying a brand new sports car last year. My mum left me some money and every time I drive it with the roof down I think how much she would have loved it.

Oh, now that is an extravagance and I'm very envious.

But I suppose it will give you years of pleasure so quite justified!

Gingster Sat 12-Sept-20 13:40:18

When DH retired. We went on a world cruise for 4 months. Very expensive but worth every penny.

MellowYellow Sun 13-Sept-20 07:28:48

Recently bought a Dry Robe, a waterproof coat for wearing after sea swimming. I'm on a low income so it's an indulgence but had received the exact amount from an unexpected source in the post the very day I was wishing I could buy one. It's a wonderful purchase (and it's purple smile) and I love it!

kittylester Sun 13-Sept-20 07:48:08

About 45 years ago Dh went shopping for a new suit and came home with a Hostess Trolley instead. Not my extravagance but it has proved very useful over the years - despite the awful connotations.

Esspee Sun 13-Sept-20 08:23:13

OH is guilty of unplanned extravagant purchases. He went shopping for furniture just before I met him and returned home with a brand new Mercedes and last year he suggested a trip down the coast to buy me an ice cream - and ended up buying a boat.
The Mercedes was a lovely car but though new lots of things went wrong with it (covered by warranty but inconvenient) so it was sold on.
The boat has been a huge success and kept us sane through lockdown and beyond. By travelling by car the short distance to the boat and back home we maintained quarantine and had our own movable des. res. in the most beautiful countryside imaginable surrounded by nature.

Witzend Sun 13-Sept-20 08:36:17

Something I saw outside a little metal-worker’s shop in France - I dare say many of you will think I was mad!

He is a large prehistoric tortoise cast in bronze, so lifelike and detailed, I can’t begin to imagine the work that must have gone into him. He’d been outside the shop the previous year too, and given the price on the tag I’d guess that the owner didn’t really want to part with him. She was evidently very fond of tortoises - there were several smaller ones in the shop.

I told dh not to bother with any birthday or Christmas presents for me for the next ten years!

He lives in the garden year round and seems quite happy. But he’s given various tradesmen/our window cleaner, etc. a bit of a shock!

My first proper pet was a tortoise so I’ve always been fond of them - that’s my excuse, anyway.