Yet Another Survey!

Indulgences 3/1/2005

This survey is stolen from darlingnikki who would love to be told if you take it.

1. Here is a list of items some people would consider "expensive." Please bold all the items that you spend money on regularly or occasionally.

-Hardcover books purchased new from a local bookstore

–Full service restaurant meals

-Espresso or Cappuccino from a coffee shop

-Premium, clove, or imported cigarettes

-Exotic produce

-High end make up/cosmetics

-Premium gasoline

-Professional quality or luxury type shampoos, conditioners, etc.

-Salon services such as waxing, manicures or pedicures

-Health care

-Designer clothes, shoes, handbags

–Not from concentrate Orange juice

–Massages

–Fresh Flowers

-The latest, top of the line computer equipment

–Brand new car

-Having your car professionally detailed

-Premium digital cable TV

2. Of the things that you bolded above, are there any that you consider "necessities" rather than "indulgences?" If so, which ones and why?

Massages for me are a necessity. In December I get a "13th check" which is my cost-of-living increases all in one lump sum and I  buy myself 24 gift certificates all in one lump sum only partly because she gives me an excellent  discount because I do this. I go once every two weeks and I am seriously contemplating buying myself 48 certificates next year.

I always buy a new car. Mind you, I hold onto them forever. My present car is a 1997 Kia Sepia bought new in 1997.

Health care. I had renal cancer in 2000 and I was not covered. I will die owing money for that.

3. Of the items listed in number one, which would you NEVER purchase, and why?

Cigarettes. I have never smoked unless you count the rebellious teen-age years. And on that one occasion, I threw up!

Premium gasoline. A big selling point with my little Kia was that it specifically does NOT use premium gasoline.

Salon services . I actually did have artificial nails put on once and hated them. My feet are too ugly to show them to anyone who doesn’t love me and I have never had, nor needed, anything waxed. I have actually never shaved my legs in my whole life. I have no hair on my legs and never have had.

High end make-up. I use very little makeup—basically just a moisuriser since I have a dry skin and that can be whatever is on sale. I also use mascara.

Premium digital cable TV. Television is a vast wasteland. We do have cable tv but we watch so little we are seriously considering giving up the basic package we have now.

Designer clothes shoes handbags. A total waste of money.

4. Name two or three of your favorite vices. How much money do you estimate you spent on them in the last six months?

I love technological gadgets. I passionately love my iPod and am considering an iPod shuffle— not because I need it but because it is such a cool idea! Money waise, maybe a couple of hundred dollars in the last six months. I tend to buy old technology rather than the latest. {Yes, I know the iPod shuffle is new! I will wait until it isn’t to buy one LOL}

5. How much do you pay for a bottle of shampoo?

Whatever is on sale! A couple of dollars.

6. When a new book by your favorite author comes out, do you run out to your nearest bookstore and buy it immediately no matter what the cost? If not, what do you do instead?

I go to the library and put myself on the waiting list or I wait for it to come out in paperback.

7. What is the most money you ever paid for a meal out? Describe the meal. Was it worth it?

We seldom go out and when we do we tend to go to a coffee shop or our local diner where we can eat well for under $25 dollars.

8. How many times per week do you eat out? Fast food or dine in?

We used to eat out two or three times a week but since Fred’s kidneys are not in good shape and he has to avoid salt, we mostly eat at home and he cooks. He is a good cook.

9. Is your primary vehicle considered a "gas guzzler?"

Nope. My Kia sips gas. And most places I go, I walk these days.

10. What’s the most you ever paid for a car?

I have never paid a lot even though I always buy new. I wait for the end of the year and I only buy small cars.

11. Describe your favorite personal care or cosmetic indulgence and tell how much it cost.

A massage. She charges $85 dollars for 90 minutes but I get mine for $45  per 90 minutes since I buy in bulk so to speak.

12. Do you ever shop as a recreational activity when you don’t actually NEED anything at the moment?

Occasionally.

13. Are you willing to pay extra to buy at locally owned shops versus discount stores? Why or why not?

Oh, yes. I am a big believer in buying locally.

14. Is there any kind of health care that you are scrimping on right now because it is so costly that you can’t justify the expense?

I would like to have some cosmetic work done on my teeth but I can’t justify the cost! I DO have a cleaning every six months and pay for any fillings etc. that need to be done.

15. Do you hire help to clean your home? How often and for how much money?

Oh, I wish, but again, this is something I can’t bring myself to pay for since we have such a tiny apartment. When I owned a three-bedroom house, I had someone come in every two weeks. She charged $50 and did an excellent job. {She bought my house when I moved! LOL}

16. If you drink coffee, what kind do you drink and how much does it cost? Do you make it at home or do you buy it at the coffee shop? Is it McDonald’s rotgut coffee? Have you ever belonged to Gevalia or a similar service?

I drink one cup {In a BIG cup } once a day. Fred occasionally drinks another cup in the afternoon. We both like a dark roast coffee which we buy in the local supermarket.

17. Plain old toothbrush or high priced sonic toothbrush?

High-priced sonicare. And worth every penny. This is something I consider a really good buy.

18. What is your favorite non-necessity indulgence? How much does it cost? Why is it worth it? How often do you allow yourself this indulgence?

See my entry on massages which started as an indulgence and have since become a necessity…

Please note Darlingnikki if you take this survey! She is interested in the answers!