ZoomyTaco
ZoomyTaco

How to spend money w/o regrets?

New here! Saw Grapevine posts in a few WA groups and joined in. This topic might be common, but I’m looking for advice specific to my situation. Generic tips like "save X%" don’t fit everyone’s priorities or cultural context. Sharing details for better context—not a flex, just seeking balance.

I’m an SDE working in India, earning a decent salary, but I was raised in a middle-class family where frugality was the norm. Over the past few years, I’ve focused heavily on saving and being financially responsible. Recently, I crossed a financial milestone I didn’t expect to reach this early, but now I’m questioning whether I’m striking the right balance between saving for the future and enjoying the present.

Here are some quick stats:

  • Age: Mid-20s (4 years of work experience).
  • Income: 20 LPA (including bonuses).
  • Net worth: ~₹50 lakhs in investments and savings.
  • Spending: Around 40-50% of take-home pay (~₹70-80k/month). This includes everything - rent, utilities, hobbies, and occasional travel.
  • Savings: ₹10-12 lakhs annually, split between mutual funds, stocks, and fixed deposits. Maxed out tax-saving investments under 80C.
  • Lifestyle: I live in a metro, spend moderately on hobbies (gadgets, fitness, eating out), but I don’t splurge on big-ticket items or frequent international travel.

My Dilemma:

  1. Spending Guilt: I still feel guilty about spending, even on things I enjoy. For example, I think twice before buying something as simple as an upgraded laptop or taking a vacation abroad. Is this normal? Do others with similar incomes have a threshold where they stop and rethink purchases?
  2. Am I Enjoying Life Enough? I feel content overall but wonder if I’m holding back too much. Should I be more proactive about experiences like travel or other “big” life moments? How do you decide what’s worth spending on in your 20s?
  3. How to Budget for Fun? It’s hard to come up with a spending “cap” that feels right. What’s a good way to allocate money for enjoyment without feeling reckless?
  4. Balancing No Regrets with Responsibility: I want to live a life with no regrets, but I also value financial security for my future (and possibly family). What habits or perspectives have helped you strike this balance?

I’d love to hear from people who’ve been in a similar boat. Did you adjust your spending after hitting certain milestones? How did you make sure you were saving enough while still enjoying your life?

Only here for unfiltered advice - thanks in advance!

1mo ago
36Kviews
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