Chambers, do you have any idea how you sound, advocating buying nothing for 1 year?

Like, do you know how much kids grow and how fast they outgrow clothes and shoes? Do you know how expensive it is to have 2 teenage boys? No, I don't get a child allowance. My children were here before that started. Should I have waited to have children? When would have been a good time? College? Immediately after college? Before I got married? When? <br><br>I'm a 42 year old single mom of 2 teenage boys. I work 60-80 hours per week and make just over $300k per year before taxes. I did not grow up with money. My family went on welfare when I was 12 and that was the only "help" we ever got. My parents made less than $25,000 a year combined. My father died when I was 16 and at that point, I began working full time. My mother remarried, to a man who made more money but also spent more money. She still struggled. I was kicked out at 18 and I was pregnant. My son's father died before he was born and I was on my own. I got my degree after 11 years and I make what I make now. I'm not trying to brag, I'm just trying to paint a picture of my life. I've worked my ass off for every penny I make and every dollar I've saved. <br><br>I didn't have *any* help on either of my boys. No family help, no child support, no friends. I did it all alone. And I'm proud of the men my boys are turning out to be. I've also worked my ass off to get where I am. I do 80 hour weeks because I choose to. I can do 20s if I want to, I can do 120s if I want to. I make my own schedule and that's part of why I make so much. <br><br>But you know what? I want to treat myself sometimes. I want to buy a new handbag, because I like it. I want to buy my son a video game because he's been working hard at school. I want to buy my other son a super expensive basketball because he loves basketball and works hard to be the best he can be. I want to spoil them a little because they deserve it. I want to work hard and, in turn, play hard. <br><br>People on Chambers don't want anyone to ever buy anything. Ever. They don't want anyone to ever treat themselves, they don't want anyone, regardless of their income, to ever buy anything new. Because everyone should live like they're poor. It doesn't matter if you make $15 hr, $50 hr, or $500 hr (like me). You should never treat yourself. Never. <br><br>I'm so tired of people, WHO DO NOT KNOW ME, telling me what I should and shouldn't spend my money on. And judging me for buying new things, because I should be used. And judging me for being frugal and saving. <br><br>I save for emergencies. I save for college for my children (although my older one got a huge scholarship). I save for big items. I save for retirement. I do everything by the book. <br><br>But no one should ever treat themselves. Well, screw that. I worked hard for my money and I will damn well spend it how I want to.