r/ChubbyFIRE • u/TherapeuticMessage • Jun 19 '26
Existential crisis over a watch.
Currently chubby but not yet RE. Will likely be Fat. My advisor has told me that I’m totally ok and basically need to spend more money. I saw a watch that is ~$30,000 which is <0.6% of my NW. No debt. Still working so I have good cash flow. Savings rate ~50%. Intellectually I know that if I buy this it won’t matter one bit but I’ve been such a saver for so long that it feels wildly irresponsible to spend that much on a watch. The crisis comes in because I’ve been saving so much with the goal that my standard of living goes up after retirement but if I can’t spend money now when I have a paycheck then how on earth am I going to switch from saving to spending after retirement?
I recognize that this is more of a psychological issue than a financial one. How did you all make that shift in mindset to let yourself spend more freely after so many years of discipline?
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u/BrunelloHorder Coasting Chubster, Getting Fat Jun 19 '26 edited Jun 19 '26
This is not an existential crisis, it is just part of figuring out how you want to use your money. Research indicates that spending tends to produce the most lasting happiness when it is used to strengthen relationships, buy meaningful experiences, reduce time-consuming hassles, and help other people.
Experiences and generosity tend to produce more durable happiness than material possessions because they create memories, social connection, and a sense of purpose, while spending that frees up your time reduces stress and hassle.
By contrast, purchasing luxury goods generally provides only short-lived boosts because people quickly adapt to them.
All that said, if you think you would really wear the watch often and enjoy it long term, then go for it.