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Splurging on the Silly: 8 Absurdly Overpriced Modern Luxuries

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Absurdly Overpriced Modern Luxuries

In an era where the line between necessity and luxury is increasingly blurred, the market for high-end goods has expanded into realms previously unimaginable. Today’s consumers, fueled by the desire for exclusivity and status, find themselves splurging on modern luxuries that, to many, may seem downright absurd. From gold-plated staples to diamond-studded smartphones, these items challenge our conventional understanding of value, inviting us to question the real cost of luxury. Here are eight overpriced modern luxuries that epitomize this trend, each a testament to the lengths to which people will go for the sake of opulence.

1. Designer Ice Cubes

Designer Ice Cubes

Yes, you read that correctly. The concept of designer ice cubes has taken the idea of chilling your beverage to a whole new level of luxury. These artisanal ice cubes, often hand-carved from large blocks of purified water, are marketed to high-end bars and affluent consumers looking to add an extra touch of class to their drinks. Priced at a premium, these cubes promise slower melting rates and aesthetically pleasing designs, but the idea of paying top dollar for frozen water certainly raises eyebrows.

2. Gold-Plated Staples

Designer Ice Cubes

In the office of the ultra-wealthy, even the mundane act of stapling documents can be a display of affluence. Gold-plated staples have emerged as a luxury office supply, intended for those who wish to add a touch of extravagance to their paperwork. While they function just like any regular staple, the price tag is anything but ordinary, making this one of the most frivolous ways to flaunt wealth in a corporate setting.

3. Diamond-Studded Smartphones

Diamond-Studded Smartphones

In the digital age, smartphones are ubiquitous. However, for the elite few, a standard model simply won’t do. Enter overpriced modern luxuries like the diamond-studded smartphone: a device that takes personalization and luxury to the extreme. Encrusted with precious stones and often featuring custom designs, these smartphones can cost more than a luxury car, serving as a clear indicator of status rather than offering any additional functionality.

4. Luxury Ice Cream Sundaes

Luxury Ice Cream Sundaes

Ice cream, a universal treat loved by many, has been transformed into a symbol of opulence at certain high-end eateries. Some of these luxury sundaes are adorned with edible gold leaf, rare chocolates, and exotic fruits, with price tags soaring into the thousands. While they undoubtedly offer a unique culinary experience, the question remains whether they provide a proportional level of enjoyment or merely serve as a novelty for those looking to indulge in a fleeting moment of extravagance.

5. Bespoke Fragrance Experiences

Bespoke Fragrance Experiences

The personalization trend has reached new heights with bespoke fragrance experiences. High-end perfumeries now offer services where patrons can have a scent created that is uniquely theirs, often involving expensive ingredients and the expertise of renowned perfumers. While the allure of a signature scent is undeniable, the cost of such exclusivity can rival that of a small fortune, making it an extravagant luxury in the truest sense.

6. Elite Yoga Classes

Elite Yoga Classes

Yoga, once a humble practice for spiritual and physical well-being, has seen a transformation into a luxury activity for some. Elite yoga classes, often set in exotic locations and taught by celebrity instructors, offer an upscale twist on traditional yoga. With class fees that can exceed the cost of a monthly gym membership, these sessions cater to those who seek not just wellness, but also an opulent experience that sets them apart from the average yoga enthusiast.

7. High-Tech Toilets

High-Tech Toilets

The bathroom, an unlikely venue for luxury, has seen its share of opulent upgrades. High-tech toilets, complete with features like seat warmers, automatic lids, built-in bidets, and even music players, are becoming a must-have for the affluent. While they certainly offer enhanced comfort and convenience, their hefty price tags make them a lavish expenditure far beyond the basic necessities of bathroom functionality.

8. Premium Pet Products

Premium Pet Products

The love for pets knows no bounds, especially among those willing to splurge on premium pet products. From designer pet clothing to luxury pet hotels, the market for upscale pet services and products is booming. While pampering a beloved pet is not unusual, the extent of extravagance in this sector, with products often costing more than their human equivalents, exemplifies the lengths to which people will go to spoil their furry friends in the name of luxury.

The Absurd World of Overpriced Modern Luxuries

Absurd World of Overpriced Modern Luxuries

Ultimately, the world of modern luxuries is ever-expanding, continually redefining the boundaries of extravagance. While the desire for unique and exclusive experiences is understandable, these examples serve as a reminder of the seemingly limitless ways in which wealth can be displayed. As society continues to grapple with issues of inequality and sustainability, the appeal of such absurdly overpriced luxuries prompts us to reflect on the values and priorities that guide our consumption choices.

What the Pandemic Has Taught Me About Our Spending

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The pandemic has changed our American way of life.  More people work from home now.  Kids go online to complete their schooling. Many of us are wearing masks now.  And, our month or two quarantined at home has given us time to reflect on what are life used to be like. . .and whether or not we want to fully go back to that life.  I’ve spent some time considering what the pandemic has taught me about our spending.

What the Pandemic Has Taught Me About Our Spending

What the Pandemic Has Taught Me About Our Spending

Sometimes you get complacent in life and just do things the way that you’ve always done them.  This pandemic has allowed me to look at our finances with fresh eyes to discover what we did well and what needs improvement.

My Bargain Shopping Was a Boon to the Family

What The Pandemic Has Taught Me About Our Spending
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I used to drop by the grocery store three or four times a week, scouring the store for clearance mark downs.  I bought probably 1/3 to ½ of our weekly food this way.  I used to worry that I was spending too much money shopping this way, but now I see how much I was really saving us.

Since the pandemic, I’ve relied on grocery store pick up, which means paying full price for everything.  Our grocery bill has shot up by 30%.  When the pandemic is over, you can bet I’ll be back to stopping by the store a few times a week to pick up the bargains.

We Drove Around Way Too Much

What The Pandemic Has Taught Me About Our Spending

Before the pandemic, we were a busy family with three kids.  We spent our time, like many American families, in the car driving from activity to activity.  Gas was a large line item in our budget, especially since our town is very spread out.  We easily spent 2 to 2.5 hours in the car a day, dropping off and picking up a child from school, taking another child to therapy, going to horseback riding lessons, gymnastics lessons, religious education lessons.  On and on.

Since the pandemic, our gas consumption has dropped to nearly nothing.  I’ve bought gas for my vehicle twice in three months; my husband hasn’t had to buy gas at all.  We find we’re happier with more time at home.  Whenever things are more normal, we don’t plan to be as busy, which means less gas consumption.

Our Emergency Fund Is Not Large Enough

We’ve been working on building our emergency fund from a tiny $1,000 to a six-month emergency fund.  When the pandemic hit in mid-March, we had a two-month emergency fund.  While that’s certainly better than a $1,000 emergency fund, I really wish it was larger.

We’re lucky that my husband was able to keep his job and work from home, but he did get a pay cut.  While we have rearranged the budget to accommodate the pay cut, we won’t be able to grow our emergency fund like we had previously.  And, depending on the way this pandemic rides out, we’re both aware that he could lose his job next year.  I’d feel much more confident if we had a bigger cushion.

Final Thoughts

These three are what the pandemic has taught me about our spending.  I’m quite sure when this pandemic is over, our family won’t go back to the way things were.  I think we’ll drive a little less and try to save even more.

How has the pandemic changed the way you look at and spend money?

Can You Benefit from a Meal Kit?

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You’ve likely seen the advertisements for meal delivery kits and wondered, can you benefit from a meal kit? For a set amount, averaging about $7 to $12 per meal per person, the meal service company sends you a box with all the ingredients you need for three different meals with two or four servings, depending on what you choose, as well as the recipe for each meal.

Can You Benefit from a Meal Kit?

There are so many kits to choose from: Green Chef, Hello Fresh, and Blue Apron, just to name a few.  You can find meal kits that are offered for vegans, that have options for those who are gluten-free or nut-free, and those who prefer organic food only.

I’ve personally tried Green Chef, and my family and I loved the meals, but we didn’t love the price tag.  However, while regularly subscribing to a meal kit isn’t good for us at this stage in our lives, there are plenty of times that buying a meal kit is a great financial choice:

When You Don’t Know How to Cook

Can You Benefit from a Meal Kit?
Photo by Le Creuset on Unsplash

Unfortunately, more and more kids are leaving the nest without knowing how to cook.  If your cooking consists of boxed macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese, and eggs, a meal kit service might be perfect for you.  Not only will you get to eat tasty, nutritious food, but using the kit week after week will slowly help you learn to cook.  Eventually, you’ll be able to cook on your own, without the meal kit service.  Knowing how to cook is a skill that is priceless.

When You Would Go Out to Eat Instead

When I worked full-time and my husband was a full-time student and we had an infant, we went out to eat much more than we should have.  We wasted thousands of dollars because we were just too tired to go grocery shopping regularly and figure out what to eat.  In this case, a meal kit would have saved us so much money.  While meal kits are more expensive than cooking from scratch and buying your own groceries, they are cheaper than going out to eat for a meal in a nice, sit down restaurant.

When You Need A Healthier Option

If you eat out frequently or dine on delivered pizza or Chinese, a meal kit may be perfect for you because it’s likely healthier than the food that you’re currently eating.  I found Green Chef to be very healthy; each meal had a lean protein and a variety of vegetables that were of different colors.  Another bonus is that the meals are already portioned for you, so you won’t overindulge, unlike restaurant portions.

Can you benefit from a meal kit?  Only you can answer that.  A meal kit service isn’t right for everyone.  Certainly, choosing your own recipes, grocery shopping, and cooking for yourself is a more frugal option.  But not everyone cares about frugality when it comes to meals.  There are times when a meal kit subscription is the perfect option.

Have you ever subscribed to a meal kit service?  If so, which one?  Were you happy with the food and recipes that you received?