$3k to Spend for Myself

Unacceptable on 12/09/2020 - 20:26
Last edited 16/09/2020 - 10:02

Thank you all for your contributions.
So after reading all comments below are what I am leaning towards getting;

  • iPhone 12 (thanks to 'Tech and Cars' comment)
  • Aldi MTB bike (thanks to 'imnotgoingtopayrrp' comment)
  • And Coleman Instant Up Gold tent 6P for family camping.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

So stressful these days (both work and family) and trying to adapt myself to the New COVID norm, I need something to reward myself.

I just received tax return of $3k, I want to spend for myself. I was thinking of getting g a nice bike but being a casual rider an expensive bike won’t fulfil me.

Any recommendation?

General Discussion

Comments

    • upsidedownlemon on 14/09/2020 - 16:39

      Is probably only 2 weeks of unpaid leave worth

      • ihbh on 14/09/2020 - 17:02

        Better than nothing.

        Do you want to work all your life or retire early if possible? If retire early then stop thinking in terms of money; instead think in terms of time you enjoy.

        • upsidedownlemon on 14/09/2020 - 17:18

          Definitely in the FIRE camp. Unsure about how long RE would come after FI.

  • pyramid on 13/09/2020 - 08:31
    +12

    OnlyFans

    • Aerith-Waifu on 14/09/2020 - 14:46

      What is this this? Went to the website and still don’t get it？

      • Blue Cat on 14/09/2020 - 18:55

        Website where lonely men buy nudes without realizing that 🅱️ornhub.com and hundreds of other sites are free and with better content… for free.

        • Fobsessive on 15/09/2020 - 20:27
          +1

          Support you local or whatever Amex said

    • krisspy on 15/09/2020 - 09:44
      +2

      Simping 3k away. Noice

  • PoKGuy on 13/09/2020 - 09:02
    +8

    I got a decent tax return this year this is where it went:

    Bought some clothes (on sale 25 > 50% off).
    Car rego due this month ($1k).
    Gave $1k to my wife.

    Save the rest for current and next year's school fees.
    Exciting, no, but I paid my future self. 👌

    If I was my 25 y.o. self., I would have upgraded my motorbike 😁 YoLo

    • Unacceptable on 13/09/2020 - 11:01
      +1

      I’m in the vibe of Yolo at the moment. 👍

      • ATangk on 14/09/2020 - 13:28
        +2

        Drugs and Hookers.

    • bakemon0 on 14/09/2020 - 11:39

      growing up sucks

  • gmeney on 13/09/2020 - 09:21
    +4

    Board games.

    • Mechz on 13/09/2020 - 10:18
      +30

      You'll barely notice the difference so it's a waste of money IMO.

      • Chirse on 13/09/2020 - 10:36
        -7

        Bruh the XR has a 720p display, the upgrade will be to 4k oled or whatever the new tech is.

        • abb on 14/09/2020 - 10:02
          +3

          Cool. It can fit 4x as many dank memes on the screen at once. Such amaze.

    • DemocracyManifest on 13/09/2020 - 14:25
      +1

      I had a Samsung S8, the screen quality compared to my XR blew it away but I didn’t want to pay $400+ to replace the cracked screen and battery. OLED is nice especially if you use it everyday

    • Deals For Days on 14/09/2020 - 13:58
      +2

      novelty will wear off in a week, a month if you're lucky.

      if you're gonna buy tech at least get something a bit more novel. a drone perhaps, tablet if you don't have one, gaming console for you and the kid etc.

      new phone =/= happier

    • Blue Cat on 14/09/2020 - 18:56
      +2

      troll post…

    • Pratty on 14/09/2020 - 19:50
      +1

      Does seem like a very sad usage of the $. Take a look at spackbace’s response above.

    • Lockieasy on 15/09/2020 - 07:52

      We've basically reached peak phone, so upgrading your phone to the latest version is hardly worth it unless your current phone dies because the improvements in the latest versions are so minor and are mostly marketing spin.

  • ozbargainsam on 13/09/2020 - 10:34
    +24

    Surprised this wasn't said already:

    A tax return is money the government owed you anyway. It's not a 'bonus'. You should treat as if you received it spread out throughout the year in your pay. In a perfect world, you'd never get a tax return or have to pay back anything.

    Assuming you're salaried.

    • AustriaBargain on 13/09/2020 - 11:20
      +14

      I think we all understand that. OP wants to treat themselves to something nice and after a year of work why shouldn't they.

      • ozbargainsam on 13/09/2020 - 13:47
        +1

        Fair enough. It was a PSA-style message. Take it as you will.

        • AustriaBargain on 13/09/2020 - 14:32

          Even if he just found the money, he “should” save it like it was regular income. But he wants to splurge and owning nice things makes you feel good so it’s worth.

  • OzHunterNSW on 13/09/2020 - 12:01
    +1

    Well its not entirely your, now is it?
    You are still thinking in the mindset of a single man. Next I presume you want to visit the red light district.

    Why not keep it for a time when you can use it toward a family holiday.

    • soaringphoenix on 14/09/2020 - 21:53

      Absolutely! It's a one-way train to poor morals and selfishness from here! After the red light district, I presume you'll be off to kick kittens - how dare you!

  • DemocracyManifest on 13/09/2020 - 14:23
    +2

    Get stuff serviced, repaired etc, that you have have put off

  • dec1an on 13/09/2020 - 14:30
    +4

    You will absolutely not regret dropping $3k on a bike. They just start to get good at that price… Start riding with other people and you'll enjoy it even more. It's seriously such a good hobby - fun, you get fit, can actually go places and enjoy it, and meet people.

  • RobBoss on 13/09/2020 - 15:31
    +7

    2 RTX 3090

    • ashanrath on 14/09/2020 - 13:22

      What a waste, the RTX 4090 will be out in a few years.

      /s, in case that wasn't obvious.

      • OzzyOzbourne on 14/09/2020 - 18:06

        Nah, better wait for the 5090

  • [Deactivated] on 13/09/2020 - 21:32
    +3

    Half a $6,000 item.

    That way you have to come up with the $3,000 so you've in fact spoiled yourself twice. You deserve it.

    • soaringphoenix on 14/09/2020 - 21:56
      +4

      Why not a quarter of a $12,000 item? That way, you get to spoil yourself four times!

      How about a 2006 Porsche Cayenne with 338,000km? This baby has barely been broken in!

      https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2006-porsche-cayenn…

      • [Deactivated] on 14/09/2020 - 22:02
        +1

        Chuck a hellcat V8 in there and you are set.

        Just to make sure it runs alright, you'll need to move the radiator forward to fit the engine, and replace the driveshaft to accommodate the increased torque.

        Good idea to remove the AWD pump and replace with a full time 4WD system.

        Cut the panels and some wheel flares to increase the track width and stick some 35 inch muddies.

        Probably need a 4 inch lift to clear the muddies.

        Best $3k spent.

  • nomoneynoproblems on 14/09/2020 - 00:09
    +4

    i recommend a nice watch. $3k buys you a really nice piece.

    • endolphin on 14/09/2020 - 14:31
      -1

      what for?

      • nomoneynoproblems on 14/09/2020 - 14:44
        +2

        Op wanted a nice reward for himself. How is this even a question?

    • Pricebeat on 15/09/2020 - 16:26

      i recommend a nice watch.

      OP already said that they are buying a watch called iPhone 12

  • atris17 on 14/09/2020 - 00:20
    +2

    Home Gym
    Powerful Blender
    Freezer

    • Invest in your health
    • Save time and effort
    • Encourage element of organisation and structure in life
    • If you can’t continue, you can still sell it off the items to recover cost
  • Jaystea on 14/09/2020 - 00:21
    +4

    Get a nice coffee machine and an even nicer grinder.

    • dbun1 on 14/09/2020 - 14:08

      Agree with a nice coffee machine setup if the OP is into coffee.

  • striker5950 on 14/09/2020 - 01:23
    +1

    You want something to keep you occupied and get ur mind off reality, Get a nice bigass 75 inch tv and watch Netflix

  • SillySorjai on 14/09/2020 - 02:31
    +8

    Save your money OP, your caution is well advised on these forums by other OzBargain posts in these current times. Economy is in the doldrums and job security will be very shaky for years to come.

    If you don't have one yet, get the top model Philips XXL Airfryer for ~$400. You will not regret this. Spend another $100 on ur fav cold beer and either the aldi rosemary and salt chips or the Coles mccain chips. Enjoy and relax yourself in front of the TV with your favourite sports channel and the best chips and cold beer.

    If you want to save another $300, get the kmart anko Airfryer (biggest one) that one is unbeatable for its price point.

  • dajackal on 14/09/2020 - 07:22
    +3

    VDHG

  • digitalbargain on 14/09/2020 - 07:40
    +4

    Brothel

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 14/09/2020 - 08:31
    +2

    Hookers and blow

    • Mosher on 14/09/2020 - 13:43

      Or get blown by the hooker

    • Kenny Powers on 15/09/2020 - 10:09
      +1

      Don't listen to this. Be sensible, use half to pay off some of your mortgages. Then use the other half for hookers and blow

  • CheeryCheapskate on 14/09/2020 - 09:25

    I'd get that bike as a reward but save the rest or use it to invest. Who knows the outcome of these lockdowns and it's economical impacts so I'd save or grow it for a rainy day.

  • mooney on 14/09/2020 - 09:29
    +4

    I just bought a 4k projector, seeing as though we stuck at home more now seemed worthwhile.

    Means now each weekend can do a 'movie night' on 150 inch screen… keeps the kids quiet for a couple of hours whilst drink wine and doze off in the armchair, like a fat old dad. Its great.

    • striker5950 on 14/09/2020 - 09:57
      +2

      the last part sounds depressing. got me thinking about the final chapter, getting old, fat and closer to the end

      • mooney on 14/09/2020 - 11:09
        +2

        Well there's bugger all you can do about getting older. Since having kids, and living life constantly knackered as a result, an afternoon nap is a gift from the gods. Glorious.

        Being a fat old dad is great, I might not be selling it, but its the biggest achievement in my life so far.

        • striker5950 on 14/09/2020 - 14:29

          well damn dude that last part made me just feel bad for you. i mean get fit if you wana be around longer for your kids and family.

          • mooney on 14/09/2020 - 15:32
            +4

            @striker5950: Lol.. don't take everything you read on the interwebs so seriously. Let me reassure you that am not unhealthy or fat, just not quite as fit as I was pre-kids… because parenting is HARD. Kids are brutal.

            Was serious about naps though. Man they are good when sleep is a premium.

  • ilikeradiohead on 14/09/2020 - 09:38
    +2

    $3k will get you like half of the premium skins/content on league of legends!

    But on a more useful note, someone mentioned a mountain bike, but a road bike also fits in to this category. $1k on an intro road or solid used bike, $500 on looking like a lycra w***er, $500 on Sunday morning post ride coffees, $1k left for when you decide to buy more goodies. I've been on the post-graduation job hunt for the last few months and taking my bike out for a couple of hours during the week has made me forget about everything else (except that I want to go faster!).

  • superuser on 14/09/2020 - 10:36

    A sugar baby girl

  • Unacceptable on 14/09/2020 - 10:46

    Money is funny. A couple of months ago I was thinking of using the tax return (whatever amount is) to do a dental implant but antibiotics helped ease the pain and I didn't have to do the implant, saved $5k.
    And last month I had oral mucocele which might require an oral surgery costing about $1k or more, but it started to heal itself now.

    So all those costs that I actually didn't spend plus the tax return received makes me think that the $3k are more like an disposable income that I can reward myself.

    • striker5950 on 14/09/2020 - 14:33
      -3

      get invisilign its like 3k all up, im thinking of doing it actually

      • Settero on 14/09/2020 - 14:51
        +4

        I would love to see how you linked OPs dental issues to him wanting straighter teeth.

        • Pricebeat on 15/09/2020 - 16:30

          They saw the opportunity to strike

    • cloudy on 14/09/2020 - 19:58
      +1

      After reading that wouldn’t it be prudent to save it? Shrugs.

    • [Deactivated] on 14/09/2020 - 21:21
      -1

      You can treat yourself to material objects or put food on the table for other people, your call

  • NotSureIfSerious on 14/09/2020 - 11:04

    Spend some, Save some.

    Each tax return I get about $1500-$2000 and I buy a couple of things I've really wanted to buy but can't justify it at the time (usually a new pair of shoes, a nice shirt or a game that I've wanted to play) and bank the rest.

    That way you get that instant gratification that you seek and you get have money for if things go pear shaped.

  • reddwarf on 14/09/2020 - 11:16
    +1

    Am I the only one that finds "spending my tax refund" weird?
    In general, a tax refund is due to overpaying tax or claiming deductions which really should have been reimbursed or paid for by the business.

    Come EOFY, I'd rather owe ATO than having overpaid for 12 months while ATO gets to keep the generated interest.

  • markh on 14/09/2020 - 11:23
    +1

    Invest it !
    google "barrick gold - warren buffet"
    Buy me a beer in 2022.

  • anglais on 14/09/2020 - 11:24
    +1

    Exercise is a sure fire way to feel good.

    I bought a Garmin watch maybe 3 months ago and it has certainly encouraged me to run a lot more often.

  • klownvandamn on 14/09/2020 - 11:33
    +1

    Roulette and go all in on number 24

    • worldpc on 14/09/2020 - 15:57
      +1

      Can't go in Victoria

  • DarthAntz on 14/09/2020 - 11:34

    Use it to fund 2 months off work, if permitted by your employer to take 2 months leave.

    Read a book a week during that time and don't worry about income for a while.

    • [Deactivated] on 15/09/2020 - 13:32
      +2

      $3k to cover 2 months off work? What world do you live where you can get away with $375 a week? That wouldn't even put a dent in a mortgage let alone food, phone, internet transport etc.

      • DarthAntz on 15/09/2020 - 14:36
        +1

        I wasnt thinking of mortgage, just rent, and just for a single person. Also depends where you live. There are plenty of people that rent and live off ~$1500 a month.

        Not going to work saves you money (transport, buying lunch etc). I could do it.

        2 weeks for you maybe!

  • sashatheman on 14/09/2020 - 12:59

    What every it is, i would only spend some of it. At most half of it, and save the rest.

  • bujji on 14/09/2020 - 13:52

    If you own a house pay this 3k as additional repayment and keep thinking till you find a way to spend then redraw

  • Hugh G Rection on 14/09/2020 - 13:58

    i would get stocks, they are on sale right now.

  • Dontdoit on 14/09/2020 - 14:08
    -1

    Data 2 Battle Pass. Enough to get Windranger Arcana.

  • netjock on 14/09/2020 - 14:31
    +2

    Put it against the mortgage. Stick it to the man.

    Bank won't get any more interest income to offset their bad debts.

  • syousef on 14/09/2020 - 15:11

    You don't have enough to buy the cameras posted on OzB today.

  • Drakesy on 14/09/2020 - 15:14
    +1

    Get a $3k bike if your finances are healthy, nothing better than investing in your health and fitness.
    When i dropped $7,500 on my bike i had my doubts, but there's nothing better than riding on something you enjoy rather than wishing you bought something better.

    • Unacceptable on 14/09/2020 - 15:25

      Recommend me a MTB bike under $2k. (I don’t dare to spend over $2k for a bike as a beginner)

      • hothed on 14/09/2020 - 17:47
        +4

        As a beginner, a bike with a front shock that is adjustable is a good start.

        Adjust hard when riding on the street, softer when going over bumps/on a trail.

        Buy a decent brand like Giant or Avanti.

  • KLoNe on 14/09/2020 - 16:33

    A $3k reward for being stressed and depressed?

    Wow.

    • lookingforTV on 14/09/2020 - 21:40
      +2

      Sometimes you gotta treat yourself.. otherwise you start questioning what's the meaning of working so hard.

  • CharityCase on 14/09/2020 - 17:27
    -1

    Hookers

  • hopper on 14/09/2020 - 18:39

    Spend 1k and save 2k for a rainy day, i expect a storm coming soon due to covid

  • kennykinglam on 14/09/2020 - 18:58
    +2

    Cocaine and Strippers

  • xfiledavid on 14/09/2020 - 19:05

    You can get a really good massage chair for around 3k
    zero gravity 3D or whatever they call em..

    i waiting for my wife to die tax return so i can get one

  • [Deactivated] on 14/09/2020 - 19:28
    -4

    As someone mentioned before, there's a lot of people in shitty situations right now, $3000 might mean something fun for you but a lifeline to someone else. Nothing is really more fulfilling than knowing you've given someone a proper dinner or proper clothing. As much as society likes to put us against one another in a n (unfair) rat race of meritocracy were a society and really should be looking out for one another.

    • lookingforTV on 14/09/2020 - 21:42
      +9

      That $3,000 is rightfully his and he doesn't have to be guilt tripped or lectured.

      • [Deactivated] on 14/09/2020 - 21:55

        I'm just stating facts and suggestions. I know it's rightfully his, how is this suggestion different/worse than what, skins for a game, a projector or a couple of days holiday?

        You know what, screw Bill Gates and his Giving Pledge, trying to guilt trip billionaires into donating money. And you know what, I'm sick of being lectured about climate change.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/09/2020 - 23:04

          Best thing to do is invest it, turn it into millions and then be in a place where you can give back more than you could with that $3,000…

          • [Deactivated] on 14/09/2020 - 23:15
            -2

            @[Deactivated]: Damnit quick, someone call the salvation army and tell them about this.

            • [Deactivated] on 14/09/2020 - 23:37
              +1

              @[Deactivated]: Imagine if their primary focus was helping people lol….
              Not a high paying job, huge admin fee's and hardly any help to those who are in need

              • [Deactivated] on 14/09/2020 - 23:50
                -1

                @[Deactivated]: Yeah let's focus on one of the many charities you could give to. You missed the point, I was responding to your comment that the best thing to do is to invest and give back later. By that logic, only millionaires should donate and honestly, if OP is in a position where he has a spare 3k and doesn't even know what he wants himself, then maybe he's already in that position and already has everything he wants. If someone actually had something they wanted then it's hard to argue against because it is money they've worked for to get it but again, this guy just has 3k and asking for suggestions. Maybe instead of a shiny new gadget he'd probably stop using after a while, someone else might actually benefit off it. He has a family, he should know how heartbreaking it must be unable to feed your kids. God forbid he might actually listen to my comments and help some families out right? But this is OzBargain where people jump on price errors without a second thought. What should I expect.

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