I didn't start my luxury jewelry journey until I was in my late 30's. I was more into bags prior to jewelry then I slowed down with that and the jewelry fascination kicked in. I wasn't financially stable yet in my 20's so after I hit the 6 figure mark in my 30's, that's when I felt more comfortable indulging. I spend within my income bracket and I buy selectively...usually only 2-3 pieces per year. That way each piece is special and well thought out.
At what income level did you begin buying VCA?
- Thread starter GlamarousBarbie
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With several notable benchmarks of independent adulthood not yet accomplished, I can see how you'd wonder if spending 25% of a "yearly income" on jewelry makes sense. I'd venture that this narrative doesn't comport with many typical HJ clients.
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I didn't say jewellery, just luxury goods, including a vehicle (which is a luxury good if you're going into non-necessity vehicles). I think it's just hard for people to understand where I come from because they assume that a 23 year old is most likely making 5 figures per year.
Hm, with you saying that, maybe it is okay to spend a specific amount on luxury goods - but only if you are earning a specific amount to where it's comfortable.
Right now, I have 3 pieces! I have a perlee clover bracelet, a perlee signature bracelet, and a 10 motif necklace. I also purchased a luxury vehicle, luxury clothing, etc. which took around 25% of my income. I'm close to being done, I'm just wanting a 5 motif bracelet and a ring. I probably seem so financially irresponsible to the elders here!
I am almost positive you will likely not stop at three pieces. There are too many lovely designs to do that!
I do not think you are being irresponsible. I think the fact you are asking these questions means you are aware that financial stability should always play a factor for the choices one makes in life. Each one of our stories are different in every aspect: education, family structure, financial position, preferences and values/markers for what is important to us. I also believe financial awareness/education is important and I wish it was a course every student had to be taught in school!
If you are making decisions which will set yourself up for a solid future, then what you do after that is really just personal choices/preference. If your preference is luxury goods, then so be it. Some choose to buy material goods; others choose to travel, others donate and volunteer; others do a mix of these things. Some people squirrel it all away for the long, hard winter and then never make it there; others do. It is important we have a degree of financial independence which, incase life hands you a hard card, will allow you to get back on your (and your kids'- if appl) feet. ALWAYS cover these bases first. Build your cushions: as a family, a mother (if applicable) and as an independent. After that, if your husband and you are on the same page; then world is your oyster (so to speak).
To answer your question: I started in my late twenties with jewelry, including VCA (of which some of my tastes have changed). I toggled between bags, jewelry and RTW during my 30's and then now in my 40s I feel I am at a point where I am filling gaps in what suits my fancy. I certainly feel less "rushed" and feel somewhat concerned about what SM is doing to the young generations. These material items do not mean one is a better person because of them but sadly there seems to be this checklist that needs to be ticked off. Personal choice and identity also seems to be lost-everyone is on the same bandwagon and the horses seem to change paths every couple years.
Shopping is fun, but nothing compares to the experiences we have with loved ones and the world. There is so much to see, do, read and learn. As you move throughout life, your tastes will likely change so what you think is important now may not be what you think is important at 50.
I kind of went on a novel rant but a few things have come to mind from this discussion. Anyway - my opinion is: Cushion first! They sky is the limit from there. Have fun.
I do not think you are being irresponsible. I think the fact you are asking these questions means you are aware that financial stability should always play a factor for the choices one makes in life. Each one of our stories are different in every aspect: education, family structure, financial position, preferences and values/markers for what is important to us. I also believe financial awareness/education is important and I wish it was a course every student had to be taught in school!
If you are making decisions which will set yourself up for a solid future, then what you do after that is really just personal choices/preference. If your preference is luxury goods, then so be it. Some choose to buy material goods; others choose to travel, others donate and volunteer; others do a mix of these things. Some people squirrel it all away for the long, hard winter and then never make it there; others do. It is important we have a degree of financial independence which, incase life hands you a hard card, will allow you to get back on your (and your kids'- if appl) feet. ALWAYS cover these bases first. Build your cushions: as a family, a mother (if applicable) and as an independent. After that, if your husband and you are on the same page; then world is your oyster (so to speak).
To answer your question: I started in my late twenties with jewelry, including VCA (of which some of my tastes have changed). I toggled between bags, jewelry and RTW during my 30's and then now in my 40s I feel I am at a point where I am filling gaps in what suits my fancy. I certainly feel less "rushed" and feel somewhat concerned about what SM is doing to the young generations. These material items do not mean one is a better person because of them but sadly there seems to be this checklist that needs to be ticked off. Personal choice and identity also seems to be lost-everyone is on the same bandwagon and the horses seem to change paths every couple years.
Shopping is fun, but nothing compares to the experiences we have with loved ones and the world. There is so much to see, do, read and learn. As you move throughout life, your tastes will likely change so what you think is important now may not be what you think is important at 50.
I kind of went on a novel rant but a few things have come to mind from this discussion. Anyway - my opinion is: Cushion first! They sky is the limit from there. Have fun.
If you are a stay at home wife but your husband and you keep your finances separate, and you are buying all these luxury goods you’ve listed throughout this thread…… Won’t your money eventually run out? 
^well the OP said 25% of income (not savings) so that means she has an income source. Maybe its from a trust fund.
Well, not exactly, I’ve been preparing to have X amount of finances by the time I’m 30. Just my own personal nest, just in case I do want nice things or want to do something for my kids (when I have them).If you are a stay at home wife but your husband and you keep your finances separate, and you are buying all these luxury goods you’ve listed throughout this thread…… Won’t your money eventually run out?
I own a small business which I’ve been running since I was 21, I wish I had a trust fund… Life would have been a lot easier 😅
It definitely is hard to stick to a set amount of items but I feel that owning too much means specific items won’t be loved, so I decided to only purchase items which I wear daily. I feel that the jewelry you wear daily is what makes you recognizable, like how when I think of my mom I think of her Indian jewelry she wears every day and her signature perfume.I am almost positive you will likely not stop at three pieces. There are too many lovely designs to do that!
I do not think you are being irresponsible. I think the fact you are asking these questions means you are aware that financial stability should always play a factor for the choices one makes in life. Each one of our stories are different in every aspect: education, family structure, financial position, preferences and values/markers for what is important to us. I also believe financial awareness/education is important and I wish it was a course every student had to be taught in school!
If you are making decisions which will set yourself up for a solid future, then what you do after that is really just personal choices/preference. If your preference is luxury goods, then so be it. Some choose to buy material goods; others choose to travel, others donate and volunteer; others do a mix of these things. Some people squirrel it all away for the long, hard winter and then never make it there; others do. It is important we have a degree of financial independence which, incase life hands you a hard card, will allow you to get back on your (and your kids'- if appl) feet. ALWAYS cover these bases first. Build your cushions: as a family, a mother (if applicable) and as an independent. After that, if your husband and you are on the same page; then world is your oyster (so to speak).
To answer your question: I started in my late twenties with jewelry, including VCA (of which some of my tastes have changed). I toggled between bags, jewelry and RTW during my 30's and then now in my 40s I feel I am at a point where I am filling gaps in what suits my fancy. I certainly feel less "rushed" and feel somewhat concerned about what SM is doing to the young generations. These material items do not mean one is a better person because of them but sadly there seems to be this checklist that needs to be ticked off. Personal choice and identity also seems to be lost-everyone is on the same bandwagon and the horses seem to change paths every couple years.
Shopping is fun, but nothing compares to the experiences we have with loved ones and the world. There is so much to see, do, read and learn. As you move throughout life, your tastes will likely change so what you think is important now may not be what you think is important at 50.
I kind of went on a novel rant but a few things have come to mind from this discussion. Anyway - my opinion is: Cushion first! They sky is the limit from there. Have fun.
I feel that a lot of judgement can come from people as I’m younger and purchasing these items. People think it’s ‘daddy’s money’ or something. Nowadays, people want to appear as a specific social and economic class - personally that’s not me. I’ve learned to just buy what you love and what you will wear for years, e.g. with clothing, I only buy classics which are natural fibers.
I’ve learned that these material items do not matter, you do not take them with you once you’re parted with this life. However, you do take your cherished memories. Memories of vacations or with my family will surely outdo the memories of when I purchased VCA.
Excellent points! Sounds like you have a solid head on your shoulders and plan. I know this thread kind of went a bit further in depth and off track as the initial question was "At what income level did you begin buying VCA?" but it's interesting to see the advice everyone gives.
I love this question, coming from a poor background growing up n life marriage & kids happened, I wasn't into any luxury or branded stuff getting by was more than enough. Now I'm almost in my 50s & kids all grown up, I can finally splurge on whatever I want. I bought my 1st luxury car at 45 cash, accidentally went into luxury jewellery 2yrs ago, my hubby pays all the house bills while my salary is purely mine so that's how I fund my obsession addiction but mostly I use yearly bonus & once I sold some shares. But lux jewellery is all I spend, I don't do my hair, nail, spa or branded bags, clothes n shoes, & I dress n look homeless 90% of the time 😅 . Also I do put my jewellery spending on excel sheet which helps to keep me grounded on yearly spending.
To add on I think as long as you have bills paid, emergency fund set aside n you seems to sound level headed, I think you are on the right path.
To add on I think as long as you have bills paid, emergency fund set aside n you seems to sound level headed, I think you are on the right path.
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I agree that a savings plan is important in case something unexpected happens. It's gloomy to think about that but so important because you just never know when illness/death/bad situation might happen. We all wish it won't but it's important to plan like it might.
Omg, me too! I grew up poor as well, I never thought I’d be able to afford luxury items. I’m in the same situation as you; my husband pays for everything but for luxuries as frequently as I’m wanting, that has to be funded by myself 😅 I don’t purchase designer clothing, just clothing from Reformation or LilySilk because they seem to be the only brands which sell natural fiber clothing which isn’t insanely expensive and are stylish with good quality. I only have a few designer handbags, shoes, etc. to make sure the items are being loved and the money is well spent.