What is the most that you'd spend on a handbag?

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#871
Why don't you think about these questions: (1) What percentage of your take-home income is $6,000, 1%, 5%, 20%? (2) Do you have significant debts that $6,000 could really help reduce, especially credit card debts? (3) Do you have any savings, an emergency fund in case you lose your job? (4) Are you planning some big changes after you get married that would need money, such as buying a house, buying a car, having children, etc.?

Without knowing more about your situation, it's hard to say whether your fiance is being reasonable or overly cautious. My DH is very frugal. He drives an old car and only splurges occasionally on electronics. I will never be like him, and he understands that. But after we got married, I was still spending like I was single. And one day, I realized that I would rather have some savings and down payment for our new house rather than all these bags.

I think it would be a good idea for you two to sit down and discuss your financial goals. Budget accordingly and then from that, you should know how much money you have left for bags. Good luck!
 
#872
I wouldn't hide it because eventually there will be a new bag you want and will want to 'have' and then what?

It sounds like you own many handbags. Men find it hard to understand why you are buying another one when you have a closet full of them because they think more in utiliaritarian terms. If the functional need is not there, why buy more? I would suggest trying to work out an agreement. I think 2K is reasonable and this way you can be much more selective in your choices instead of buying things on impulse or buying a bag you don't really need but bought anyway because it was on sale. (Trust me those things add up very quickly.)

I also agree that just because someone else is willing to spend 6K on a bag this does not necessarily justify your expenditures because you do not what another person's financial situation is.
 
#873
ItsMyWorld said:
This may sound harsh but IMHO, you shouldn't hide things from someone you intend to marry. That is a bad way to start a marriage. That said, it is best to communicate. You obviously have different priorities and I think those need to be discussed. You are right: money is one of the biggest problems in many marriages. I don't think you have to ask for permission but you do need to talk about expectations because once you're married, your money becomes "our" money.

Just because other people pay $6000 for one bag doesn't mean that it is a good argument for you to do so. In all honesty, $2000/year isn't exactly a small amount just on handbags. I know it is easy to get caught up and that you love them, but keep in mind that tPF spending and "real world" spending are totally different! Sit down, talk it over and see if you can reach a mutual decision.

What others are willing to or what they do spend on bags shouldn't be a concern when making your own budget. You need to do what is comfortable for you and your family. My only rule is that I have the money and that I never use a CC for a bag if I can't pay it off as soon as I recieve the bill. No paying it off in installments IMHO. No bag is worth debt.
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so agree!
don't hide it. there are so many other issues that come up in a marriage.

Sure you and your fiance have different priorities, but maybe he's thinking long term and how it will impact not just him but also you. And sometimes in marriage there are compromises...
so important to COMMUNICATE!

well i do hope you get to still buy some nice bags, but even more so, i hope that you and he are happy no matter what you carry on your shoulder.:yes:
 
#874
I only began to buy more bags than I needed about 10 years ago. The most expensive bag I have baught was $650.00 for a 2005 Spring/Summer runway Prada bag that was about 60% off at Neimans. I did buy an $800 pair of crocodile sandals from that same collection, though not on sale. I still wear both because they are timeless. For the last 5 or 6 years I have wanted probably one bag per season at an average of $300 to $500 per bag. So, that puts me close to the $2000 range your fiance has requested you adhere to. For myself I can't justify spending several thousand dollars on a handbag, while I can justify it for a very good watch. I truly would feel like I was taken for an idiot by spending even $1500 on a leather bag. Crocodile or ostrich is different of course. However, you really must think of the profit margins these companies (LVMH for example) are making on your hard earned money. I'm not trying to insult anybody by that statement, it's just me and the way I see things.
 
#875
I agree that you should be totally honest about how much money you spend. I am always so proud of the deals I find that I brag to my husband and although he's not fully impressed, he can appreciate the effort of trying to save his hard earned $$. :shame: :laugh:

But all kidding aside, you both need to sit down and work out a budget that is comfortable for both you. And it also might be a great incentive for you to only shop for bags when they are on sale too, and then pocket that saved cash for future purchases! :tup:
 
#876
I think it's a good idea to allocate a % of your take home pay for personal spending which includes bags. Like if you say you can spend 5% or 10% on personal stuff...that would include like clothing, bags, hair salons, visits to the spa...etc. If you want to spend more on bags one month, then something else will have to give.
I also don't think it's a good idea to hide your finances from your fiance as it will probably lead to trust issues and arguments in the future :)
 
#879
This was my grandmothers and got passed down to my mom then to me I don't know who much it cost cause it is 1980's circa. I have looked online and saw that they can go for as much as $1500- $2500.
 

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