conversation: User (RE-gal): "Had a light bulb moment after chatting with a friend about spending money for no good reasons! \n\nMost of the time when ppl (like myself) buy stuff, it’s really to satisfy the feeling of searching , seeing something you like, and being able to purchase it. \n\nWhat if we convert that “something” to things  that can be more sustainable and useful AND someday can grow your wealth? \n\nIn my case, S&amp;P 500 ETF! Or it could be any investment vehicle that have more stable growth.\n\nHope you like this idea! "
  Self: "Well, i do almost the same, but i buy S&amp;P500 prior to spending. I guestimate monthly expense, deduct that from income and buy ETF. This way i'm always at zero account ballance with a bit of headroom for "fun" cheap stuff, and in case i need to buy something i delay the purchase for a month till the next paycheck, usually the impulsiveness wears off till that time. I call it "stealing from myself"."
  gbear605 (gbear605): "Do you at least have an emergency fund?"
  Self: "Nope, i like to live dangerously. I live a cheap life (thanks to prebudgetting), and monthly salary covers 4-5 monthes of expenses. When i feel the problems are coming, i just skip a monthly investment routine till the problem solves itself. Otherwise i could use some interest-free loans/CC/sell some ETFs (takes 2-3 days to cash out). Currently enjoying 2 months of unemployment :)\nCheap life = lots of financial security as well as savings.\n"
  Nic_Mudkip (Nic_Mudkip): "What do you mean by cheap life? How do you live? I'm always looking for cheap lifestyle ideas."
  Self: "Don't own appartment, drive a tiny car, DIY things, 3 years old smartphone, strive to get cheapest financial products and plans. If something could be free or cheaper, do it now. Free bank, free CCs, cheapest cellular and internet subscriptions, less coverage on insurances (if the coverage is limited and less than my fund)."
  Ditario (Ditario): "Get cancer. Miss out on everything. "
  AProf (AProf): "Well, different people take enjoyment out of different things.  Beyond the initial rush of a new phone (and, I’d argue, even a new car to a degree), spending money on these things is unlikely to give a person a more fulfilled life.  Plus, it is less wasteful and better for the environment.\n\nUltimately, investing in experiences, instead of things, results in more life satisfaction IMHO"
  thilehoffer (thilehoffer): "If nobody buys anything that S&amp;P ETF would be worthless too."
  galbsadi (galbsadi): "While this is true, let's be honest: somebody will **always** buy something.  In fact, pending something like nuclear war or the complete collapse of the American economy (in which case your portfolio is likely to be the least of your concerns)...expecting the S&amp;P to go up isn't a probability as much as an eventuality."
  thilehoffer (thilehoffer): "That’s fair, but stocks go down too. *Edit like Sears, Borders or whatever company that sucks... Stocks don’t just always rise."
  mostexcellllllent (mostexcellllllent): "That’s why you buy and ETF, or index fund."
  