I only buy the best quality toilet paper and paper towel. That is my lifelong splurge. Growing up we used newspaper for the loo and soft toilet paper is a gift.
Omg, I so laughed at this one! Best comment yet. I totally get the toilet paper thing…. Having lived in a communist country as a kid and the constant shortages of toilet paper there, I think I have some kind of a thing around toilet paper. The whole Covid fiasco, with the shortage of toilet paper, just added to it. I always have like these huge extra packages in my basement so I never run out. 😂😂🤣
Me too! Lifelong splurge. As the Tibetan saying goes: "If you buy something expensive, you cry for a day; if you buy something cheap, you cry every day." Cheap toilet paper makes me cry every day!
Cheese as a splurge! Love it! And PS, thank you for sayng this: "Clothing is not an investment." It drives me insane to hear women saying a piece of expensive clothing is an investment. No. It's not. Clothing wears out, is eaten by moths, shrinks, fades, goes out of style, etc.
So true! I’m with you. It also drives me absolutely crazy when I hear people talking about clothes or handbags as being investments. I mean, we all need clothes, but we certainly don’t need expensive clothes so justifying it by saying it is an investment is ridiculous. I’d rather people be honest and say they bought something because they really like it. In my view, if one can afford it, then one can go ahead and buy it. The key thing is not to mortgage one’s peace of mind by buying too many things one can’t afford.
My mom would sometimes say a piece of clothing was an investment ... but she was always joking. Basically she was a big thrift shopper and it meant she found a nice piece and maybe paid full price at a non-thrift shop. ☺🤣
Another great video ! Would you please share if you use your iPad to save your you tube content videos and if you use it for any other app such as Microsoft Office ? Do you use the in built digital keyboard? And lastly ,😊what storage capacity and generation of iPad you use? Thank you
Oh my goodness, I am so with you on the nice sheets! I will do almost anything to ensure a good night sleep… lol the downfall of menopause… sleepless nights!
I'm really enjoying all your videos, Raina. My splurges are also Invisalign (same reason as you too), my MacBook Air that I can't live without, Kindle because I love to read on it, and good quality shoes. I'm happy that my watching your videos is helping you visit your family in Australia!
Thanks for sharing!! The only thing missing off that list for me is the actual Kindle. But I do use the Kindle app. Thank you so much for supporting my channel and helping me get to get to see the grand units… one of them is already way taller than me!
I would "invest" in a tailor, to make skirts and dresses at the perfect length, so I wouldnt have to buy dresses at lengths I hate. Talk about a money waster.
I agree! Spend in your means and enjoy life! Like you said, we work hard for our money, so it is ok to treat ourselves when we can! Good on you to take care of yourself!
Although being a minimalist, I do spend money on traveling, I love spending some time in warm regions instead of bearing cold and dark winters here in Germany. I have even considered to have just one room in a shared flat and rent my flat I own now to be able to afford trips😃Have a beautiful time with your family in Australia!!!!
Totally agree! Being Canadian, I find going to a warm place during our winter absolute luxury. February and March are absolutely the worst months in Calgary and I’m certainly thrilled about the fact that I will not be here for that period of time lol.
Hi Raina. I have followed a number of RUclipsrs over the past couple of years, yet never post a comment. After watching your video today I want to say that you are refreshingly "real", humourous but also share your sensible, intelligent side with us. I really like your approach to life and always look forward to the next video.
I value dentistry too! My mother who was a nurse always impressed on us kids how important keeping your teeth into old age. Being able to chew with your own teeth and not rely on dentures greatly enhances your nutrition as you can continue to eat fruit and veggies. I also splurge on a few high quality supplements my doctor recommended such as fish oil, etc. healthy aging is my number 1 priority
I’m with you on the dental care. I have not taken any supplements, but I probably should take something. I did a diploma in nutrition after I retired, just for fun and my own personal knowledge. Good supplements were always stressed. I need to do some research as to what brands are good… not all supplements are made equal.
Hi Raina, I got Invisalign in my early 50's, I'm now in my mid 60's and while it was a big expenditure, it was the BEST decision. After Invisalign was completed my dentist suggested whitening my teeth and I agreed. I felt like a movie star and couldn't stop looking at my teeth! For years it was always kids first, then the house, dog, ect. So fun at this age to spend some money on ourselves.
Glad to hear that worked out for you. So far my results are coming along really well. I will definitely have to have a whitening program after I finish because they put those little knobs on your teeth and once they take them off, you have to get a bit of whitening done.
It's great that you put a priority on dental care... so many people our age don't. Most will go the dentures route, or just live with missing/crooked teeth. I got braces later in life (in my 40's). Having a nice smile is such a confidence builder and well worth the money spent!!
Absolutely!! Totally agree. When I was doing my nutrition diploma after I retired, one of the things that we learned when we were studying geriatric nutrition was that people with really poor dental health suffer from many other things once they’re older. Clearly the inability to eat food properly and digest properly has impact on one’s health and even mental health as they age.
I am happy to find someone else who lives through their iPad. Like you, I use my phone as a phone and occasionally to check email and the weather when I’m not at home. I use my iPad for all my music, books, email, RUclips, FB, etc. My email has dozens of mailboxes where I store recipes or anything else I may want to access later. I would feel lost without it, as much as I hate to admit it!
I know exactly what you mean. If I ever lost my iPad, it would be awful. Thank goodness for the cloud because everything would be restored as soon as I purchased another one.
Great discussion! Because I grew up financially poor, I learned at a very early age to buy the best you could afford without going into debt and take care of/maintain that item. Additionally, I always think of the 'price' of an item in relation to the actual time/amount of usage. I will buy or splurge on certain 'luxury' items, such as hobby-related items, however, even those purchases must meet a 'value/cost/satisfaction' standard. As far as food...I purchase the majority of my food items from a local farm. My philosophy is that the food you consume is the best defense against sickness/disease and is a positive investment in your health. And as we all know, sickness is very costly.
Thank you for sharing! I also sometimes calculate the time/amount of use in relation to the price… especially for clothing. Some of my more expensive items that are really good quality, I’ve actually worn more and for a longer period of time than some other items.
After working hard and saving, it’s a mind switch to learn how to spend in retirement. After decluttering and downsizing, I’ve started upgrading and replacing essentials plus a few little splurges like a new perfume and Merit Beauty makeup. I get a good haircut every 10 weeks and a manicure/pedicure twice a year. I’m also planning a Viking riverboat cruise.
It’s interesting that my children and their friends value experiences over stuff, which I love to see. I fully agree with buying the best quality you can afford. My splurge is buying pure wool to make sweaters. I love sweaters and good shoes. Taking care of your feet is so important.
I used to knit all the time. I really miss it. I get like the worst tendinitis in my elbow though from it so I’ve had to stop. I used to have quite the wall stash.
Raina, thanks for this refreshing video! I am retired recently and also try to live a simple / minimalist life, but I do have some “struggles” when wanting buying things I enjoy and also try to keep it minimal. I agree with almost everything you said in this video. Life is short, we should enjoy ourselves in this stage of life, as long as it is done mindfully and not wasteful. 🌹🌹🌹 I do love all your sweaters!
Yes, I totally understand. It’s tempting to buy nice things. I’m constantly having to talk myself down. What makes it easier for me is that I really dislike clutter so I always think about what I would have to get rid of in order to buy that one thing. I have a one in one out rule.
Love the sweater on you Raina! Its gorgeous. Tabolts here I come! I also splurge on vacation with family and children and good shoes and books, hard copies.
RUclips kindly suggested your channel to me. I really enjoyed this episode and I agree -- priority #1 for my money is travel to see my grandchildren who live in Ontario. I like to see them at least twice a year. I find your topic so pertinent to a decision I just made! I have a very inexpensive Walmart vacuum that has a very bad attitude! It only picks up dirt when it feels like, so I have decided that I am not wasting any more money on cheap inexpensive vacuums and am going to buy a high-end reliable brand that will last me forever. I'm glad to have found your channel and will be going back to watch more episodes.
Buy the best vacuum, you can! I had one of those cordless Dyson’s and had it for seven years. It broke last month and was not really repairable. I was super sad because I loved that vacuum. So I totally cheaped out and bought this Dyson-like type of cordless vacuum, but for much less money. I think the Dyson I want is about $800 and this thing was $200… what a total waste of money. It is not nearly as good as my Dyson was. I’m really sad. I spent the money which basically I’ve now wasted because this vacuum does not work well. Live and learn I say!
“ I wear everything I have in my closet “ this is something to aim for !! I am in my 40s and absolutely love your content - good guidance for the upcoming decade . Thank you .
Lol yes, I wear everything in my closet because I don’t actually have too many “real” clothes 😂😂 I have a lot of Lululemon workout wear which in my view don’t qualify as real clothes. I just dislike having things laying around, not getting used. I have decluttered a lot of things over the past four years so don’t want things to accumulate again.
Hi Raina, I watch you on my IPad. I use it for watching TV in my kitchen when I cook , I read the French magazines and newspapers ,… My IPad and my phone are always with me, even on my bedside table when I sleep. I think this technology is magic and wonderfull ! I’m very happy to help you to visit your family and travel with your sister. That’s so fun! Merry Christmas Raina .💕🎄🎅🏻❄️🇫🇷
Thank you so much for your support and this really nice comment. I’m ashamed to say I definitely would have a hard time without my iPad. Like you I watch a lot of movies and shows etc. on it. What is sad is I have this huge TV in my living room and basically I only use it to display art lol. I prefer just using my iPad.
Love this video & love your content! I have some of the same likes: garden & home magazines, art supplies & simple, mid range wardrobe. My goal is to simplify further, just love your common sense combined with your self awareness and you can tell you’ve spent time really assessing why you feel the way you do without resentment. (Hoarding in family, understanding why, quest to understand why we make choices we do and then move on!) I have some Canadian friends and they are all down to earth and sensible. I love being with them! We Americans can learn “less is more”. Which is my mother’s @ 89, favorite saying. That and “blessed be nothing”. May you have a lovely Christmas and I love your U-tube presentations. Thank you for sharing your tips and your life.
Thank you so much for this absolutely amazing comment. I really appreciate you supporting my channel and watching my videos. I think the one thing that keeps my life very simple is that I am a definitely enthusiastic purger of things 😂😂
I agree with every item on your list, Raina! Spending money on people you love gets a big “YES” An ipad, though, I have to replace with my desktop. I was super-glad to hear that you love cheese, and, especially, imported one. I have been on a keto diet for 6 yrs and, at that time, I came to know from my family doctor how bad our Canadian cow milk is… So, I switched to goat milk products only; love Italian sheep milk cheese! I buy organic food, as much as I can; yes, it is more expensive, but I do not spend any money on fruit, cakes, candy, sugar, honey, wheat flour, pasta, etc. Quality over quantity! Love buying non-fiction books that teach me something valuable or give joy, buy good quality clothing and footwear that last for much longer than 3 years and, even then, do not lose their elegance or neatness. I enjoy wearing them and noticed that items made earlier in time are of a much better quality than the modern ones. Recently, had to make a choice for a mattress topper and did not go for a cheap one since a good night sleep is a must. Being on the same page with someone is a nice feeling😊Thanks for appreciation you have for us, your subscribers/viewers!🌹🌹🌹
Thanks for sharing your list. I always like to know what other people like to spend their money on lol. And yes, I definitely love my good cheese except for….. well goat cheese is not my favourite. When I was little and growing up in the Czech Republic, the only milk available to us was goat milk and I was forced to drink it, and for some reason to this day, I cannot handle the taste of any goat dairy. It’s kind of crazy to me how negative experiences in childhood carry through to old age!!
@@smallretiredlife True about negative experiences in childhood! My first "encounter" with goat milk cheese/butter was 6 yrs ago, and it was "love at first sight"🙂So, I consider this being good luck since I am not supposed to consume cow milk... "For each his own" THX for your response.
Things I splurge on, or have splurged on: 1. Computers. Just got a new iMac and MacBook Air. I use them for everything. My iPhone, by contrast, is old and the basic model. 2. My flute. I am a very amateur player, but I splurged on a hand-made Haynes, which will outlive me (by about 100 years). 3. Sweaters the partner knits, so we spend the money on yarn (quite a stash) and her time. 4 Books. I have given away 80% of my books (Swedish death cleaning), but what remains are essential to me. DVDs. We are fans of old movies, most of which are not streamed. For the rest, we eat to live, and any long lasting clothes are fine. We will be set once we finish downsizing our home....
That is a great list! Thank you for sharing. And yes, I used to be a knitter and I totally get “the stash”. I don’t knit anymore because of the severe tendinitis I get in my elbow whenever I start knitting again and I have to say I have saved a lot of money by not buying expensive yarn lol!
Here in Sydney, I think it's excellent that you will be visiting Australia and staying with family in Melbourne. I really like the approach you took to this topic. Thank you, Raina. Have a marvellous time when you travel here...long flight but worth it to be with family.
This was such a fun video Raina. I'm with you on being more mindful and conscious about buying decisions. Travel with or to visit my kids is #1 on my list too. We have been able to do some incredible trips together and I will never forget those memories. MacBook Pro is my must! Good skincare--yes! Quality footwear ranks high along with my frivolous splurge of niche fragrances. I love beautifully blended perfumes that are a bit less mainstream than what I generally see near me. Thank you for sharing your list and have a wonderful time at the concert!
Glad you like your MacBook Pro. I have to actually invest in one next year. My MacBook Air is just not dealing well with my video files. It’s a constant struggle. It’s not made to edit huge videos. I’m totally with you on the quality footwear and the fragrance as well. I have a favourite fragrance that I like to wear …actually a couple of them.
You are a joy to watch. This was so interesting because I am a retired widow and I've noticed I don't seem to have as many wants. But I notice I like very good hair care and good quality make up though I don't use it everyday. Books have always been my passion so I read a lot on my kindle and sometimes I will splurge on a hardcover of one of my favorite authors. Buying with intention is very sound advice, It's better to have quality . I do envy how you travel solo, I have never done that. This may be something I can work on in the new year
Thank you for the kind note. I definitely get nervous making such a huge trip on my own, but I’m sure it’ll be well worth it. I hope you have a wonderful holiday. Season and get to read. Lots of great books.
Good morning from Victoria, Australia. I live and travel in a vehicle so basic living is a must. I spend money on travel and do like to treat myself sometimes with a pedicure. I also splurge on nice hand soaps and body lotions. I don't wear a lot of jewelry but when I do, it is good quality. I agree about your teeth. I have just spent $3000 on mine. 😁
Thanks for sharing! Oh my goodness, the dental thing I absolutely bond with you. Anything to do with teeth is so expensive but it’s important to keep them healthy.
I spent a lot on Tabolts too, their stuff is pretty trending with good quality, very fit in office environments. Now I no longer need to be in office but still like their products. I am cheese fan too, love those creamy ones ❤
So cool! Welcome here. If you’re from Calgary, clearly you understand my need for good skin care. My face feels like all the moisture has been sucked out of it this past week.
Awesome video Raina! I’m happy to hear how family oriented you are. My family is very important to me. Most of my family live in Oklahoma. So I visit them from Seattle a lot. Also, Most everything is on my IPad as well. I even watch RUclips and streaming tv shows and movies on them. I hope you enjoy your trip to Melbourne.
thank you. just found your channel and subscribed. One splurge for me is my hair color at the salon! also love the sweaters !! and I eat well! no fast food. massages and acupuncture monthly, Plants for my garden and all my Apple devices (including the watch) it is good to be retired! we paid our dues. OOOOh how can I forget my Invisalign, I plan well so that I don't feel tight with the budget. Cheers and Merry Christmas everyone!
Thanks for subbing! Merry Christmas to you as well. I definitely do get my hair done as well. It just didn’t make my list. I was trying to think of all the things I wouldn’t give up. Kind of the top contenders if you know what I mean 😂
I like plants too. I used to have several hundred but that was during Covid when everybody was into plants. I’ve downsized my collection considerably. I maybe have 24 now.
I'm the kinda guy who cuts off the end of a hand cream tube to get the very last little bits out of it. But when it comes to pieces of vintage Bauhaus style furniture it's like my brain stops working. I can go to a furniture store and hate everything I see, but put me in an auction house with said collectibles and i'll go bananas.😅 Btw. - love your painting. To me the little guy looks like a very young Truman Capote. 😆 Greetings from East Frisia/Germany - keepup the good work!
lol. I love your comment. I’m like that with toothpaste! I’m definitely a furniture snob and I love old, modern vintage so I totally understand one’s brain stopping to think coherently when they see furniture that speaks to them at an auction . Thank you for liking my painting. I’ve had a few negative comments on it. Some people think it’s a political topic or something. It’s not, I just love the variety and all of the hidden images that are within the painting itself. It’s an amazing conversation piece. And yes, the little guy does look like Truman, though I think he is the likeness of the character in the movie Simon Birch, played by Ian Michael Smith. The movie is an adaptation of the book “A prayer for Owen Meany”
Just discovered you Raina. I live in western N.S.W. Australia, & I hope you have a wonderful trip & visit with your Grandchildren. Have a lovely Christmas & Happy New Year…♥️🎄🎅🎁 P.S. I LOVE my ipad too, don’t know what I’d do without it
I really enjoy your videos. My splurges are going on horseback rides. I don’t have my own horse anymore, so a friend and I go to the same stable where we’re well known now and always ride the same horses. That and travel whenever I can. Hopefully this summer to visit family in Germany.
Oh, that sounds like an amazing splurge. Horseback riding is such a good time. I’ve never been to Germany. I think it would be kind of nice to go. Wishing you a happy holidays.
I’m enjoying all of your videos. All of the content is interesting and it’s nice that you keep good variety in them. I’m definitely in agreement on the IPad, mine goes everywhere with me. I’m also now enjoying your Instagram, as I am a highly visual person (and a quilter), so that app gives me lots to enjoy. This episode is wonderful. I’m 7 or 8 years older than you, and I find all of it relevant. Happy Holidays!
Awesome! Thank you! So kind of you to take the time out to leave such a nice comment. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. I know it’s always crazy this time of the year so I’m wishing you some good downtime during all the craziness.
New here... It's nice to find a retired woman who understands the love of Books and Cheese!! Yes! I love holding a book in my hands and turning the pages...It's the best!! I love going to the library...They have a rack of books for you to take for free...I found really good books there. I started a book club. I make a meal and someone brings wine, someone brings cheese and crackers and someone brings cake!
Welcome!! Thanks for subbing. I love the library as well, though there are some design books that I just absolutely have to own! Your book club sounds like something I would really enjoy.
Such a lovely video Raina ! We share several things in common from your list , that is fun . 🌿😊 An Auntie of mine was a librarian and also built my love for books and reading . Your sweaters are so beautiful ! They create your style and I love that ! 🌿❤️ don’t splurge on clothes myself but healthy food is a too priority and good cheese is in there . 👏😃👍 I don’t spend a lot of money on it but I consider splurging on space an ‘ extra ‘ also ; so I space splurge on decor ! 🌿 I enjoy changing seasonally some items whether they be thrift stores or hand me downs ,if I like it and it fits my style I will incorporate it someplace . Some Change is nice 😊🎄. Enjoy your Christmas season ! 🎄❤️
Thank you for the kind note. I am so enjoying all the notes where people tell me what they like to splurge on. Clearly, considering the state of most of our homes, we all buy things for sure! 😂🤣 I just enjoy hearing about what other people like so I thought maybe people would enjoy hearing about what I like too…. I wonder if that makes me nosy!
Agree 💗 I save for special occasions and stuff that makes life feel great. Im in Sydney and I would love to see you for a coffee. Melbourne is more than a 1,000 km south though. I should spend more on haircuts but I sort of overlook that. I won an ipad 12 years ago and it still works well. Yes I buy wool to knit but jumpers are just too warm for this climate so socks and scarves are my thing. I spurge on fabrics and wools but they are a focused once or twice a year thing. Love your topics and so relevant.
I’m absolutely in awe that your iPad still works after 12 years! My longest lasting one was six years and that was the very first one I bought many years ago. All my newer ones, I have to say peeter out after three years.
I so enjoy when I can see you in your videos. Today was special and oh... so surprising from the first glance, well.... "she has the same sweater" which I just bought couple of weeks ago. Actually firstly I bought very similar one even almost the same but blue/turquoise colour with design but because of the fabrics (I noticed later) I returned it, and opted for the one I originally did not choose. I also shop at Talbots although it's not my favorite store (the fitting, especially the bottoms don't really fit well for my figure but are more for more rounded body I would say), and I started going there after Banana Republic has become much more expensive after pandemic and because it's close to me as I don't like traveling too far for shopping. I also think that Talbots was a lot better some time ago, I mainly think about fabrics, you can still find really good pieces (made of good materials) but there is more and more acrylics and artificial materials that does not wear well and pills. Your spending habits are very similar to mine although the teeth I just do very basic but I like to go occasionally to the theatre and occasional travel but I have quiet down a bit now as I tackle how to transfer into the early new retired life. wishing you a nice day and Merry Christmas!🌲🌲🌲☃
Thank you so much for watching. Hope you have a lovely holiday season. I’m kind of with you on the Talbots bottoms. I always managed to find some there, but it’s always kind of touch and go.
Hello - new subscriber from Melbourne! I am glad you will visit your family here. My youngest daughter is in Vancouver and have not seen her all year, planning a trip next year. x
Welcome aboard! Thank you so much for watching. Honestly, I am so excited to be going back to Melbourne. To see the family. Last time I went was probably 2018, maybe 2019 …can’t remember. I’m so looking forward to checking out the museum again and some of the botanical gardens…. And just sitting at a beach bar, sipping a cool glass of sparkling wine….and shopping in Fitzroy.
Enjoyed the video Raina ❤️ Great sweaters, iPads, cheese, skincare and quality furnishings would be on my list of items also. Looking forward to your video on skincare 😊
I agree 100% about the IPad. I absolutely love my IPad and use it everyday. I love it so much more than my phone. I had to get a phone because even to pay my bills online, they have to send a code to my cell phone to verify my identity. I find that so ironic because I am trying to give them money, and they make it so difficult sometimes. Keep up the interesting videos.😊❤
I am so happy you can travel to Melbourne to see your family. Do you ever come to Sydney? When you journal on your IPad do you use an App? I would like to try that.
I have never been to Sydney. I basically go to Melbourne because that’s where my family is so it’s really easy to spend a protracted period of time there. I use the Goodnotes app and I just purchased a basic notebook in their shop and that’s what I use for journaling. I like to keep things simple lol!
Yes, I’ve had a few comments about the fact that these little readers are fantastic for reading outside. Something to consider if I’m going to go to Melbourne and sit on the beach in the sand and want to read a good novel.
I spend money on massage, on the dressmaker as I want my summer dresses to fit, comfort sandals, on books and on good coffee lattes, cappuccino etc. I hardly spend anything on devices. I buy mobiles in Woolworths. I agree about the furniture, I won't ever shop in Ikea again. You got lucky with your sister, my older sister is toxic and will never be a friend. My younger sister has MS and keeps to herself. I'm in Western Australia 🇦🇺
Oooh, I have not had a good massage for years and years. The one thing I have to say about employment is that I always had great benefits and I do miss those because they often covered massage therapy and dental care.
That picture behind you is very interesting. What's the story with that? I enjoy your channel. I'm trying to get the gumption to make my own videos.i started a channel and uploaded shorts of my dog on it, but need to make an actual video like you do.
Thank you for watching and you should start your own channel. Just film something and put it out there. Learn as you go. That’s basically what I did. The painting behind me is done by a local artist, and I’ve had it for many, many years. It’s called creation to destruction. It’s basically a little boy who is a genius and he creates all these amazing things like rocket ships and sends people to the moon etc. and then he gets greedy and he creates a bomb that destroys the world. I know….. quite the painting to have in one’s bedroom
Toronto is not as cold as Calgary but I love a good merino or cashmere sweater from Unbound Merino, Icebreaker, or Ca Va de Soi - all great Canadian brands.
Very nice! I have worn the icebreaker brand and it’s pretty awesome! Lol, I find Toronto pretty cold when I go there because I’m just not used to the humidity. I actually feel sometimes colder there than here. But, there’s no comparison. You all get your spring so much sooner and you get a real spring.
The reason I have a Kindle is that I can read on it without getting ocular migraines. They don't refresh continually like other devices. I can't read at length on any other device.
Interesting that you mentioned ocular migraines and screens. My migraines are becoming more frequent and I am wondering if it's TV and cell phone screens.
I too prefer reading from my kindle rather than an ipad but mainly because you can read it outside in sunshine ( which you can't with ipad ) ..and you dont get distracted with email notifications , endless doom scrolling as you would be with an ipad ;)
Yes, I have had other people say that. Luckily, that has not been an issue for me. Though I had someone mention that if I was ever planning to read on the beach, the Kindle’s are way better for that. Apparently, you see the print better.
I love cheese ..you can put anything u want on your list. We have a cheese section in our Kroger and i love picking out small pieces of good cheese with a cheese expert's help. ❤❤❤
Love that! We have a couple of really nice cheese shops in Calgary. I don’t go to them often because the cheese really is very expensive but I do like to indulge every now and then.
My iPad is definitely one of the most used things in my house. I’m like you I do everything on my iPad and what can’t be done on the iPad I do it on my MacBook Pro or my windows laptop. So I definitely would have to replace my iPad if something happened to it. That’s something that would be worth going into my savings for.
I agree on the iPad, I got mine at the start of my masters got my husband into it too (he used to be a kindle guy) - there’s just so much you can do on it. Hopefully when we retire one day, we will be at peace like you. We are in the process of starting a family, so any tips on planning for children - especially medical, school, money etc?
Oh my goodness, you’re just at the start of your life. The best advice I can give you is save some money even just a little bit every month. When you’re younger, your money has more time to compound and grow. It doesn’t matter how small an amount you save, just save something.
Oh yes to good dental care! First thing I notice on someone is their teeth!❤My son is using invisalign and it's very expensive but his teeth look great!
The Invisalign is great but expensive. The average cost is around $5000. Mine was more than that. But I am doing really well on it and it has improved most of my TMJ issues.
Your video turned up on my feed. I was curious what you splurged on. Like you good quality furniture...all food & organic if available. Weekly flowers usually 2 bunches. To quote Monet: " I must have flowerers, always, always". I am shopping less and less at Talbots as they seem to always have a little bit different version of the same thing and I think there quality is just a tad less than it was in past yrs. Decades ago, I splurged on tin lined copper pots and pans. About 2 yrs ago, I had to have them retained which was also a splurge. Top of the line All clad is my fav brand for stainless and while not a splurge ...cast iron is wonderful. I make art and so I do buy only professional grade paints. Greeting cards are so expensive these days, I would rather send a little gift and buy a cheapie card. I live in the US and so if I can I prefer buying "made in America" to support our business and/or to buy local or used.
Sounds like a really nice variety of things. Pretty much fits in with all of my purchases, except the alcohol. I would not know a good bottle of wine from a bad one. I remember many years ago when a good friend of mine gave me a bottle of red wine as a little gift when an old boyfriend broke up with me. He wanted to make me feel better. I ended up drinking the bottle accompanied by a bag of chips. Later on I found out it was a $300 bottle of wine….🤣🙄🥴
I have Libby app and cloud library app. If you have a library card, you can get these apps which have 1,000’s and 1,000’s of print books and audiobooks for free!! And I have iPad Pro that Son’s got me for my birthday. I’m a cheese addict, from having many cheese types in Germany
Yes, I absolutely have a Libby app and use it all the time. It’s how I actually browse through magazines every month. I love magazines, but I don’t buy them all the time. I only splurge out on a few of the special issues that come out once a year. All the other times I just use my Libby app to read them.
I really want the iPad Pro. I need a sturdier version because I also tend to do some video editing on it. Not often, typically I use my laptop, but sometimes I use it. It would be nice to have something that’s got a bit more power to it.
@ I highly recommend it and the best part is that when I get the new one, I get the old one to my daughter and she gets another four or five years out of it
Hi Raina, so many of your splurges are mine as well! I have a good collection of merino and cashmere sweaters; I love books too (I mostly get them second hand from Amazon, but I always check out the books in Homesense as well); I go to the dental hygienist four times a year (I develop tartar very quickly if I don't). We also save up for travel - we are home bodies most of the time, but usually have a trip planned a couple of years in advance. We are actually going on a cruise from Auckland to Sydney in February of 2026 and we'll spend time in those cities before and after. I do try to look after my skin, so I'm very interested in watching your skin care and make up video when it comes. I don't wear a lot of make up, I'm not very good with it, so I'm curious to find out what you wear. I was born and grew up in Scotland, so I stereotypically think carefully before buying anything.😊 Great video, thank you! And Merry Christmas if we don't see you next week!
Wow! Thank you for sharing. I am definitely loving all of your splurges. That cruise sounds like it will be absolutely wonderful. What a great experience. Thank you so much for watching my videos and wishing you a very happy holiday season!
Travelling, especially to visit your son and family, is such a great reason to earn extra money! How exciting! I’m definitely a minimalist but an area that I do spend more on is quality skin care, it makes such a difference I think, particularly here in Calgary where it’s sooo dry & cold. Also, my iPad is very important to me, I wouldn’t ever not have one. I absolutely love reading, it’s my favourite pastime, but I get all my books from the library - is this something you ever considered to save on the cost of many books or do you like owning the books you choose to read?😊Thank you, I really love this video, and congratulations for over 30K, your account just keeps growing!🙌🏻🙌🏻
I love when Calgarians watch, because they totally get the whole issue with dry skin here. Honestly, I feel like a prune sometimes. I’m a total moisturizer snob because it’s so dry here. I’ve been using CeraVe for years and years but the last couple of years it has not been doing the trick so I might have to find something different. I’m dreading that because it took me a long time to find the one I’m currently using. Edit: I absolutely use the library. A lot of my novels and books that I don’t particularly need to actually own. I get from the library or I use the library reading app. The few books, I actually buy in a hard copy are typically limited addition, design books that I reference often and that I just get inspired by. I also have a few favourite cookbooks which I just absolutely need to own lol!
@ myself as well, feeling like a dried prune if I don’t use both body & face skincare twice a day minimum! And our hair needs extra TLC as well for the dryness & static. Two things I forgot to add above, the other items I will spend more on are healthy food & the supplements I take - Vit D, K2, Magnesium, fish oil, collagen powder & maca powder, especially being post menopausal. It’s not cheap, but worth every penny for my health! And just as a little aside, a few great books you might enjoy - ‘Four Thousand Weeks’, ‘The Good Life’, ‘The Alchemist’, and ‘Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage’.
Yes I do! Love that app. It’s how I read most of the monthly magazine issues. But….. I still like to splurge on the special issue, especially the Christmas ones.
Nice. I’ve never tried wearing crocs. Fit hard to wear around my neck of the woods with the fact that we have bad weather most of the year. Skechers have awesome sneakers.
Oh, good for you! That is a great splurge! I enjoy following along with Yoga with Adriene. I love her RUclips channel and she has some amazing yoga that’s accessible to everyone.
Shoes seems to be a popular thing that people don’t mind splurging on as there’s a lot of comments saying this. I totally agree, though I have to admit I pretty much live in either Nike sneakers or Converse. In the winter it’s UGGs.
Footwear! I'm on my feet a lot and have very high arches. I'd rather pay for great shoes, socks and inserts than live with back pain. For me, it's worth the money.
I think retirement should be a balance of saving and spending. I want to enjoy my life while I'm on the planet.
My thoughts, exactly. I really believe in living life in a balance.
I only buy the best quality toilet paper and paper towel. That is my lifelong splurge. Growing up we used newspaper for the loo and soft toilet paper is a gift.
Omg, I so laughed at this one! Best comment yet. I totally get the toilet paper thing…. Having lived in a communist country as a kid and the constant shortages of toilet paper there, I think I have some kind of a thing around toilet paper. The whole Covid fiasco, with the shortage of toilet paper, just added to it. I always have like these huge extra packages in my basement so I never run out. 😂😂🤣
Me too! Lifelong splurge. As the Tibetan saying goes: "If you buy something expensive, you cry for a day; if you buy something cheap, you cry every day." Cheap toilet paper makes me cry every day!
Oh my goodness me too paper towels and the best toilet paper I live by myself and I have a stockade in the basement😂😂
I buy Tissues! Growing up … I always had trouble with my sinus … still do! I buy Tissues because we never had them we had to use Toliet Paper! 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Wow, we very often used newspaper cut into squares too when I was growing up! Definitely like to have a good stock of toilet paper!
Cheese as a splurge! Love it! And PS, thank you for sayng this: "Clothing is not an investment." It drives me insane to hear women saying a piece of expensive clothing is an investment. No. It's not. Clothing wears out, is eaten by moths, shrinks, fades, goes out of style, etc.
So true! I’m with you. It also drives me absolutely crazy when I hear people talking about clothes or handbags as being investments. I mean, we all need clothes, but we certainly don’t need expensive clothes so justifying it by saying it is an investment is ridiculous. I’d rather people be honest and say they bought something because they really like it. In my view, if one can afford it, then one can go ahead and buy it. The key thing is not to mortgage one’s peace of mind by buying too many things one can’t afford.
My mom would sometimes say a piece of clothing was an investment ... but she was always joking. Basically she was a big thrift shopper and it meant she found a nice piece and maybe paid full price at a non-thrift shop. ☺🤣
Now that I am in my sixties, I will splurge on good quality shoes. They still need to be cute, but I also want the comfort of a well made shoe!
Amen to that!
Can you please do a video on how you use your planner on your iPad and how you do your annual planning? Thanks in advance.
Absolutely can do that. Would be a great video in the early part of the new year.
I’d love this too! I’m interested in the planner as well as any other iPad tools and apps you love.
Another great video ! Would you please share if you use your iPad to save your you tube content videos and if you use it for any other app such as Microsoft Office ? Do you use the in built digital keyboard? And lastly ,😊what storage capacity and generation of iPad you use? Thank you
Love your videos Raina! my phone, laptop and love splurging on fresh flowers, plants and books. Enjoy your visit in Australia, God bless
Thanks so much! 😊 I love fresh flowers as well. Even if it just means picking up a little grocery store bundle.
Really nice sheets and my favorite perfume. Those make me happy.
Oh my goodness, I am so with you on the nice sheets! I will do almost anything to ensure a good night sleep… lol the downfall of menopause… sleepless nights!
My fave perfume and lots of flowers for my yard in spring !
I'm really enjoying all your videos, Raina. My splurges are also Invisalign (same reason as you too), my MacBook Air that I can't live without, Kindle because I love to read on it, and good quality shoes. I'm happy that my watching your videos is helping you visit your family in Australia!
Thanks for sharing!! The only thing missing off that list for me is the actual Kindle. But I do use the Kindle app. Thank you so much for supporting my channel and helping me get to get to see the grand units… one of them is already way taller than me!
I would "invest" in a tailor, to make skirts and dresses at the perfect length, so I wouldnt have to buy dresses at lengths I hate. Talk about a money waster.
I agree! Spend in your means and enjoy life! Like you said, we work hard for our money, so it is ok to treat ourselves when we can!
Good on you to take care of yourself!
So true! Thank you for watching. Hope you have a great holiday season!
@smallretiredlife You as well!
I loved this light hearted video. Please make more light hearted video. Merry Christmas
Although being a minimalist, I do spend money on traveling, I love spending some time in warm regions instead of bearing cold and dark winters here in Germany. I have even considered to have just one room in a shared flat and rent my flat I own now to be able to afford trips😃Have a beautiful time with your family in Australia!!!!
Totally agree! Being Canadian, I find going to a warm place during our winter absolute luxury. February and March are absolutely the worst months in Calgary and I’m certainly thrilled about the fact that I will not be here for that period of time lol.
Hi Raina. I have followed a number of RUclipsrs over the past couple of years, yet never post a comment. After watching your video today I want to say that you are refreshingly "real", humourous but also share your sensible, intelligent side with us. I really like your approach to life and always look forward to the next video.
I value dentistry too! My mother who was a nurse always impressed on us kids how important keeping your teeth into old age. Being able to chew with your own teeth and not rely on dentures greatly enhances your nutrition as you can continue to eat fruit and veggies. I also splurge on a few high quality supplements my doctor recommended such as fish oil, etc. healthy aging is my number 1 priority
I’m with you on the dental care. I have not taken any supplements, but I probably should take something. I did a diploma in nutrition after I retired, just for fun and my own personal knowledge. Good supplements were always stressed. I need to do some research as to what brands are good… not all supplements are made equal.
Once a month I take myself out into the city, go at an art gallery or show, play and dine out with a glass of good quality wine.
That sounds absolutely perfect to me! Especially the art gallery part. I absolutely love going to art galleries.
Hi Raina, I got Invisalign in my early 50's, I'm now in my mid 60's and while it was a big expenditure, it was the BEST decision. After Invisalign was completed my dentist suggested whitening my teeth and I agreed. I felt like a movie star and couldn't stop looking at my teeth! For years it was always kids first, then the house, dog, ect. So fun at this age to spend some money on ourselves.
Glad to hear that worked out for you. So far my results are coming along really well. I will definitely have to have a whitening program after I finish because they put those little knobs on your teeth and once they take them off, you have to get a bit of whitening done.
It's great that you put a priority on dental care... so many people our age don't. Most will go the dentures route, or just live with missing/crooked teeth. I got braces later in life (in my 40's). Having a nice smile is such a confidence builder and well worth the money spent!!
Absolutely!! Totally agree. When I was doing my nutrition diploma after I retired, one of the things that we learned when we were studying geriatric nutrition was that people with really poor dental health suffer from many other things once they’re older. Clearly the inability to eat food properly and digest properly has impact on one’s health and even mental health as they age.
I’m so glad you are enjoying your retirement and treating yourself well
Thank you so much. And thank you for watching.
I am happy to find someone else who lives through their iPad. Like you, I use my phone as a phone and occasionally to check email and the weather when I’m not at home. I use my iPad for all my music, books, email, RUclips, FB, etc. My email has dozens of mailboxes where I store recipes or anything else I may want to access later. I would feel lost without it, as much as I hate to admit it!
I know exactly what you mean. If I ever lost my iPad, it would be awful. Thank goodness for the cloud because everything would be restored as soon as I purchased another one.
I am so happy for you going to see your grandchildren
Thank you so much🙏 I am overjoyed that it will be happening.
Great discussion! Because I grew up financially poor, I learned at a very early age to buy the best you could afford without going into debt and take care of/maintain that item. Additionally, I always think of the 'price' of an item in relation to the actual time/amount of usage. I will buy or splurge on certain 'luxury' items, such as hobby-related items, however, even those purchases must meet a 'value/cost/satisfaction' standard. As far as food...I purchase the majority of my food items from a local farm. My philosophy is that the food you consume is the best defense against sickness/disease and is a positive investment in your health. And as we all know, sickness is very costly.
Thank you for sharing! I also sometimes calculate the time/amount of use in relation to the price… especially for clothing. Some of my more expensive items that are really good quality, I’ve actually worn more and for a longer period of time than some other items.
After working hard and saving, it’s a mind switch to learn how to spend in retirement. After decluttering and downsizing, I’ve started upgrading and replacing essentials plus a few little splurges like a new perfume and Merit Beauty makeup. I get a good haircut every 10 weeks and a manicure/pedicure twice a year. I’m also planning a Viking riverboat cruise.
I only wear Merit Beauty makeup. I don’t own any other brand!! And that river boat cruise sounds absolutely fantastic!
It’s interesting that my children and their friends value experiences over stuff, which I love to see. I fully agree with buying the best quality you can afford. My splurge is buying pure wool to make sweaters. I love sweaters and good shoes. Taking care of your feet is so important.
And you’re right, Toronto is freezing! 😂
I used to knit all the time. I really miss it. I get like the worst tendinitis in my elbow though from it so I’ve had to stop. I used to have quite the wall stash.
Raina, thanks for this refreshing video! I am retired recently and also try to live a simple / minimalist life, but I do have some “struggles” when wanting buying things I enjoy and also try to keep it minimal. I agree with almost everything you said in this video. Life is short, we should enjoy ourselves in this stage of life, as long as it is done mindfully and not wasteful. 🌹🌹🌹 I do love all your sweaters!
Yes, I totally understand. It’s tempting to buy nice things. I’m constantly having to talk myself down. What makes it easier for me is that I really dislike clutter so I always think about what I would have to get rid of in order to buy that one thing. I have a one in one out rule.
Love the sweater on you Raina! Its gorgeous. Tabolts here I come! I also splurge on vacation with family and children and good shoes and books, hard copies.
Love it!! Sounds like you and I would get along just superbly. Happy holidays to you and yours.
Hi Raina, thank you very much for the video.
You're welcome 😊 thank you for watching and supporting my channel.
RUclips kindly suggested your channel to me. I really enjoyed this episode and I agree -- priority #1 for my money is travel to see my grandchildren who live in Ontario. I like to see them at least twice a year. I find your topic so pertinent to a decision I just made! I have a very inexpensive Walmart vacuum that has a very bad attitude! It only picks up dirt when it feels like, so I have decided that I am not wasting any more money on cheap inexpensive vacuums and am going to buy a high-end reliable brand that will last me forever. I'm glad to have found your channel and will be going back to watch more episodes.
Buy the best vacuum, you can! I had one of those cordless Dyson’s and had it for seven years. It broke last month and was not really repairable. I was super sad because I loved that vacuum. So I totally cheaped out and bought this Dyson-like type of cordless vacuum, but for much less money. I think the Dyson I want is about $800 and this thing was $200… what a total waste of money. It is not nearly as good as my Dyson was. I’m really sad. I spent the money which basically I’ve now wasted because this vacuum does not work well. Live and learn I say!
I bought a Shark vacuum and love it!
@maryjothompson4578 Is it cordless? And if it is, are you happy with the battery life?
@@smallretiredlife I am actually looking at the Dyson cordless V8. It is on sale right now so I think I might just pull the plug and do it.
@@janecopeland2306I love my Dyson.
I love this ❤ gotta live life to the fullest as it is short
Thanks Raina, I appreciate your videos, having recently retired this has been ver6 helpful and inspiing
You are so welcome! Thank you so much for watching my channel and supporting it. Happy holidays to you.
What a great reason to earn extra money! Well done, and I wish you the best of times with your son and his family.
Awww, thank you. I’m so looking forward to seeing them.
I enjoy your videos , Raina, and I look forward to seeing them every week. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Thank you so much and happy holidays to you and yours as well.
“ I wear everything I have in my closet “ this is something to aim for !! I am in my 40s and absolutely love your content - good guidance for the upcoming decade . Thank you .
Lol yes, I wear everything in my closet because I don’t actually have too many “real” clothes 😂😂 I have a lot of Lululemon workout wear which in my view don’t qualify as real clothes. I just dislike having things laying around, not getting used. I have decluttered a lot of things over the past four years so don’t want things to accumulate again.
I splurge on trips, high end restaurants once a year and really good shoes and boots.
That sounds perfect to me! And I’m with you on the shoes and boots, especially living in the climate I live in.
@smallretiredlife I live in Montreal. Same thing. 😊
Hi Raina, I watch you on my IPad. I use it for watching TV in my kitchen when I cook , I read the French magazines and newspapers ,… My IPad and my phone are always with me, even on my bedside table when I sleep. I think this technology is magic and wonderfull !
I’m very happy to help you to visit your family and travel with your sister. That’s so fun! Merry Christmas Raina .💕🎄🎅🏻❄️🇫🇷
Thank you so much for your support and this really nice comment. I’m ashamed to say I definitely would have a hard time without my iPad. Like you I watch a lot of movies and shows etc. on it. What is sad is I have this huge TV in my living room and basically I only use it to display art lol. I prefer just using my iPad.
My TV is also just a decoration. 😅
I’m so happy you’re going to Melbourne to see your grand kids. ❤
Awww, thank you! 🙏
Ya definitely nothing to feel guilty about buying books.. reading is so good for us and yes it has to be a real book for me 😊
Show us your sweater collection!!!
Soon! I will definitely do a closet tour of some kind even if it’s just to do some kind of an organizational thing.
Love this video & love your content! I have some of the same likes: garden & home magazines, art supplies & simple, mid range wardrobe. My goal is to simplify further, just love your common sense combined with your self awareness and you can tell you’ve spent time really assessing why you feel the way you do without resentment. (Hoarding in family, understanding why, quest to understand why we make choices we do and then move on!)
I have some Canadian friends and they are all down to earth and sensible. I love being with them! We Americans can learn “less is more”. Which is my mother’s @ 89, favorite saying. That and “blessed be nothing”.
May you have a lovely Christmas and I love your U-tube presentations. Thank you for sharing your tips and your life.
Thank you so much for this absolutely amazing comment. I really appreciate you supporting my channel and watching my videos. I think the one thing that keeps my life very simple is that I am a definitely enthusiastic purger of things 😂😂
I agree with every item on your list, Raina! Spending money on people you love gets a big “YES” An ipad, though, I have to replace with my desktop. I was super-glad to hear that you love cheese, and, especially, imported one. I have been on a keto diet for 6 yrs and, at that time, I came to know from my family doctor how bad our Canadian cow milk is… So, I switched to goat milk products only; love Italian sheep milk cheese! I buy organic food, as much as I can; yes, it is more expensive, but I do not spend any money on fruit, cakes, candy, sugar, honey, wheat flour, pasta, etc. Quality over quantity! Love buying non-fiction books that teach me something valuable or give joy, buy good quality clothing and footwear that last for much longer than 3 years and, even then, do not lose their elegance or neatness. I enjoy wearing them and noticed that items made earlier in time are of a much better quality than the modern ones. Recently, had to make a choice for a mattress topper and did not go for a cheap one since a good night sleep is a must. Being on the same page with someone is a nice feeling😊Thanks for appreciation you have for us, your subscribers/viewers!🌹🌹🌹
Thanks for sharing your list. I always like to know what other people like to spend their money on lol. And yes, I definitely love my good cheese except for….. well goat cheese is not my favourite. When I was little and growing up in the Czech Republic, the only milk available to us was goat milk and I was forced to drink it, and for some reason to this day, I cannot handle the taste of any goat dairy. It’s kind of crazy to me how negative experiences in childhood carry through to old age!!
@@smallretiredlife True about negative experiences in childhood! My first "encounter" with goat milk cheese/butter was 6 yrs ago, and it was "love at first sight"🙂So, I consider this being good luck since I am not supposed to consume cow milk... "For each his own" THX for your response.
Things I splurge on, or have splurged on: 1. Computers. Just got a new iMac and MacBook Air. I use them for everything. My iPhone, by contrast, is old and the basic model. 2. My flute. I am a very amateur player, but I splurged on a hand-made Haynes, which will outlive me (by about 100 years). 3. Sweaters the partner knits, so we spend the money on yarn (quite a stash) and her time. 4 Books. I have given away 80% of my books (Swedish death cleaning), but what remains are essential to me. DVDs. We are fans of old movies, most of which are not streamed. For the rest, we eat to live, and any long lasting clothes are fine. We will be set once we finish downsizing our home....
That is a great list! Thank you for sharing. And yes, I used to be a knitter and I totally get “the stash”. I don’t knit anymore because of the severe tendinitis I get in my elbow whenever I start knitting again and I have to say I have saved a lot of money by not buying expensive yarn lol!
Here in Sydney, I think it's excellent that you will be visiting Australia and staying with family in Melbourne. I really like the approach you took to this topic. Thank you, Raina. Have a marvellous time when you travel here...long flight but worth it to be with family.
This was such a fun video Raina. I'm with you on being more mindful and conscious about buying decisions. Travel with or to visit my kids is #1 on my list too. We have been able to do some incredible trips together and I will never forget those memories. MacBook Pro is my must! Good skincare--yes! Quality footwear ranks high along with my frivolous splurge of niche fragrances. I love beautifully blended perfumes that are a bit less mainstream than what I generally see near me. Thank you for sharing your list and have a wonderful time at the concert!
Glad you like your MacBook Pro. I have to actually invest in one next year. My MacBook Air is just not dealing well with my video files. It’s a constant struggle. It’s not made to edit huge videos. I’m totally with you on the quality footwear and the fragrance as well. I have a favourite fragrance that I like to wear …actually a couple of them.
You are a joy to watch. This was so interesting because I am a retired widow and I've noticed I don't seem to have as many wants. But I notice I like very good hair care and good quality make up though I don't use it everyday. Books have always been my passion so I read a lot on my kindle and sometimes I will splurge on a hardcover of one of my favorite authors. Buying with intention is very sound advice, It's better to have quality . I do envy how you travel solo, I have never done that. This may be something I can work on in the new year
Thank you for the kind note. I definitely get nervous making such a huge trip on my own, but I’m sure it’ll be well worth it. I hope you have a wonderful holiday. Season and get to read. Lots of great books.
Good morning from Victoria, Australia. I live and travel in a vehicle so basic living is a must. I spend money on travel and do like to treat myself sometimes with a pedicure. I also splurge on nice hand soaps and body lotions. I don't wear a lot of jewelry but when I do, it is good quality. I agree about your teeth. I have just spent $3000 on mine. 😁
Thanks for sharing! Oh my goodness, the dental thing I absolutely bond with you. Anything to do with teeth is so expensive but it’s important to keep them healthy.
I spent a lot on Tabolts too, their stuff is pretty trending with good quality, very fit in office environments. Now I no longer need to be in office but still like their products. I am cheese fan too, love those creamy ones ❤
Thanks for sharing! I like them because they actually carry quite a good selection of casual wear that works well for someone who is retired.
@ agree
Awesome! I’m from Calgary as well and turning 60 in Feb!
So cool! Welcome here. If you’re from Calgary, clearly you understand my need for good skin care. My face feels like all the moisture has been sucked out of it this past week.
Awesome video Raina! I’m happy to hear how family oriented you are. My family is very important to me. Most of my family live in Oklahoma. So I visit them from Seattle a lot. Also, Most everything is on my IPad as well. I even watch RUclips and streaming tv shows and movies on them. I hope you enjoy your trip to Melbourne.
Thanks for sharing!! I also watched pretty much everything on my iPad! Glad you get to see your family and visit. It’s so important.
thank you. just found your channel and subscribed. One splurge for me is my hair color at the salon! also love the sweaters !! and I eat well! no fast food. massages and acupuncture monthly, Plants for my garden and all my Apple devices (including the watch) it is good to be retired! we paid our dues. OOOOh how can I forget my Invisalign, I plan well so that I don't feel tight with the budget. Cheers and Merry Christmas everyone!
Thanks for subbing! Merry Christmas to you as well. I definitely do get my hair done as well. It just didn’t make my list. I was trying to think of all the things I wouldn’t give up. Kind of the top contenders if you know what I mean 😂
For me i love books 📚 and plants 🪴
I like plants too. I used to have several hundred but that was during Covid when everybody was into plants. I’ve downsized my collection considerably. I maybe have 24 now.
I'm the kinda guy who cuts off the end of a hand cream tube to get the very last little bits out of it.
But when it comes to pieces of vintage Bauhaus style furniture it's like my brain stops working.
I can go to a furniture store and hate everything I see, but put me in an auction house with said collectibles
and i'll go bananas.😅
Btw. - love your painting. To me the little guy looks like a very young Truman Capote. 😆
Greetings from East Frisia/Germany - keepup the good work!
lol. I love your comment. I’m like that with toothpaste! I’m definitely a furniture snob and I love old, modern vintage so I totally understand one’s brain stopping to think coherently when they see furniture that speaks to them at an auction . Thank you for liking my painting. I’ve had a few negative comments on it. Some people think it’s a political topic or something. It’s not, I just love the variety and all of the hidden images that are within the painting itself. It’s an amazing conversation piece. And yes, the little guy does look like Truman, though I think he is the likeness of the character in the movie Simon Birch, played by Ian Michael Smith. The movie is an adaptation of the book “A prayer for Owen Meany”
Just discovered you Raina. I live in western N.S.W. Australia, & I hope you have a wonderful trip & visit with your Grandchildren.
Have a lovely Christmas & Happy New Year…♥️🎄🎅🎁
P.S. I LOVE my ipad too, don’t know what I’d do without it
Great video! Just found your channel and I love it!! ♥♥ I retired a year ago and agree with so many of your views.
Welcome aboard! Thank you so much for watching. Hopefully my videos will continue to resonate with you.
I really enjoy your videos. My splurges are going on horseback rides. I don’t have my own horse anymore, so a friend and I go to the same stable where we’re well known now and always ride the same horses. That and travel whenever I can. Hopefully this summer to visit family in Germany.
Oh, that sounds like an amazing splurge. Horseback riding is such a good time. I’ve never been to Germany. I think it would be kind of nice to go. Wishing you a happy holidays.
@ thank you and happy holidays to you too 🎄
I’m enjoying all of your videos. All of the content is interesting and it’s nice that you keep good variety in them. I’m definitely in agreement on the IPad, mine goes everywhere with me. I’m also now enjoying your Instagram, as I am a highly visual person (and a quilter), so that app gives me lots to enjoy.
This episode is wonderful. I’m 7 or 8 years older than you, and I find all of it relevant. Happy Holidays!
Awesome! Thank you! So kind of you to take the time out to leave such a nice comment. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. I know it’s always crazy this time of the year so I’m wishing you some good downtime during all the craziness.
I felt like I just met my tween sister. Thank you!
You are so welcome! Thank you for watching 🙏
New here... It's nice to find a retired woman who understands the love of Books and Cheese!!
Yes! I love holding a book in my hands and turning the pages...It's the best!! I love going to the library...They have a rack of books for you to take for free...I found really good books there. I started a book club. I make a meal and someone brings wine, someone brings cheese and crackers and someone brings cake!
Welcome!! Thanks for subbing. I love the library as well, though there are some design books that I just absolutely have to own! Your book club sounds like something I would really enjoy.
Thanks Raina. I'd love to learn about your favourite books. Happy holidays!
Happy holidays! Definitely will work that into a video in the future.
Such a lovely video Raina ! We share several things in common from your list , that is fun . 🌿😊 An Auntie of mine was a librarian and also built my love for books and reading . Your sweaters are so beautiful ! They create your style and I love that ! 🌿❤️ don’t splurge on clothes myself but healthy food is a too priority and good cheese is in there . 👏😃👍
I don’t spend a lot of money on it but I consider splurging on space an ‘ extra ‘ also ; so I space splurge on decor ! 🌿 I enjoy changing seasonally some items whether they be thrift stores or hand me downs ,if I like it and it fits my style I will incorporate it someplace . Some Change is nice 😊🎄. Enjoy your Christmas season ! 🎄❤️
Thank you for the kind note. I am so enjoying all the notes where people tell me what they like to splurge on. Clearly, considering the state of most of our homes, we all buy things for sure! 😂🤣 I just enjoy hearing about what other people like so I thought maybe people would enjoy hearing about what I like too…. I wonder if that makes me nosy!
…’I’m not a Luddite’..🤣 best comment, ever. Love it!
lol, well, it seemed appropriate 😂🤣
Agree 💗 I save for special occasions and stuff that makes life feel great. Im in Sydney and I would love to see you for a coffee. Melbourne is more than a 1,000 km south though. I should spend more on haircuts but I sort of overlook that. I won an ipad 12 years ago and it still works well.
Yes I buy wool to knit but jumpers are just too warm for this climate so socks and scarves are my thing.
I spurge on fabrics and wools but they are a focused once or twice a year thing.
Love your topics and so relevant.
I’m absolutely in awe that your iPad still works after 12 years! My longest lasting one was six years and that was the very first one I bought many years ago. All my newer ones, I have to say peeter out after three years.
Talbots is a classy store, can't go wrong there for a certain type of stylishness.
Thank you I completely agree. I always seem to find something there that fits my retired life.
I so enjoy when I can see you in your videos. Today was special and oh... so surprising from the first glance, well.... "she has the same sweater" which I just bought couple of weeks ago. Actually firstly I bought very similar one even almost the same but blue/turquoise colour with design but because of the fabrics (I noticed later) I returned it, and opted for the one I originally did not choose. I also shop at Talbots although it's not my favorite store (the fitting, especially the bottoms don't really fit well for my figure but are more for more rounded body I would say), and I started going there after Banana Republic has become much more expensive after pandemic and because it's close to me as I don't like traveling too far for shopping. I also think that Talbots was a lot better some time ago, I mainly think about fabrics, you can still find really good pieces (made of good materials) but there is more and more acrylics and artificial materials that does not wear well and pills.
Your spending habits are very similar to mine although the teeth I just do very basic but I like to go occasionally to the theatre and occasional travel but I have quiet down a bit now as I tackle how to transfer into the early new retired life. wishing you a nice day and Merry Christmas!🌲🌲🌲☃
Thank you so much for watching. Hope you have a lovely holiday season. I’m kind of with you on the Talbots bottoms. I always managed to find some there, but it’s always kind of touch and go.
Hello - new subscriber from Melbourne! I am glad you will visit your family here. My youngest daughter is in Vancouver and have not seen her all year, planning a trip next year. x
Welcome aboard! Thank you so much for watching. Honestly, I am so excited to be going back to Melbourne. To see the family. Last time I went was probably 2018, maybe 2019 …can’t remember. I’m so looking forward to checking out the museum again and some of the botanical gardens…. And just sitting at a beach bar, sipping a cool glass of sparkling wine….and shopping in Fitzroy.
Enjoyed the video Raina ❤️ Great sweaters, iPads, cheese, skincare and quality furnishings would be on my list of items also. Looking forward to your video on skincare 😊
Yay! Thank you! Definitely planning a skincare video sometime in February I think.
I work at Talbots and I only wear their brand 😊
I agree 100% about the IPad. I absolutely love my IPad and use it everyday. I love it so much more than my phone. I had to get a phone because even to pay my bills online, they have to send a code to my cell phone to verify my identity. I find that so ironic because I am trying to give them money, and they make it so difficult sometimes. Keep up the interesting videos.😊❤
Lol, so true about the phone, totally didn’t even think about that. Yes my iPad is definitely my life.
I am so happy you can travel to Melbourne to see your family. Do you ever come to Sydney? When you journal on your IPad do you use an App? I would like to try that.
I have never been to Sydney. I basically go to Melbourne because that’s where my family is so it’s really easy to spend a protracted period of time there. I use the Goodnotes app and I just purchased a basic notebook in their shop and that’s what I use for journaling. I like to keep things simple lol!
Pease do a video on limited edition books and magazines.
Oh, what a great idea. I have to say they are definitely a passion of mine.
Great video. Thank you. Hope you enjoy your daughter-in-law’s concert x
Thank you, it was amazing! So christmasy!
I’m like you-I do so much on my iPad. I read mostly on my iPad, but I do like using my Kobo reader when I read outdoors as it cuts out the glare.
Yes, I’ve had a few comments about the fact that these little readers are fantastic for reading outside. Something to consider if I’m going to go to Melbourne and sit on the beach in the sand and want to read a good novel.
I spend money on massage, on the dressmaker as I want my summer dresses to fit, comfort sandals, on books and on good coffee lattes, cappuccino etc. I hardly spend anything on devices. I buy mobiles in Woolworths. I agree about the furniture, I won't ever shop in Ikea again. You got lucky with your sister, my older sister is toxic and will never be a friend. My younger sister has MS and keeps to herself. I'm in Western Australia 🇦🇺
Oooh, I have not had a good massage for years and years. The one thing I have to say about employment is that I always had great benefits and I do miss those because they often covered massage therapy and dental care.
That picture behind you is very interesting. What's the story with that? I enjoy your channel. I'm trying to get the gumption to make my own videos.i started a channel and uploaded shorts of my dog on it, but need to make an actual video like you do.
Thank you for watching and you should start your own channel. Just film something and put it out there. Learn as you go. That’s basically what I did. The painting behind me is done by a local artist, and I’ve had it for many, many years. It’s called creation to destruction. It’s basically a little boy who is a genius and he creates all these amazing things like rocket ships and sends people to the moon etc. and then he gets greedy and he creates a bomb that destroys the world. I know….. quite the painting to have in one’s bedroom
I love to buy good quality cheese as well and maybe buy flowers......happy holidays......MINDY
Happy holidays! I love buying flowers too. I was going to put that on my list, but then my teeth won out.
I agree with your last point! It's better to save up and splurge on high quality furniture and keep them for life than buy replicas.
Yes, totally. Sometimes it’s hard to do and tempting just to go and buy something for the moment but I find waiting it out is always worth it.
Toronto is not as cold as Calgary but I love a good merino or cashmere sweater from Unbound Merino, Icebreaker, or Ca Va de Soi - all great Canadian brands.
Very nice! I have worn the icebreaker brand and it’s pretty awesome! Lol, I find Toronto pretty cold when I go there because I’m just not used to the humidity. I actually feel sometimes colder there than here. But, there’s no comparison. You all get your spring so much sooner and you get a real spring.
I relate to the cheese!😂 👍😎🇨🇦
The reason I have a Kindle is that I can read on it without getting ocular migraines. They don't refresh continually like other devices. I can't read at length on any other device.
Interesting that you mentioned ocular migraines and screens. My migraines are becoming more frequent and I am wondering if it's TV and cell phone screens.
I too prefer reading from my kindle rather than an ipad but mainly because you can read it outside in sunshine ( which you can't with ipad ) ..and you dont get distracted with email notifications , endless doom scrolling as you would be with an ipad ;)
Yes, I have had other people say that. Luckily, that has not been an issue for me. Though I had someone mention that if I was ever planning to read on the beach, the Kindle’s are way better for that. Apparently, you see the print better.
I love cheese ..you can put anything u want on your list. We have a cheese section in our Kroger and i love picking out small pieces of good cheese with a cheese expert's help. ❤❤❤
Love that! We have a couple of really nice cheese shops in Calgary. I don’t go to them often because the cheese really is very expensive but I do like to indulge every now and then.
I am saving up for some new furniture. I'm living with the old until I can afford the new. I do invest in the quality too.
Yes!! Right on!
My iPad is definitely one of the most used things in my house. I’m like you I do everything on my iPad and what can’t be done on the iPad I do it on my MacBook Pro or my windows laptop. So I definitely would have to replace my iPad if something happened to it. That’s something that would be worth going into my savings for.
100% right on. And the thing is you have to save up for those ipads because they’re getting expensive.!
I agree on the iPad, I got mine at the start of my masters got my husband into it too (he used to be a kindle guy) - there’s just so much you can do on it. Hopefully when we retire one day, we will be at peace like you. We are in the process of starting a family, so any tips on planning for children - especially medical, school, money etc?
Oh my goodness, you’re just at the start of your life. The best advice I can give you is save some money even just a little bit every month. When you’re younger, your money has more time to compound and grow. It doesn’t matter how small an amount you save, just save something.
Awesome video.
Thanks for the visit and glad you enjoyed it!
Loved this video. Share your love of Talbots - they should be sponsoring you.😃
Yes please! I completely agree! That would be the dream.
Oh yes to good dental care! First thing I notice on someone is their teeth!❤My son is using invisalign and it's very expensive but his teeth look great!
Definitely worth the splurge, I haven’t had any TMJ issues since I started my Invisalign program.
Nice video 😊
Thanks for the visit and watching! Happy holidays!
Great video! I've noticed that my lower teeth are shifting, too. I would love hear more about your experience with Invasalign!
The Invisalign is great but expensive. The average cost is around $5000. Mine was more than that. But I am doing really well on it and it has improved most of my TMJ issues.
@@smallretiredlife That's so interesting. How long will it take to straighten?
Your video turned up on my feed. I was curious what you splurged on. Like you good quality furniture...all food & organic if available. Weekly flowers usually 2 bunches. To quote Monet: " I must have flowerers, always, always". I am shopping less and less at Talbots as they seem to always have a little bit different version of the same thing and I think there quality is just a tad less than it was in past yrs. Decades ago, I splurged on tin lined copper pots and pans. About 2 yrs ago, I had to have them retained which was also a splurge. Top of the line All clad is my fav brand for stainless and while not a splurge ...cast iron is wonderful. I make art and so I do buy only professional grade paints. Greeting cards are so expensive these days, I would rather send a little gift and buy a cheapie card.
I live in the US and so if I can I prefer buying "made in America" to support our business and/or to buy local or used.
I’m with you on the flowers. I was definitely thinking of adding them to my list but my teeth won out over the flowers lol!
Updated electronics, books, art, wine, alcohol, meals, travel...these are the things to buy.
Sounds like a really nice variety of things. Pretty much fits in with all of my purchases, except the alcohol. I would not know a good bottle of wine from a bad one. I remember many years ago when a good friend of mine gave me a bottle of red wine as a little gift when an old boyfriend broke up with me. He wanted to make me feel better. I ended up drinking the bottle accompanied by a bag of chips. Later on I found out it was a $300 bottle of wine….🤣🙄🥴
I have Libby app and cloud library app. If you have a library card, you can get these apps which have 1,000’s and 1,000’s of print books and audiobooks for free!! And I have iPad Pro that Son’s got me for my birthday. I’m a cheese addict, from having many cheese types in Germany
Yes, I absolutely have a Libby app and use it all the time. It’s how I actually browse through magazines every month. I love magazines, but I don’t buy them all the time. I only splurge out on a few of the special issues that come out once a year. All the other times I just use my Libby app to read them.
I love my iPad even though I am retired everything's on it and I buy the iPad Pro❤❤
I really want the iPad Pro. I need a sturdier version because I also tend to do some video editing on it. Not often, typically I use my laptop, but sometimes I use it. It would be nice to have something that’s got a bit more power to it.
@ I highly recommend it and the best part is that when I get the new one, I get the old one to my daughter and she gets another four or five years out of it
Hi Raina, so many of your splurges are mine as well! I have a good collection of merino and cashmere sweaters; I love books too (I mostly get them second hand from Amazon, but I always check out the books in Homesense as well); I go to the dental hygienist four times a year (I develop tartar very quickly if I don't). We also save up for travel - we are home bodies most of the time, but usually have a trip planned a couple of years in advance. We are actually going on a cruise from Auckland to Sydney in February of 2026 and we'll spend time in those cities before and after. I do try to look after my skin, so I'm very interested in watching your skin care and make up video when it comes. I don't wear a lot of make up, I'm not very good with it, so I'm curious to find out what you wear. I was born and grew up in Scotland, so I stereotypically think carefully before buying anything.😊 Great video, thank you! And Merry Christmas if we don't see you next week!
Wow! Thank you for sharing. I am definitely loving all of your splurges. That cruise sounds like it will be absolutely wonderful. What a great experience. Thank you so much for watching my videos and wishing you a very happy holiday season!
@@smallretiredlife Just want to add - I always buy my jumpers in the sales! A somewhat frugal splurge!😊
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you 🙏
Travelling, especially to visit your son and family, is such a great reason to earn extra money! How exciting! I’m definitely a minimalist but an area that I do spend more on is quality skin care, it makes such a difference I think, particularly here in Calgary where it’s sooo dry & cold. Also, my iPad is very important to me, I wouldn’t ever not have one. I absolutely love reading, it’s my favourite pastime, but I get all my books from the library - is this something you ever considered to save on the cost of many books or do you like owning the books you choose to read?😊Thank you, I really love this video, and congratulations for over 30K, your account just keeps growing!🙌🏻🙌🏻
I love when Calgarians watch, because they totally get the whole issue with dry skin here. Honestly, I feel like a prune sometimes. I’m a total moisturizer snob because it’s so dry here. I’ve been using CeraVe for years and years but the last couple of years it has not been doing the trick so I might have to find something different. I’m dreading that because it took me a long time to find the one I’m currently using.
Edit: I absolutely use the library. A lot of my novels and books that I don’t particularly need to actually own. I get from the library or I use the library reading app. The few books, I actually buy in a hard copy are typically limited addition, design books that I reference often and that I just get inspired by. I also have a few favourite cookbooks which I just absolutely need to own lol!
@ myself as well, feeling like a dried prune if I don’t use both body & face skincare twice a day minimum! And our hair needs extra TLC as well for the dryness & static. Two things I forgot to add above, the other items I will spend more on are healthy food & the supplements I take - Vit D, K2, Magnesium, fish oil, collagen powder & maca powder, especially being post menopausal. It’s not cheap, but worth every penny for my health!
And just as a little aside, a few great books you might enjoy - ‘Four Thousand Weeks’, ‘The Good Life’, ‘The Alchemist’, and ‘Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage’.
Do you use the Libby library app? Great for magazines, books and audio books.
Yes I do! Love that app. It’s how I read most of the monthly magazine issues. But….. I still like to splurge on the special issue, especially the Christmas ones.
@@smallretiredlife me too
Skechers or Crocs. Liz Claiborne purses.
Nice. I’ve never tried wearing crocs. Fit hard to wear around my neck of the woods with the fact that we have bad weather most of the year. Skechers have awesome sneakers.
I spend on yoga classes!
Oh, good for you! That is a great splurge! I enjoy following along with Yoga with Adriene. I love her RUclips channel and she has some amazing yoga that’s accessible to everyone.
Hello! I can not live without my macbook air.
Lol I know exactly what you mean. I feel kind of bad that I’m so dependent on the thing, but oh well.😂🤣
What planner do you use? I'm also an iPad girl!
I use Goodnotes 2025 portrait life-work digital planner. It’s one you purchase on the Goodnotes shop. Has everything I need!
I don’t mind paying for good quality shoes & an item that really suits me
Shoes seems to be a popular thing that people don’t mind splurging on as there’s a lot of comments saying this. I totally agree, though I have to admit I pretty much live in either Nike sneakers or Converse. In the winter it’s UGGs.
Footwear! I'm on my feet a lot and have very high arches. I'd rather pay for great shoes, socks and inserts than live with back pain. For me, it's worth the money.
Footwear has featured quite a bit in many of the comments and I agree. Comfortable shoes are worth every penny.
❤
Thank you 🙏