How much is the most you would pay?

A group of us have been friends for over 50 years, and every so often I organise a reunion where we each pay our way (no one else gets round to doing it, and they ask me to keep them in touch!) As I have a big birthday coming up, I suggested another meet up at a local brasserie, cost of two course set menu £16.50. Found a date suitable, sent out menu and venue details, and nearly all said they would like to come. Then I get an email from one person, copied to all, saying he found that too extravagant and why don't we go to Wetherspoons!!! I have nothing against Wetherspoons, they have very good value basic food for those in a hurry, that's why U3A use them, but I wanted something more relaxed and special, and said so.

When I explained that this was a special occasion for me and I was not prepared to spend it in Wetherspoons, where our U3A go on a very regular basis, he suggested (again copied to all) setting up a poll to see which people preferred. I'm afraid I replied saying I wasn't prepared to change and would he like me to take his name off the list? (He is not that badly off, spending a lot on rail holidays)

AIBU? He has decided he is now prepared to join in, but it just seemed plain rude to me?

I replied that

My hairdresser comes to me every 5 weeks and gives me a trim, cost? £20.
As long as it is neat and tidy it is fine.
I am not and never have been vain.
I told you I was mean.
My GC do get treats though.

Jeez and here was me thinking that £23.50 for a cut and blow dry every 2 months was extravagant

I hate the hairdressers ( can’t bear looking in the mirrrors) so doubt I would go more often even if I could afford to .

I don't even buy water now. There is nothing to stop you carrying an empty bottle through the security gate and filling it with water the other side.
I've got one good handbag-a present from DIL. It has a label but I can't remember what!
harrigran don't you worry when you use them?

I refuse to pay over 50p for bottled water. Airports charge extraordinary, out of kilter, prices for Bottled water. Also, in Gatwick and Heathrow, they do not show the price, you have to ask. I picked up a SMALL bottle of water in Gatwick and asked the price.. the man looked me in the eyes and said... "£1.99p I said: "you are ripping people off, I will die of thirst rather than be ripped off". I bought the Daily Telegraph which includes a free bottle of water.

Surprised myself when I paid £30 for a tube of cream to help do away with my wrinkles! £3.50 for a pair of new Ecco boots at a charity shop - they were brand new. I wore a very old dress at a wedding - looked fine!

Talking about handbags, I have two that cost more than our first home

Ooooohhh, I love handbags! It's Dh's default present for me which suite me fine!

I'm having my hair done thus morning and I am so fed up with it that I don't really care what it costs to make it better.....if I can persuade my hairdresser to do something exciting (ish) with it.

Love to see pictures of the cushion and top, Maggiemaybe.
I love recycling. I cut the edge off a too floppy sun hat -used the edging as curtain tie backs and am still wearing the not as floppy sun hat in Australia, on hols, as we speak.
Like you I'd rather spend money on travels than stuff.
You all have a nice sleep. Mid morning here.

Oh yes.
There is a saying.. something about being careful that the things you own don't end up owning you.
Something like that, anyway.
So, show that handbag who's boss!

I am frugal in some ways ...My extravagances are, good shoes, holidays, theatre, meals out and grandchildren.

My haircut has gone up to £43 - but apparently cheaper than London prices!

Use the handbag!

I like to keep some clothes for wearing to theatre etc but generally I like to use things. I'd rather risk breaking a cup or glass than keep good stuff in the cupboard. Whats the point? Its interesting reading others spending habits. Good thread. I really must try harder in charity shops. I never find the bargains others do. Must add, I spend £40 on a haircut every month. essential.

Had a little smile about the expensive bag Chewbacca. I have done this kind of thing ...keeping things for 'best'...was brought up that way. Nowadays I try not to. My new coat is getting an airing in town tomorrow and I have started to use my 'best' dinner set everyday. I enjoy it more eating off it than storing it in the cupboard.

chewbacca. Definitely use your bag. They look so much better with some usage, it gives them character. Use it tomorrow.

Chewbacca
Use your bag use it

I resent paying expensive for anything, if its free that's even better. I was always bought up with the if you look after the pennies the pounds look after themselves. My DC and Husband will sometime comment on how tight I am.

My OH bought me a very expensive leather handbag about 5 years ago. It was so expensive that I don't feel comfortable using it in case I spoil it! So it sits in the wardrobe, unused, whilst I use the £24.99 one from M&S every day.

How about handbags?
It's only very recently that I have thought it would be nice to own a decent one.
About £40?
Nothing fancy, no name, but a soft leather one.

my purchasing test is - what would make me happier, the new item or the cash on my bank statement?

I like that Vicky

Paid £55 for a ticket to see UB40 and that felt like a fortune. Clothes, my outdoor ones for walking, cycling etc I will pay whatever, £40 for a beautiful pair of french designed and made cycling knickers but a most of m clothes I get from the charity shop or make, even mae a lovely jacket.

...or for lunch out with wine with friends.

I tend to buy my clothes in sales and have had some great bargains. Most recent a maroon tailored coat which had been £170. Reduced to half price £85 but with a ticket on saying a further 20% off so £17 off. So £68. Then I realized I had £23 of vouchers to use from points gained from previous purchases ...so price paid was £45!!! I will wear it for years as I mainly wear more practical coats. Really love the coat but would never have paid full price and was dithering a bit at half price.

On the other hand I will pay whatever tickets cost for Stalls or Grand Circle seats at the theatre.

Assuming I have the money in the bank, my purchasing test is - what would make me happier, the new item or the cash on my bank statement? At this stage in my life I have to say that bank statements don’t excite me!

I always have to have a tea or coffee when I'm out.

If somewhere was expensive for a coffee and cake, I wouldn't walk out, but I wouldn't go back there.