Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: anne on February 19, 2006, 02:21:23 am
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I'm not sure if this is an pre-purchase form of buyer's remorse, or self induced guilt, or an appropriate concern:
I'm starting to freak out about the idea of spending so much money on a self-indulgent luxury. And let me be clear that I'm implying NOOOOOOO form of criticism to anyone else who might have a spa, or a fancy car or a beach house for that matter-- but I'm not sure this is the right thing to do anymore. I started out (erroneously) thinking that I could fill my little dream for 3-4K, and as I learned that that was impossible, it was sort of OK since I saw the value of a quality purchase.....so I got enthusiastically into the spa search, and now here I am, thinking about spending more money on a luxury than a family of 4 in a third world country could live off for a year.
Has anyone else felt this way? Not sure if I'm going to get over it, or for that matter, if I SHOULD. I know this is an unusual post, but I imagine it is a common line of thought.
Anne
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Has anyone else felt this way? Anne
Ahhhhh no.
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anne,
We all have our reasons for buying a tub. The arthritis in my knees, hips and hands can be brutal. The hot tub helps to the point that I no longer take hydrocodone or oxycodone. It is a no-brainer for me.
But even if I didn't have arthritis, I would still buy one if I wanted it. Like every one else here, my wife and I have worked hard all our lives. We could have sat back done the minimum required and we probably wouldn't be able to afford a hot tub. But we did far more than required to "get by" so we think we've earned it.
As for 3rd world countries, forget about it. Their governments are designed to benefit those in power, not the people. Any money you send there will just make the corrupt leaders richer (Oil For Food).
Relax, enjoy the fruits of your labor.
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Think of it this way. You'll be spending about as much as you would on a high end luxury vacation for a family of four, except this will last for years rather than a couple of weeks. Now don't you deserve that?
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Anne,
I totally understand how you feel as my wife also feels guilty.
However, we do donate to charities, and my wife and I work very hard ... stress in the office for me and she's an RN.
I know it's hard but cut yourself a break ...You deserve it.
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Anne, I've never lived in a third world country, so I've never even considered what they can/can't do to be any bearing on my life. It's apples and hockey pucks, far as I'm concerned, don't base what YOU do on what THEY can do.
Sure, hot tubs (good ones, especially) are expensive....but can you afford one? Will you have to stop feeding yourself and your family, or live in a cardboard box for the rest of the year if you buy one? They're luxury items.....like vacations and (to me) motorcycles, and pets, and cameras, computers, etc...they're just BIG TICKET luxury items.
If it's your dream to have a hot tub, and you've worked hard to fill that dream, by all means GO FOR IT!
If you've got arthritis, aches and pains, family with such, or just want to be able to soak away the stress at the end of your busy day.....GO FOR IT!
If you didn't have to rob a relative, bank, 7-11 or get a sugar daddy just to get a hot tub......GO FOR IT! (uh....go for buying the tub, not robbing or sugardaddy..)
If you feel guilty because you'll be labeled as a "has" instead of a "has not" after purchase......so what......everyone spends their money on what THEY want...you're entitled, too.
(wow, sorry about the long-winded rant there.....)
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anne,
If you live in a country that affords you the ablity to buy a luxury item and you can afford that item, then buy it.
I started out like you thinking for $5,000 I could get a top of the line tub but I couldn't. I also realized that I couldn't afford a top of the line tub and went into their secondary lines.
I personally believe that we should treat ourselves to some things as life is too short. If owning a tub is one of the pleasures you want, then let that be a treat.
After putting a deposit on my tub, I had buyer's remorse but it went away within a short period of time. My advice would be double check your finances, add up the total cost and if it's not taking food out of your mouth or hindering paying for housing and you can afford the monthly electric bills (doesn't go up too much, mine in the winter has gone up $60) - go for it. It is a great pleasure if you can afford it!
Good luck on your decision!
Vinny
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Vinny continues to impress with his responses/ advice. I think he is copying off someone. ;D ;)
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If might be self righteous of me, but the way the world is today, if you were to make the sacrifice personally and help out some poor family in the third world, they will probably end up blowing up your embassy if a few years. Use your hard earned money for you, and then give your even more valuable time in your local community.
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Anne,
For what it's worth.....
I had struggled for 15yrs raising 4 kids, just barley making enough to pay the bills. Going out to eat was a Major financial decision!!!!!........... Four years ago I started making some "Good money", 1st year the bills got paid off, 2nd year, the Harley came along, last year the pool and pool house......... this year ...." The Tub" ( coming soon ) I don't regret any of it, although I have agonized over all of them, thinking,studying them to death, back and forth thinking... the whole nine yards. As stated in earlier posts, this is a luxury (or medical) item. Life is short, if you got the bucks....... and you want the tub........ do your homework,and MOST important! ** Find a dealer who you feel good about(You will know WITHOUT A DOUBT when that happens) IMO, go with a guy/girl who sells Tubs and nothing but TUBS..... no pools/no pool tables,sun rooms,tanning beds,golf clubs ect..... just Tubs!!!
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ive never been called a liberal nor conservative (not to my face anyways ;D ), but IMO worrying about "feeding a family in a 3rd world country" over buying a luxury item seems a bit......(trying to find a good way of saying this without sounding too harsh)......strange to me. how many news reports are there of governments being over thrown, of civil war, of corruption? as was mentioned earlier, the people suffer due to the gov'ts greed.
going out on a limb here, but ill venture to say you have a house, a car or 2, kids??? (and if so they have a video game system), food in the fridge, and indoor plumbing. do you feel guilty about having these things as well??
personally (notice all the IMO's here???) i would rather give to the homeless here in this country, rebuild the lives destroyed by 9/11, and get the economy back on track before i try to "fix" the worlds problems.
but after watching the news, hearing and seeing all the horrors that the world has running through it......a good soak helps ease my tensions and stress.
ill get off my soap box. if anyone is/was offended, my appologies. its just my opinion. :)
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If might be self righteous of me, but the way the world is today, if you were to make the sacrifice personally and help out some poor family in the third world, they will probably end up blowing up your embassy if a few years.
What the... :-/ ...quite the generalization there! And I thought political statements were off limits here... Some of these responses are a bit of a surprise to me. Anne, there is NOTHING WRONG with having concern for other fellow humans. I think that is a good trait of a good person. It is true, however, that you can't fix all of the world's problems yourself. If you are so inclined and able, giving to a charity or charities of your choice is a great way to make a difference. I give to local homeless shelters and to 3rd world relief (through a reputable agency), and although it isn't much, it helps some. If you can afford a tub and would like one, there is also NOTHING WRONG with spending money on yourself and your family!! :)
My turn to step off the soapbox ;)
Steve
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Vinny continues to impress with his responses/ advice. I think he is copying off someone. ;D ;)
There's a person next to me on a Mercedes forum and said the same thing! ;) ;D
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"....but IMO worrying about "feeding a family in a 3rd world country" over buying a luxury item seems a bit......(trying to find a good way of saying this without sounding too harsh)......"
Go ahead and say it.....bleeding heart liberal freak!!!!!! ;)
"If you live in a country that affords you the ablity to buy a luxury item and you can afford that item, then buy it."
You are right- I am already one of the luckiest people in the world, not only living where I do, but having had the educational opportunities and strong family structure to become what I am. Tub or no tub. I guess it is not irresponsible, and as long as I can pay my bills, save for the future and donate some to charities, then my hard earned money is mine.
"If you didn't have to rob a relative, bank, 7-11 or get a sugar daddy just to get a hot tub......GO FOR IT! (uh....go for buying the tub, not robbing or sugardaddy..)"
No, just careful savings and a recent well-deserved raise which was my first in 4.5 years. I thought about robbing a bank, but decided it was a little risky for such a worrier like me.
"there is NOTHING WRONG with having concern for other fellow humans. I think that is a good trait of a good person. It is true, however, that you can't fix all of the world's problems yourself. If you are so inclined and able, giving to a charity or charities of your choice is a great way to make a difference. "
I do donate a little money and some of my time, and I think I'll make a point of increasing both of those......as soon as I can afford to after blowing all my savings on a tub! ;D
You guys are all SO right, and I tend to overanalize and worry about everything just a little too much. Which is why my job stresses me out, and a hot tub would certainly do me some good!!!
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anne,
thank you for understanding all "IMO" lol. i wouldnt call you a bleeding heart liberal.......just a careing person. but that doesnt mean you dont deserve a nice hot soak ;) happy tubbing.
socal
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Anne,
I have had similar concerns as you, and I am a dealer!
I have come around to the opinion that one does not relat to the other. Whether I or you spend $5000 to $7500 on a spa or not is not going to change the poverty of 3rd world people. :'(
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anne, the truly wealthy spend this and dont think twice. Lets face it, this is a luxury item and with that, only certain people can really just go and spend this kind of money without hesitation and reserve.
The bottom line for me was that quality of life outweighed a few months of debt to pay it off. I wanted this luxury and because I do not consider my self to be rich, I too fell victim of the, do i really need this syndrome.
All of your troubles will go away after the first soak. It will be the most enjoyable time for you. As you are sitting in your tub, in your backyard, listening to your music, drinking your beverage of choice and enjoying it with your family and friends, you will take a deep relaxing breath and say AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHh.
Whats expensive right now, may not be as much when you calculate it over 10 years.
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Anne,
There are probably not many on this board who made these purcahses without some reservation, and some second thoughts. Much like your self my project very quickly went over budget. But, just because were not the kind of people for whom these luxury purchases are a trivial matter, doesn't mean that were not entitled to make them. The way I look at at, I work hard, pay my bills and my mortgage, why not enjoy some of whats left over. As for the money being "Better spent" helping those more in need, I think that we often forget giving money is not the only way to give. Volunteer, and give your time. It might even make the time in the tub more enjoyable.
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I was thinking about 3rd world countries and starvation.
My wife went shopping today and purchased 10 Redbarron pizzias for ten dollars. Now here is a item that would feed a familiy at least one pizza a week for ten weeks. If we can do it why cant they.
I am really tired of the BS on starvation what it boils down to is the greed of their own political BS.
Dont feel bad about buying a spa.....you earned it with your hard works.
Semper Fi
Dick
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My wife went shopping today and purchased 10 Redbarron pizzias for ten dollars. Now here is a item that would feed a familiy at least one pizza a week for ten weeks.
Semper Fi
Dick
Well, now that we've got world hunger solved ::) maybe we can get back to hot tubs!
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Semper Fi
that says it all. big thanks to the men and women that keep us safe, not to mention in hot water ;D
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oh, another thing that slipped my mind...if you're REALLY guilt ridden about the money you're potentially going to spend on a tub....start buying generic groceries, shop goodwill and salvation army, and cut out your family vacation(s) for the next year or two.....*wink*
"it's all good"
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Well, this *is* my vacation for the next year or two, but I admit I'm not feeling the need to buy clothes at Salvation army.......except when I need 70's style halloween costumes.
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I just spent a week in a third world country and it's not as bad as you might be lead to believe. They are generally happy folks due to the vast amounts of alcohol they consume and the ones we saw were fairly skinny, probably because the constant smoking seems to curb their appetites.
By all means, don't deny yourself the pleasure of owning a spa. Seeing how well Americans live is what encourages people from third world countries to come here and if they're all here, then they can't be off starving in their own countries. They can bring their fascinating cultures here for all of us to enjoy. It all makes perfect sense.
Terminator
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wb term, how was the trip?
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wb term, how was the trip?
It were fine and dandy! Had a good time, saw interesting sights, met some good mates and sheilas, spent a whole lotta money on crap, walked me bum off, and just reaffirmed that I am fortunate to live in Texas, the greatest place on earth.
I'll tell ya bout it later. ;D
Terminator
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I'll tell ya bout it later. ;D
Terminator
feel free to IM me anything you want to "get off your chest" ;)
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yes I can totally relate to what you are saying.
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Best thing to cure buyers remorse and guilt about the hungry poor people is a nice long hit soak. You'll feel a whole lot better.
;D
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that says it all. big thanks to the men and women that keep us safe, not to mention in hot water ;D
Amen. Just got a few pictures from my nephew in Baghdad.
If you buy a hot tub, the manufacturer might decide against the layoffs and several of their families might contribute to UNICEF.
Around here, if you want to help feed people overseas, you hit a fast food place. Half of the money the employees there make ends up in Somailia or Mexico anyway.
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PPLLEEEEEEZZZ. If your worried about a spa, why dont you worry about buying a house with water, electricity, heat, refrigerator, toilets, etc. If you compare our living to 3rd world you need to feel guilty eating more than 600 calories a day, much less buying a hot tub for yourself. Ever spent 60 dollars on one meal? That supposedly feeds one for 2 months over there. Buy a hot tub. :)
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Ok, ok you guys are right- I sounded like a juvenile "bleeding-heart liberal freak" using the analogy of feeding a family in a third world country- maybe should have b less dramatic, but that was what was in my head. I know that on a practical level that what I do with my measley several thousand dollars has no bearing on anyone's socio-economical wellbeing. :P I've just never made such a big purchase before that was not a necessity (car) or good investment (house). I thought the variety of responses was interesting and helpful. I will buy my tub, enjoy it knowing that I worked hard to deserve it, let my friends enjoy it with me, and try to never take it or the rest of my lucky life for granted.
A big thank you to my brother, wmccall's nephew, and all the other men and women overseas.
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Anne,
I too started off thinking I could get into a quality tub for under $5k and realized that for that price, I'd be hard pressed to get something that would last. I bumped my budget up and bougth a modest tub in the $7K range. I am very happy with my decision and knowing what I know now, would do it again.
Before buying my tub, I had a used tub that was given to me and i was able to use it and live with it and find out if it was something I really wanted. (It was!)
A couple of things:
A hot tub is far from the cost of a luxary automobile, or even a low end new automobile. ;) To consider a spa in the same catagory as a luxary beach house is way out of line.
By all means, you should feel comforatable with your purchase (After all, this is supposed to be a "fun" thing, not something that keeps you awake at night feeling guilty or wondering if you are being irresponsable. Only you can answer that question.)
However, many of my friends look at my spa as a luxary and wonder why I bought one. I look at thier Motorcycles, boats, home theater systems, extra cars, ski mobiles, jet ski's, and other toys that cost far, far, far more than my tub and for the money, Aa hot tub is pretty reasonable. Given the fact that you can use it ALL year round and use it with familly and friends, it's acutally a bargin. :) Perhaps soem of this "wow, overly exspinsive toy" image comes from the images of the 70's and 80's when hot tubs were a toy of the super rich rock stars. not so anymore. Have you priced what a built in pool costs? Or even a quality above ground pool?
My tub cost me aprox the price of one decent tropical vacation, and it's something I use and several times through out the week and should last a long time. It's like a mini vacation in my backyard. Being able to go outside and enjoy my backyard in the dead of winter is priceless. WE love to entertain and having friends over for a soak and some wine and conversation is great. Many times instead of meeting at the local pub, We're now in my backyard. :)
So, if you think you spent money you don't have or can't afford, that's something that you need to discuss and acount for with your spouse and familly.
If this is something you;ve reaserached and budgeted for and truely want, I can assure you it's worth every single penny. ;D. If not, then maybe you need to re-think this? My wife and I discussed this at great leagth and made sure we both wanted it and understood the cost and how it fit into our budget. (We actually have a rule that you can't buy anthing over $100 without acknowledment from the other)....
If you are going to buy a hot tub, I would strongly encourage you to purchase a quality brand name tub that you will enjoy for years to come, and not a low end, low quality unit. The cheaper unit will surely validate yoru fears that "this aint worth it" ;)
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Anne, I get buyer remorse over lots of stuff..the new printer I just bought (and hid from my hubby), the latest electronic equipment, high dollar sports gear for my kids...expensive items for my pets...but I didn't get it over the purchase of my hot tub. I wanted it for 2 years for health reasons and now that I have it, it has been such a blessing...not just for me but for my whole family. My husband who has a very stressful job, now sleeps at night. My kids have found friendly territory to hang out with Mom and Dad and share thoughts and concerns. I feel much better and more relaxed and that is reflected in how I deal with stress on a daily basis. The point that I am making is that many people have benefited from MY purchase of a hot tub. When my husband and I soak alone at night, we often talk about how fortunate we are to be able to sit and enjoy the winter sky, the stars and the beauty of a cold night from the hot tub. I think the point that I am trying to make is you don't need to feel remorse as long as you remember and appreciate how lucky and blessed that you are. ;)
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And don't forget to thing about the poor starving families of the hot tub salesmen!
Wont somebody please think of the hot tub salesmen?
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Do you really think the world gives a hoot and hollowing about us. Most would like to see us wiped off the face of the earth. All they see is that we are the fault of their problems.
Buy that spa.
Semer Fi
Dick
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nothing but love for the sales guy. he is the one that convinced my wife to buy. God bless your souls.
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Do you really think the world gives a hoot and hollowing about us. Most would like to see us wiped off the face of the earth. All they see is that we are the fault of their problems.
Buy that spa.
Semer Fi
Dick
Now, that is SIMPLY not true.....how could a customer possibly consider you the cause of their problems? You get to sell a little form of happiness to them!
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Now, that is SIMPLY not true.....how could a customer possibly consider you the cause of their problems? You get to sell a little form of happiness to them!
I believe Bodyaches was referring to US as Americans. He owns a Diamondback Spa and is not a dealer, he is a Marine if I remember correctly. Many thanks to him and all who serve. :)
Terminator
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Drink and be merry, you never know what tomorrow brings.......................... 8)
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I believe Bodyaches was referring to US as Americans. He owns a Diamondback Spa and is not a dealer, he is a Marine if I remember correctly. Many thanks to him and all who serve. :)
Terminator
oh.....yeah.....the big picture. Sorry. I thought he was referring to Drewstar's comment about "poor starving families of hot tub salesmen"........DUH :-X I did at least understand that he was a Marine, but other than that I had a huge blonde moment.
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I get "buyer's remorse" all the time. I, too, feel for those less fortunate but there are always going to be people who have more and people who have less.
We better enjoy what we can because the way our deficit is going and the craziness in the world we may not enjoy it for long.
I think we can all do a little, giving to local charities, churches, whatever... but we'll never have an equality of wealth anywhere in the world. I think that's Marxism, Communism and all those other "isms"...they generally don't work! So do what your heart tells you to do when it comes to sharing and don't beat yourself up for enjoying something that will give you a little pleasure.
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getting alittle political in here lol cappy, i wasnt expecting a "marxist" comment, but thats the benefit of being here. we can afford luxuries others cannot; let alone the fact we can get them.
remember when "the wall" came down? the craze for levi's in russia was unbelivable ;D
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Hey socal...yep, got on the soapbox you got off from...LOL!! Sorry if I offended anyone! ;D
Gotta love capitalism...whoops that one of the "isms" :o