Carey

I feel so guilty. We just booked a holiday to Mexico for 2 weeks. Our kids are our of school now, but I feel maybe we should have saved the money or spent it on new furnishings, etc. But my hubby, especially, has a very stressful job and I know he looks forward to it and so do I! I booked our holiday and later felt extreme guilt!! Please help me feel that I did the right thing! Does anyone else ever feel this or just me? Thanks for the counselling ... lol.

Jill

Get over it! Go and have a good time!!

inga

Oh, dear! I understand you so very perfectly well. But you have to splurge sometimes - we only live once after all. The kids are out of school you said, so give yorself a little break and treat youself and your loved one. I did not know whether I did the right thing the first time we went on a trip just the two of us - me and my Charlie. But the feeling that came afterwards was one of deep satisfaction. Have a good time!

Escritora

Life is uncertain, and you never know when the worst will happen. But I do know this: While many a husband or wife has been widowed and then thought, too late, "We should have taken that second honeymoon," no one has ever thought, on the death of a spouse, "We should have bought that new sofa". If you've been married long enough to have kids out of school--who I'm guessing you put through school--you've done your share of saving and sacrificing. It's time for the payoff--ENJOY!

Carey

Thanks for all your advice. By the way, this is not our first trip! We have gone away for the last 3 years. It's just the pressure of saving for retirement just got to me. I know that life is short and that is why I booked the trip!! I've seen many couples who wait to go on a holiday and things happen and they don't ever get to go on that holiday together. I guess it's only money!! I know I am not the only one who feels this way. The place I work, many staff can't believe that we just can take off for 2 weeks on a tropical vacation! I think they believe it is a waste of money! I also think they are a bit jealous. Oh well, we are going away this winter and I feel great! Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed reading your opinions.

Karen

Carey, <BR> <BR>Congrats! You have done the right thing! Memories of a vacation last forever; furnishings don't. Just get some (inexpensive) tinket on your vacation; put it on the mantel; and every time you feel guilty, look at the tinket and remember great times. <BR> <BR>Yes, I think our friends and family sometimes (often?) think we're crazy to spent on a vacation. We drive older cars and economize in other ways just to have our trips together. <BR> <BR>So, go and have a terrific, terrific time!!!

keith

Tell those coworkers, "Eat your hearts out, drudges."

rodraad

I always make a donation to a third world charity before I take a trip <BR> <BR>for good karma

Carey

THANKS guys! for all your interest and advice!!!. The more I think, and the more I read your postings, my husband and I, are sooooo glad we are going on a holiday this winter!! I have to tell you a story....A friend of my husband just passed away. Just before he passed away, he had told my hubby that after he's done raising his last child, him and his wife are going on a nice winter vacation. My hubby said how stressed he always was and he always told my husband that one day he too will go on a well deserved holiday! But he wanted to wait until he had his last child through school and on his own. Just a few weeks ago, he had a severe heart attack and died, he would only have been around 45 yrs young. Also, last yr. a lady who is the same age as me (40), passed away suddenly. She was so fit and active that to all of us who knew her, we were shocked! This is when we think that saving every cent for retirement, or saving your money for other material items is all great, but we have to enjoy our lives, too!! I read once, if a person takes a holiday, it has so many positive effects on our lives. My mother said to me many years ago, "why are you guys working?", just to pay your bills and save for the future? Isn't there more to life? Anyways, I do not feel guilty, if anything, I hope those people, who ever felt what I have felt, think again. Life is short, and if you have a bit of money that can be spared, take a vacation.If you don't have the money,hopefully you can find a way to adjust your budget to allow for a small holiday. We all deserve it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Carey.