<prompt> Human: update: thanks for your advice everyone. I decided to lease the car after all. A lot of people told me to spend the money on experiences and not possessions, and I agree: I think the car is a really great experience for me : It was a lot of fun shopping around and playing at master negotiator. Driving it makes me giddy. I stare at it when looking out my front window and spend time driving it around for kicks a few extra minutes even after driving home at X:00 AM from work. it really makes me stupid happy :I know Ill one day have a youll feel it in the morning or guilty moment when I look back and wish I spent the money more reasonably... but for now Im still numb with sheer joy. BUT I made a compromise with myself. I spent a few days really working on my budget and and cutting out random expenses Ive been turning a blind eye to expensive parking, expensive gym I dont go to, drinksgifts for people I dont care about, etc and committed to maxing out my 401k contributions vs. the minimum match Ive been doing thus far. So i think Im happy with this compromise and that should abate the guilt for the foreseeable future. Anyway, thank you all for posting. For strangers, you had more insight into myself than even I did. I appreciate the mirror you were collectively able to hold up for me. The most compelling suggestion Ive had discussed in this thread was the role of charity time and money. I work not too far from skid row, so I spent my sunday morning serving breakfast to those who came. Theyre all very vibrant characters and though many are standoffish felt they were being looked down on, there were also very many who were sincerely appreciative and were a pleasure to sit and talk with after everyone was served. For this month, I want to try and continue this commitment and see where it leads me. I have a lot of research to do in the meanwhile regarding larger charities, but meeting people and being able to help them with their most basic needs really builds a connection. Im tearing up as I write all this out, but Im really glad so many of you posted to this thread and helped me through my decision. I cant express my gratitude enough. original:Basic Stats: 25 Male SingleDating BB investment banker Los Angeles College grad; Considering grad school in 2-4 years Financial Stats: Cash - 100k Investments - 60k 401kIRA - 25k Net pay after taxes and paying benefitsinsurance monthly contributions to 401k, HSA - 5kmonth not including bonus , which goes straight into cash or investments Credit cards: 8 cards at 10k each; I never hold any credit card debt at the end of the month Credit Score: 720-750; no delinquencies, etc. OK so Ive always been frugal and follow all the obvious basic tenets financial advisor bible thumpers recite as if theyve invented the wheel or something. I have my emergency fund; have no debt; max out my IRA; max my 401k up to companys matching program; dont spend on lavish vacations, etc.; live below my means, etc.; lower my cost of living as much as possible multiple roommates and dont live in the City, paying 500month; I drive a 12-year old car my mom gave me as a college graduation present; and all my meal expenses are paid by my work since I typically am at work 90 of my waking hours the other 10 is divided between the bathroom and sitting in traffic.OK well Ive finally reached a quarter-life crisis where I dont know why all the advice I get is save and invest so you can have a lot of money! -- if i fast forward 20 years, wont that advice still be the same? When will the advice ever change to SPEND MONEY AND LIVE YOUR LIFE, YOU IGNORAMUS?Anyway, to begin my spending spree, Ive decided to spend 20K all-in over the next 3 years on a new, leased bmw. I dont want to debate lease vs. own, I did my comprehensive analysis and it works better for me, so lets just take this as a stipulation of the thread. This doesnt include insurance and gas, but those are both costs at the margin since I pay those regardless of what I drive. Ive met with the dealer and drawn up the deal just fine. The only thing is that now I cant pull the trigger. 20K sounds like a lot to spend on anything about 18.25day for 3 years. So my questions is, how do I get over this mental block to spend money? I never buy anything nice that I dont need or do anything too expensiveexciting no coke-laced Vegas weekends for this boring banker and I often feel guilty when I do buy something e.g. I bought a 1,200 watch for my moms 60th birthday, which she loves wears every day, but even now I feel a bit guilty spending that much on something, even if it is for my mom stingy much?. Either way, I hate feeling this way and need some advice to push me over the edge on this purchase. I hate that people are brainwashed into saving for the future, but then when the future comes and theyre financially independent -- theyre still shackled and bound. Why earn all this money if you dont spend it? Id rather live better when Im young and cut back when Im old tired and useless to society. But everyone else seems to think the reverse is better? Thanks for any guidance.  <response>: You need a hobby. Youre just wanting to spend for the sake of spending to free yourself from some non-existent bad habit. Put some of your extra money towards something you like to do and call it a day - simple as that. 