However, I also totally believe in setting goals and coming up with meaningful rewards. Meaningful in that hard work went into achieving the goal and also that the item then has value beyond the price tag and beyond the actual use of the product. It’s the story… the memory… the effort…
My first “big purchase” was my iMac and every single time I use it, I feel super proud of everything that went into it. It wasn’t an impulse buy at all. All throughout college, I had this vision of a “home office” with the complete set up: iMac, tablet, the perfect desk, etc. When I graduated, I had my mind set on getting an iMac… I was essentially counting down the days, but I knew I needed to put some sort of goal on it. I picked a lofty goal, thinking it would take eight months to reach… When I reached it after six months I’m pretty sure that I practically ran to the Apple Store.
The iMac means so much more to me than just a computer. It represents independence, hard work, and also my passion. Because I use it every day for work, it’s also been a great way to work even smarter.
Some of my friends’ first big purchases: A Tiffany’s ring after a big promotion, a vacation to Paris after paying off student loans, a Marc Jacobs bag “just because,” a pair of Louboutins after closing a major deal, a Mont Blanc pen for publishing a book…
Now I’m curious: What was your first big purchase? (Or what are you saving up for as a first big purchase?)
xoxo
One of my biggest purchases was my longchamp bag! I worked forever to save up for it and when I got it I felt so accomplished. I literally am in love every time I use it 🙂
Hunter
http://www.preponabudget.com
My biggest purchase was my Toshiba laptop that I got a few years ago. Unfortunately it is getting old, and overheating, so I'm saving for a Mac. My goal is to be able to order it by February, as a birthday present to myself and also for school.
http://loriscreativity.blogspot.com/
My car was my first big purchase.
I'm still in college so a lot of my "big purchases" are totally a relative thing. I am currently saving for a bedspread and new bag to replace my weathered Longchamp for toting to classes. There are too many small necessities for me to focus on for now to start working on something really big, but my goal is to pick an item like that by Christmas.
Erin
http://www.sugarsnappearls.com
I haven't made a "big purchase" on my own yet, but I recently got my first job and have several items on my list. I'm not exactly sure what my first purchase will be… possibly a handbag!
Pareasa
The FAB Journal
I haven't made that big of a purchase yet, but my closest was buying my first-ever designer handbag — a beautiful Kate Spade tote! So proud.
Nena
thenenja.com
My Macbook Pro was my big purchase…other than the trampoline I bought when I was 7!
When I finished my PhD, I bought a house. When I got tenure, I bought a Steinway grand piano. Dream big! 🙂
Awesome purchases—congrats on finishing that PhD 😉
My first big purchase was my Canon EOS Rebel 2ti camera. I am really into photography and I saved for 6 months and used birthday and Christmas money to buy it – so worth it! I'm proud I was able to save hard.
My first 'big' purchase was my LV Speedy – it's a classic that I had wanted for ever so I bought it as a gift to myself for the combination of my 18th birthday and celebrating getting into my first choice university 🙂
My first considered purchased was buying a parcel of land and next to it is buying my Lenovo lappy 😉
http://www.differentchainsoflife.info/
I totally agree, I'm currently saving up for a macbook pro….hopefully by Christmas!
I just read your interview on Hercampus! I can't believe you hate ketchup! Haha
I just love your blog. My first big purchase was my Canon t4i.
http://apairofchicpearls.blogspot.com
i'm saving up for a nice dslr camera, i really want it for pictures and filming youtube videos!
Mine was a pair of Prada sunglasses. I had never consistently worn sunglasses before and knew I should. I figured if I had paid a lot for something I would have to use it all the time, it worked.
Also how/where did you get the monogrammed background? 🙂
In 18 days, I leave for a trip to Disney World with two friends! We started saving last year, shortly after we all got our first "big girl jobs".
My first big purchase was my Burberry Scarf. I saved up my babysitting money from the summer before all the way until my birthday in October. While the scarf itself wasn't a huge purchase, the idea was- I bought my first (and only, at this point) piece of "luxury fashion house". I love love love it and it makes for a beautiful fall and winter outfit staple.
Thank you so much for being so inspiring and insightful. Your blog is one that I make sure to read every day, and I love it!
-Sarah
http://www.PurduePrep.blogspot.com
I bought a pair of diamond by the yard earrings to match the necklace my parents gave me for my 18th Birthday. I really wanted the set and realized it would be such a rewarding feeling to wear them every day and know I worked hard for them.
My next big buy is going to be a DSLR Camera for my trip in June!
Love how great it feels to know the hard work pays off!
XO
http://www.livebowfully.com
My first big purchase was a 40" tv I got to celebrate getting my first apartment 🙂
I love the idea of setting goals and buying nice things for yourself, I do it all the time! My first big purchase was my Macbook my junior year of college. My crappy dell had officially kicked the bucket and I decided to make the plunge, it was still the best purchase I've ever made because my mac still works like new and its 5 years old.
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com/
My first big purchase was my iPad! I wanted to quit my job really badly because they were giving me many more hours than I signed up for. My reward for not quitting was spending the extra money on something I really want. I'm so proud whenever I use it because it's a symbol of perseverance and not quitting just because it gets difficult.
http://www.awhimsicalland.wordpress.com
I haven't made my first big purchase yet! I just graduated in May. However, when I got my acceptance letter to graduate school last week, I did take myseld to get a new tattoo that I have wanted for ages, I just needed a reason. It's a bible verse that I love, and a friendly daily reminded to be strong and always push for your goals. When I graduate from my MSW program… I plan to buy myself something great though.
I wanted a perfect modern/working girl brief case-type bag… with my first paycheck postgrad I bought myself a Louis Vuitton never full and the rest of the love story went down in history!
http://www.midwest-prep.com
I haven't made my first big purchase yet, but I'm planning on getting something from tiffany's with my first big girl pay check!
My first big purchase was my car! I didn't have a car in high school or college and I felt so deprived. Clearly, I coped without one but when my job offer sent me to a community with iffy public transportation, I finally took the dive. I could have gotten something very bare bones and basic but I figured that since I had saved my money and waited so long, I would just take a dive and get a new and cute but practical car with the features I wanted. I love it and hope to be driving it for many years to come.
Most definitely buying my MacBook Pro. My computer broke and gave myself the deadline and I met and I have never looked back! 🙂
http://www.trustfundbroke.wordpress.com
My first big purchase as an adult was my Michael Kors bag. I'd had my eye on a couple styles for a long time and working in sales really needed a grown up, polished bag. The weekend my ex-bf moved out was also right around the time I got my tax refund. I was in Marshall's and saw THE bag for almost half the normal price and pulled the trigger. Best decision ever!
When I finish taking the MCAT I will buy myself a Fujifilm x100s camera. It helps me stay focused when my mind wants to wander while I study.
Mine was definitely my first car. I worked part time from the time I was 14 at a grocery store and babysat, saving all the money I could. When I turned 16 I had my money in the bank and picked out my car myself. Almost all of my friends had their parents just buy their car for them, so I think I appreciated my car so much more due to all the work that went into it.
My first big purchase is definitely my car. I saved my tax refund and then added to it for months before I took the plunge. I bought my new one just in time. The one I've had since I was 15 is on its deathbed and doesnt start right now.
~Joanie
http://www.FLOnMyMind.com
A rose gold Michael Kors watch!
My first "big" purchase was my dSLR camera when I was 15. It's now VERY outdated (I was 15 quite a while ago) but at the time it was a great camera, and I'd just started studying photography more in-depth. My macbook was the next, but paid for by student loans-so it felt good to know the camera was paid in full by my hard work from the start! Now, to save up for a new camera….
Blonde in this City
Technically an iBook laptop when I was 13, but that was with bat-mitzvah money. My MacBook Pro was the first big thing I purchased with money I earned! I was 19 then.
my first big purchase out of high school was a trip. i took my best friend to catalina island for a week. my last big purchase was my ipad. i had been wanting one forever but wasn't willing to settle on getting one. i got the new retina one. my next big purchase is going to be the sofa i have been lusting after.
I got my first real job at 15 and saved up to buy a vintage saxophone…I know, band geek status. But after that, I saved up for a gorgeous, bright red Michael Kors bag that I still carry today, six years later!
monogramsinmarch.wordpress.com
first big purchase was a Chanel bag. I worked two weeks straight to be able to pay for it I absolutely love that bag with all my heart. I'm terrified to use it, it rarely leaves my room! 🙂
I'm in my senior year of my undergrad BFA degree, and I am working really hard on getting a graphic design job when I graduate. I'm starting to have to consider salaries and all sorts of other adult-y and it's pretty terrifying, but I'm also starting to save for car payments on my first NEW car. I am asking for contributions to the down payment as a graduation gift and hope to be able to afford the monthly payments soon… My current car is almost dead!
– Anna Kate Selby
My first big purchase was a light green Kate Spade structured bag. It was perfect for running around New York for my internship and would hold up in the squished subways (i.e. it was easy to clean!).
I haven't made my first big purchase yet, but I have been saving up for a car! I am waiting just a little longer for the end of the year 🙂
I'm definitely saving up for a dog as soon as I graduate college. No bigger first purchase than an animal!
http://www.thegarnetdiaries.com
I have a lot of big purchases to save up for and I don't know where to start. It's a bit frustrating to be honest. I think I'm going to start with a Burberry Trench Coat, or maybe a really nice Burberry Coat in general. I think that would be the absolute best I've done it sort of present to myself.
Mana
Fashion and Happy Things
I bought my iPhone towards the end of my senior of high school as a "done with 5 AP tests" and early-graduation present.
Where did you get your computer wallpaper? It's great!
Agreed!! I'd love to know! 🙂
Here's the tutorial: http://www.carlytheprepster.com/2012/12/diy-monogram-desktop-wallpaper.html
my first big purchase was my MacBook Air. I worked all summer to get since I need a new laptop for college. Just like you Carly, I feel so proud every time I use it !
-Amanda
theamandadiaries.com
my first big purchase was my MacBook Air. I worked all summer to get since I need a new laptop for college. Just like you Carly, I feel so proud every time I use it !
-Amanda
theamandadiaries.com
That's an awesome first purchase! I would love to have a Macbook Pro but it's not in my budget right now or an upgrade to my basic Canon camera would be ideal. Right now, I'm actually saving up to go on my first mission trip to Peru to visit my child I sponsor through Compassion International. I want to raise all of the $ myself by selling items in my sort of "pop up store". I'm really excited because this will be my first BIG thing that I will have saved up for after graduating college.
I'm actually saving my money for my first "official" horse! I'm leasing a horse, but in a few years we plan on buying. My parents agree to pay for the horse's board, feed, etc if I can actually BUY it! That's a HUGE purchase, but my Longchamp was a big purchase I made a few years ago, and my Louis Vuttion bag this summer! xx Salli
stylebysalli.blogspot.com
I'm saving up to go to the Summer 2016 Olympics in Rio!! I have always loved the Olympics, and it's always been a dream of mine to be there live to watch it. Plus, I love to travel, so I would be marking both Rio and the Olympics off of my bucket list 🙂
http://thatlittlejenesaisquoi.blogspot.com/
I'm going on my first vacation alone! My boyfriend and I are going to England and we saved every bit of the trip costs ourselves. We're still college students so it's a very exciting big step 🙂 Btw I LOVE your desk setup!
Catherine
http://bottomoftop.blogspot.com/
A few years ago, after getting through a really difficult period in my life, I bought a new bracelet from David Yurman and a pair of Chanel sunglasses with my own money to celebrate overcoming it all. More than the sense of accomplishment of making those "big" purchases on my own, the sentimental feelings, and what those items represent are so much more than just chic accessories!
my first "big" purchase after starting my career was a 9×12 wool area rug for my living room, haha 🙂
MY CAR!!! Not a fancy one or anything, but she's a sweet Honda Accord and I'm so proud driving her!!!
Mine was definitely my Macbook pro- I saved during senior year of high school, and then the money I received for graduation gave me enough to afford the computer I wanted. My dad helped me out a little- claiming if I am going to make a purchase this big, I had better get a good computer and not settle for what I can afford- but I still paid for at least 3/4 of it. Super proud to say I bought my own computer for college! Hopefully when I'm done I can save up to afford an iMac like yours- love your office setup!
Allie
shortforalexandra.blogspot.com
When I was 15, i saved for my Canon DSLR. My next big purchase was my $400 MK watch this spring break. I'm saving up for a trip to London next, or a pair of Louboutins cause those are my dream!
I'm in love with your monogrammed screensaver. Did you personally make it or did you create it online somewhere?
Funny that you should post this now! I just made my first big purchase of a Canon Rebel. Yep, finally. And since I bought it, I'll be sure to use it EVERYDAY.
Your Friend, Jess
My laptop.I had been saving for it all summer as childish as that sounds.xx
dreaming is believing
My first big purchase during college was my Longchamp bag, but now that I am close to graduation/have a full-time job, I am prepping up for my own car. I figured making the investment now to build credit would be a smart decision.