My father has always been frugal, always saving for a rainy day. That’s why I was shocked when he told me he had booked an expensive, months-long cruise, using up almost all of his savings. He says he wants to enjoy life while he still can, but what happens when he runs out of money?
I don’t understand his decision. That money could have been put to much better use.
Wouldn’t it have been smarter to use those funds to buy my son a new iPad for his birthday? He really needs it for school, and it would help him stay competitive with other kids. And with just a bit more, we could have started saving for his first car when he turned 16. Those are real, meaningful expenses that actually contribute to a better future.
A vacation is just throwing money into the wind! It’s temporary, and when it’s over, he’ll have nothing to show for it. Meanwhile, my son will still need a car, and my father might end up needing financial help — help that will inevitably fall on me.
Am I being unreasonable? Shouldn’t he be prioritizing family instead of indulging in some extravagant trip?
Hello! Grandfather here.
I’ve spent my life working hard for my family — long hours, endless sacrifices, making sure they had everything they needed. Every dollar went toward raising my children and securing their future. No regrets — that’s what I wanted to do.
But now, at 76, I finally chose something for myself. My last real vacation? In my 20s. Since then, it’s been all about responsibility and putting others first. Now, for the first time in decades, I have the chance to take a trip I’ve dreamed of for years.
After my wife passed away three years ago, I stopped finding joy in life, and I thought this trip might bring some happiness back. I know she would have wanted that for me.
I don’t know how much time I have left to enjoy my independence, my mobility, my ability to explore the world. At my age, things can change quickly. I’d rather take this journey now, while I still can, than wait until it’s too late.
I love my family deeply, and I always will. But does choosing to live a little for myself really make me a bad person? After everything I’ve given, after all these years — haven’t I earned that right?
