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I made a lot less than people do now when I started and I was probably less responsible than most. My first bonus was small, but my friends (who all made 2X what I made) wanted to go to Vegas and that’s the only way I could afford it, so that’s what I spent it on. Turned out fine in the long run, but not really because of any decisions at that point in my life. 

 

Pretty much saved it all. I was never into watches and a car didn't make much sense in NYC. I probably spent a modest amount on some work attire (e.g., Charles Tyrwhitt and Brooks Brothers shirts) and a nice dinner or two but not much more. Parked the rest of it in my brokerage account.

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That doesn’t really work unless you’re a psycho or a massive loser in IB/PE.

Need to splurge everyoncein a while and upgrade your recurring expenses (e.g. rent, get a maid, better food) or you’re not gonna be able to justify the long term negatives of being in the industry when you can save more than enough in a much more balanced job.

Also, I’d agree with you to not spend the money but ONLY if you SAVE/INVEST to SPEND it on something better later. For example, fuck getting a basic ass Rolex for 2-4K, save next bonus-2 and let money appreciate until your splash fund has 40-100 and get a patek or fp journe. Every once in a while take a few grand oht for a vacation with friends to splash extra (vacation that you would have taken anyway).

Or wait and spend it on a hobby later when you have more time e.g. whiskey or shooting or idfk pinball machines. But whatever you do, commit to spending it just moderate when. It’s important to save and be diligent but don’t be one of those people that has no friends and has a 10M net worth at 60 because you didn’t spend any vs 8M and lived a great life.

 
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OP dont listen to all the watch haters on his thread. People have this bizarre image of buying a watch as if it’s similar to splurging on a car / lighting your $ on fire. Whereas in reality, as long as you do your diligence and you’re able to buy a highly sought after model at retail (will take some work) a watch can actually be nice capital preserver or even a homerun investment (see previous poster’s comment on the Nautilus). By comparison, I bought a 126710BLNR that instantly doubled in value upon exiting the store and my 114060 sub has also gone up about 40% since buying it less than a year ago. Same with my white dial polar. These are just a few examples, but a watch can be an investment too if executed properly. With the right models, knowing you can wear your watch everyday and sell it for what you bought it for (plus some margin) at any time is pretty nice. Specifically with Rolex, the supply/demand imbalance is so out of control these days that it’s incredibly easy to sell off a watch if you ever needed to (or flip, if thats your thing although please don’t). Nearly any steel sportswatch from Rolex if purchased at retail will bring you instant gains on paper. Id stick to models like these where your initial investment is sealed tight and is highly unlikely (impossible) to ever be impaired upon a sale.

 

I'm getting a new set of really nice golf clubs with my first full year bonus (will come in around mid april). I see it as an investment in both my mental health, my physical health (not really tho lol) and a way to advance in a hobby that can be leveraged in the industry as well. The rest of the bonus will probs end up in the equity market or invested somewhere else. I'll probably buy my mom something nice as well. 

 

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