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Let me guess....lol...you're in your 20's?
I think it all comes down to balance. Some are tightwads who save and save and never have fun, only to die at 62 the day after retiring, with 4 million in the bank. Others are "live for today" and working at McDonalds when they're 78 to make ends meet.
I'm older now, 42, and I have to agree with much of what my dad said. A dollar saved today is worth many down the line after you've invested it, so you'd better really want what you're buying.
But don't get the idea that when you're old you won't be happy no matter what and having money then doesn't matter. I see a lot of miserable old people who blew it when young and didn't save enough and they're bitter about having to live in lousy areas w/o a beach or lake view or whatever. Life goes on after 40, you'll still want nice stuff then, so save.
And as an owner of 3 bmw's over the years, I will add....beyond basic comforts.....STUFF doesn't make you happy. If you think it does, you will never find lasting happiness. When you have money to spare for luxuries, get them. But don't think "if I only had that car I'd be happy" and expect it to be the case. Once you've read essays from psychologists on how most of what we buy today is really just wealth-displays, you will start to feel silly buying some of the stuff we do. I got my BMW for the handling, looks, safety, and resale value. Not to impress anybody. I wanted a Mazda 6 but it lacked stability control, didn't like the silver plastic inside, and resale sucks.
Leasing theoretically is the same as buying. But it rarely works out that well. Having to get rid of a car early can be a disaster if leased. Damage charges can be unfair. And it can train you to get new cars every 2-3 years which can be expensive. Most financial experts warn against it in most cases.
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