We operate on envelopes and going to the grocery makes you reprioritize if you really need that $12 bag of shrimp or if you could just sub in some leftover chicken from the freezer, or if you take the time to cut a few coupons because that $6 you saved will allow you to splurge on a bucket of ice cream for the kids.

That same middle class is not going to be rushing out and splurging on McMansions any time soon.On the investment side, I believe long term negative rates will boost prices at first but settle over time.

I like to (if you have Direct Deposit) Deposit my check in to savings, then ONLY take out what is needed for bills, food and a little splurge (Starbucks, Dining out Etc.)

My guess is that I could rent it for $1,000 to $1,050 in that case and that would reach my cash flow expectations.On the other hand a I could splurge on the garage. 

But I budgeted for $9k as a splurge, but even in the event I need to splurge a little more the numbers still work, right? 

I'm very responsible, rarely splurge on things and I know I can afford it. 

I didn't splurge on anything large.

My units are larger 3 and 4 bdrm townhomes, 1600-1800 sf each, intended to serve families.With a mid-range construction budget, what items are worth splurging on to get improved rents? 

I have saved money during the 40+years of my work life and do not splurge on anything. 

She choses to invest large parts of her cash (after taxes of course) but because she has so much extra cash on hand, she decides to splurge a little.