When can you buy a nice car, a month-long vacation, or even a dinner at a top-tier restaurant — while being guilt-free about the expense?

You’ll notice I use the word “when.” That’s because luxuries don’t have to be a strict buy-it-or-forget-it situation. I believe we can afford to buy most things we want in life, even those that are considerably “luxurious.”

I’ve talked about being free from money guilt if you’re a naturally frugal person. It’s best to look at luxury spending from a milestone perspective.