Bought a house and feeling afraid to spend any money

My mortgage isn't much more than rent was but I now feel incredibly afraid to spend money on anything fun, even just the movies. What if my roof falls apart, or my boiler goes, or something else happens?? What right do I have to spend money? I am living like a ramen-hoarding fiend. I love my new house, and I didn't overspend (did a 20 percent down payment, worked out budget with a financial planner, got a good mortgage rate...) but I still feel incredibly nervous, like anything could happen and I'll be in the poor house....Is this normal??

Yes. One thing that might make you feel better is to get a home warranty. That way you will only be responsible for a set fee for most repairs. It won't cover the roof (home insurance might) but a leaky toilet or a stove that won't light will be fixed with very little hassle.
Why didn't you pay cash for your house, OP? Po'?
OP, good for you. Keep saving until you have a big cash cushion. Also, be careful of financial planners. There is a conflict of interest and you can end up pay a lot for their advice. Google bogleheads forum and start reading.
Being frugal is an admirable quality, but you shouldn't deny yourself small pleasures.
$18 won't make or break you.
Yes, OP, it's perfectly normal. I've had my house for 4 years now and I'm still paranoid about spending any $$ on "dumb shit" (cable, video games, movies, etc). As long as you keep on top of repairs, you should be fine. Just don't put something off because it will get worse (and more expensive).
Have you adjusted your income tax withholding to account for the fact that you now have mortgage interest and property taxes to deduct? You might be able to get more take home pay now rather than waiting to file your tax return.
[quote]you now have mortgage interest and property taxes to deduct For now....
That's exactly the way it's supposed to be. Welcome to grownup world.
It's not normal. Go to the movies and have fun.
A%20homeowner
[quote] Is this normal? Normal and wise! As a home owner, you do need to have a nest egg - you are the one who has to pay for the roof repair, new stove, repainting, etc. (But do look for ways to enjoy life, the house shouldn't be something that makes you miserable.)
[quote]but I still feel incredibly nervous, like anything could happen and I'll be in the poor house....Is this normal?? normal and for most people.....likely
Yes OP I've had the very same feelings. Now I am 48 (I know DL thinks I'm quite irrelevant and should just die) however I have made several major purchases including houses and I can tell you it's a normal reaction and will fade over time and you will find balance.
[quote]Keep saving until you have a big cash cushion. This is the main point. How much do you have in a "rainy day fund", OP? Everything (a furnace, a roof, a fridge, etc.) has a life and you have to be able to replace or repair when necessary. There are also expenses that are harder to foresee. You want to be able to pay these costs when they arise. Once you have a big enough chunk of cash put aside, then you don't need to sweat a latte or a movie.
ShinjukuBaby
All kinds of stuff can go wrong. Right now, my list is growing because my contractor is in jail (immigration problems). We have: A leaky toilet Front doorbell doesn't work Wood in front porch and back deck rotting, holes in them; need to be replaced Need to put in a box for a ceiling fan at the top of my stairs Shingles need to be replaced on 2nd floor roof after Sandy and gutters need to be replaced up there Just paid to have my sprinkler system shut down for winter and to repair an oozing sprinkler head. Lots of people can do some of these things on their own, but I can't due to past injuries My house is 19 years old and has a 15 year roof. That's gonna hurt when it gives out. I live in an area where contractors charge more than doctors, dentists and lawyers combined and they think their shit doesn't stink. And then they wonder why we hire Mexicans after we were quoted $8,000 to stain a small house 18 years ago. It's two stories, but total living area was less than 1600 sq ft when we got that quote. When you get quotes for house maintenance, ask around to see if the price is reasonable. Obviously, we knew $8,000 was a ridiculously high price, but like car mechanics, contractors will rip you off, especially if you're Jewish. My bf's last name is Jewish and we got different price quotes for the same work using his last name vs my last name. Most of the rich people out here are Jewish and the contractors are very anti-Semitic.
For everything else, there's Mastercard.
Try to set aside 8 months of expenses. And you're doing a great thing being frugal. There's nothing wrong with the habit, so long as you don't become miserly or cheap. Use the home-induced thrift as a way to guide your social life more. Have people over your house for a potluck. I hate that word and it sounds so frumpy, but shit, it's practical, you won't sweat it, and people will have a good time. I'd show up to a friend's house with a nice bottle of booze or some food so that the newly frugal could have a fun night of support. Shit, in this economy, you bought a house. Good for you. Head down, get yourself to your cushion goal, and when you stop feeling anxious, you'll splurge here and there. Good luck.
Look on the bright side though. In ten years your mortgage payment will be the same. All the rent payers will be paying more.
[quote]Look on the bright side though. In ten years your mortgage payment will be the same. Unless you got an adjustable mortgage.