As someone that grew up poor and is now doing well, I can relate to this mentality to a degree. The opportunity to do something big doesn't come often. You could save it for a rainy day or emergency but by then you might be too old to enjoy the money... or some big expense will wipe it out and you just keep slogging.

I save money for retirement and have an emergency fund but I also spend my money too. I know some people that cannot bring themselves to spend any resources because "what if....". To the point where they could definitely afford something that would make their lives easier but refuse to do it be a use they might need that money for something else later on. So, they don't live their life out of fear of needing money for things that rarely materialize if ever. As though it's morraly wrong to spend money on anything that would bring enjoyment or entertainment because that's "wasteful".