Published: May 01. 2010 2:00AM

We can't go anywhere these days without hearing something about how people are cutting back as a result of the economy. Almost everyone is thinking long and hard about parting with that hard-earned cash, so when we do splurge, chances are we are doing so with more appreciation than ever before. We wondered how our contributors are weathering the financial storm while still enjoying a little something special every now and then so we asked … “What's your biggest splurge?”

Sybil Davis, Etiquette Contributor

“The Ritz Carlton experience! They make everyone feel like royalty from the time of arrival to checkout.”

Josh Norris, Photographer

“Good food at nice restaurants, which probably saves on medical bills in the end, since I'm not a great cook.”

Dan Byers, Automotive Contributor

“As a single father of four, free time is my greatest luxury. Wasting a little every now and then seems like the biggest splurge I can imagine.”

Renata Parker, Dining Out and Destinations Contributor

“Checking my luggage on an airplane.”

Stephanie Trotter, Contributing Writer

“I want my ‘Carolina kids’ to know their Texas heritage, so we send them to Camp Longhorn every summer.”

Janet Poleski, Food Contributor

“The cheese counter at Whole Foods — for both my waist and my wallet! I can never stop at just one kind.”

Ashley Warlick, Book Contributor

“My biggest splurge is always food- and wine-related.”

Danny Baker, Wine Contributor

“Foie Gras and Sauternes.”

Stephanie Morgan, Contributing Writer

“Dinner with friends for celebrations. Yummy desserts and time with the girls makes it all worthwhile.”

Kondria Woods, Contributing Writer

“A gift to myself — sassy black boots!”