As far as 'where the money goes', I can't speak for everyone but in my case I have asked myself this question a number of times and I think the answer is pretty simple.
Firstly, I have more past-times than I did when I was broke. This is partly because I can afford to, and partly because I have more time. (When I was broke, I was a busy student)
Secondly, I no longer stop and think as much about goods quality. When I had no money, it made sense to spend ridiculous amounts of time carefully selecting goods to maximize "bang-for-buck". Now that my time is more valuable, I will more often opt for the best quality item.
The same carries over to food as well. Not a foodie, but eating healthy is simply more expensive than ramen.
Firstly, I have more past-times than I did when I was broke. This is partly because I can afford to, and partly because I have more time. (When I was broke, I was a busy student)
Secondly, I no longer stop and think as much about goods quality. When I had no money, it made sense to spend ridiculous amounts of time carefully selecting goods to maximize "bang-for-buck". Now that my time is more valuable, I will more often opt for the best quality item.
The same carries over to food as well. Not a foodie, but eating healthy is simply more expensive than ramen.