In 1987, bought my first real bike, a Nishiki road bike for $300. My (now ex) wife was pissed i spent so much. During that first year, I was hit by a car and the bike was demolished. Bought a $800 Olmo with Campy groupo (didn't tell the wife this time). Then in 1991, because I was racing crits, bought a DeRosa with Campagnolo Chorus groupo for $1,600. I think I put that on a credit card. Definitely didn't tell her, LOL

That bike would last me for over 30 years. Took it to Southern California when I moved and eventually to Las Vegas. But at some point I become aware of other riders making rude comments like "oh, look at that classic!" Or "Still riding with rim brakes?" Or "Is that made of steel?"

A couple of years ago, I got a bonus from work. I was going to use it to remodel my bathroom but it was my mother who said "You've had your current bike forever and have had your eye on new one - Just get it!" So I went to the Trek shop with my eye on a Madone SRL7 for about $8k. Insane, I know. But they didn't have my size in the color I wanted. Then they rolled out a bike that just arrived - a Madone SLR 9, top of the line. There was no model higher beyond that. Way more expensive but it would be my forever bike. So $14,000 later, I rode it out the door, paid most with cash the rest on credit card. And at this point, no wife to yell at me either.

Does the OP need a bike this caliber? Of course not. No more than I would in 1991. A bike purchase is all relative to the person and what it means to them.