I do drive a car that works although it’s not actually a beater. And 10 years from now all the investments in the world might not do me any good. I might as well spend the money on something I’ll enjoy for a while.
I know exactly how you feel. I've done that, and have FA to show for it.
This 52 year old Grandmother (as of Wed. night, giggle,) can't think of any words I could use to convince you to use your money to protect yourself.
(Apparently, I'm gonna try anyways. Stab me now!)
Money is just a tool for your life, but like any tool, you have to use it correctly to get the right result.
Hell, buy diamonds, and hide them in the hem of your jeans for 15 years! There will always be people with money, and when the dust settles, you'll have some thing to sell them :-)
Use money to protect yourself.