I appreciate that.

Number goes up is my security blanket

That’s fair, and it’s now put you in the position to be able to branch out. As long as you keep it reasonable, there’s no harm in spending some. Do the smart stuff, emergency funds and all that, then you should be all set to try some things out. Might even have enough to do some safe investing (but probably talk to an expert first).

I’m too far the other way, single no kids and renting, but no savings either. So ¯\_(ツ)_/¯