I'm a DFW and my family think I'm tight

nearlyrich

I think a lot of people think if you earn £10k more you get it all, they don't realise the jump in tax etc and as you said the cost of living in London is high. Don't worry too much about being thought of as tight you are doing the right things to secure your future.

lucystardust

Thanks to everyone for all the advice, I'll try some of the tips for giving them a reality check! I think alot of this comes from the way none of them are in the real working world (dad is in his 60s and has retired on money from having a small business, mum does voluntary work to fill her time cos dad pays all the bills, brother is a student) so they're out of touch with things like income tax, pension payments and rent. My dad only realised the other day that the Tesco Finest curries that he buys all the time cost a fiver cos he never looks at prices!

When I first got my job 18 months ago I spent alot on a credit card because I mistakenly believed I could afford all those clothes, make-up, nights out etc with my new job. It seemed like so much money after being a student. When I started renting I realised I couldn't afford my shopping habit and am now paying off the card. So I think where I've gone from spending to saving is where my family's perception has come from.

I don't think they realise how much I have on the card, but I'd rather have them think I'm tight for another 6 - 9 months until the debt is paid off than let them know about my mistake. Once its paid off I'll probably still be 'tight' though cos I know I don't want to get into debt again!

moneysavingmonkey85

A lot of people are shy of their DFW status, but if you explain that you thought working in london would mean you could afford things, but that you were wrong they might see how their attitude won't help you. if you are paying it off then there's nothing to be ashamed of. Better you realised sooner rather than later. I'd rather be tight than in long term debt.