Spending now makes me feel guilty!! 16 January 2011 at 10:46PM in How much have you saved? 40 replies 6.2K views

LittleLauz

So lately I've been very MSE and been stashing away any spare cash at the end of the month into my savings account.
However, Today I have bought a brand new big (ish) flat screen TV!!
And whilst I can afford this as I have managed to save extra this month what with working extra hours over Xmas etc, I feel quite guilty about making such an 'extravagant' purchase. Though to be honest I did need a new tv as I have been watching a little portable one since I moves into my own place over a year ago.
I love, love, love my new toy though and it defiently makes my sparsely furnished living room look more homely, and yet I cant help but feel a little guilty about spending all that money on a bit of a whim.
But then I also felt resentful about spending £3.95 on the takeaway secret recipe book this morning from amazon, as well as various other much cheaper purchases in the past few months.
Could it be that I just don't like spending ANYTHING anymore!!
I need to find a balance between being money concious but not over agonising about things I so buy I think.
Anybody else feel guilty for treating themselves? Or am I just crazy!! Lol

Just_Plain_Jane

I feel exactly the same. I have my eye on some Le Creuset cookware that I've always wanted to own. It's half price, but I've still been agonising over whether or not to buy it, even though I can afford it this month.

phizzimum

I always feel guilty about spending money on myself - always have, even as a child. I like buying things for my kids, although I worry about spoiling them (they would laugh at that I'm sure!)

the funny thing is that I don't feel guilty about spending money when I'm on holiday. most of my favourite clothes have been bought when we were away. I feel like I'm very "good" all year and that I'm allowed a treat then.

cheerfulness4

Yep me, too. We've had so little money over the last couple of years that we haven't daren't spend a penny on non essentials only essentials ie food, petrol, bills.

Today is our anniversary and we received £20 in a card and told to treat ourselves. I felt really weird after buying a few Yankee candle tarts (christmas stock clearance) and a little vase. Love, love, love these but actually felt a little sick when I thought I'd 'wasted' nearly £10 on treats when I've had weeks where that was our food money for the week.
Still can hardly breathe thinking about it. Silly isn't it because I've well stocked cupboards now.

marmalize

i am fairly good with my money, but like you i have guilt pangs when i buy anything even when it's really affordable. What i did was set up a savings account separate from my longstanding savings account. At the end of the month I transfer any surplus from my wages into my savings account but also put a % of it in the second account. this i can use for those 'every day' kind of treats, days out,clothes,huge TV's shoes!! handbags!!...ohhh handbags...lol..etc..

i know it's all the same money theoretically but in my head the longstanding savings are SAVINGS and i don't touch them ..the other savings are for spending..sounds crazy but i find it works for me...

Just_Plain_Jane

Oooh Yankees, I love them too. Was tempted to buy a tart burner I saw reduced after Christmas but got the guilt trips over that too lol

cheerfulness4

Now you see you're stronger than me Jane. I saw and gave in. Now the guilt really multiplies!

Just_Plain_Jane

cheerfulness4 wrote: »

Now you see you're stronger than me Jane. I saw and gave in. Now the guilt really multiplies!

It's not over yet, now I've decided I want one I will cave in eventually. :rotfl:

LittleLauz

Ah I'm glad I'm not the only one that has guilt over purchases for myself.
And it's not even like I have anyone else to spend money on, no boyfriend or kids etc.
Oh well, I'm going to just save extra hard the next couple of months to make up for it, and make sure I really, really enjoy my new TV. Despite the fact it's given me a headache as I'm only used to a tiny screen. D'oh!!

cheerfulness4

Just_Plain_Jane wrote: »

It's not over yet, now I've decided I want one I will cave in eventually. :rotfl:

:rotfl: Feel slightly better now. Must say the house smells lovely as I've one burning as I speak... not that I want to lead you astray.

laloopi

I think that any purchase that you can afford and brings real pleasure to your life is well worth it and should never be the cause of guilt. It's all the frittering and waste that we need to avoid. We bought a flat screen TV a few months ago (only a small cheap one) and it has been fantastic as we've been able to put it on a shelf and free up lots of space for my little boy's toys. It also means I no longer have to worry about him pulling it on top of himself. I wish I felt that good about all my purchases!!