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Holiday spending guilt!

SmallL
Posts: 944 Forumite
Hello! :j
I'm currently looking at going on holiday next year to Thailand for three weeks.
I can on an absolute level 'afford' it, but splashing out a not-so-small sum of money is making me incredibly guilty! My mind always wanders back to 'what the money could be used for instead', like saving for a mortgage or marriage.
Whilst I have a 'fair bit' of money saved (About 5k in savings and 1k in current account). I always begrudge spending on myself, though I don't mind spending on others!
We are also in a bit of a limbo jobs wise at the moment, I'm just about to start a new role and my OH is starting his first job in the next couple of weeks. The only money we have is what was stated above and it's all from my wages in the past 2 years.
I feel like I do need a break but the guilt factor is just niggling away at me, telling me to 'wait a while'
I also missed out on some really cheap flights about 2 weeks ago that's also making me feel worse! I hope the price goes down again!
argh :mad: Sorry it's a bit of a rant really
I'm currently looking at going on holiday next year to Thailand for three weeks.
I can on an absolute level 'afford' it, but splashing out a not-so-small sum of money is making me incredibly guilty! My mind always wanders back to 'what the money could be used for instead', like saving for a mortgage or marriage.
Whilst I have a 'fair bit' of money saved (About 5k in savings and 1k in current account). I always begrudge spending on myself, though I don't mind spending on others!
We are also in a bit of a limbo jobs wise at the moment, I'm just about to start a new role and my OH is starting his first job in the next couple of weeks. The only money we have is what was stated above and it's all from my wages in the past 2 years.
I feel like I do need a break but the guilt factor is just niggling away at me, telling me to 'wait a while'
I also missed out on some really cheap flights about 2 weeks ago that's also making me feel worse! I hope the price goes down again!
argh :mad: Sorry it's a bit of a rant really

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Comments
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Why not do some rough costings (posters who have been to Thailand may be able to advise) and then start a special holiday savings account based on what your OH and you will be earning. That way you may not feel so guilty because you'll be planning for it in advance rather than just raiding the savings pot. If it's something you really want to do be frugal in other areas e.g. have a very frugal Christmas, ask for/buy gifts that are things you need for the holiday.0
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Breaks come in many forms .....what made you choose three weeks in Thailand rather than say a more traditional fortnight in the Greek Islands or whatever ?
Is this you idea or your boyfriend's ? Would you be more comfortable with a more normal break next year and some longer term plans for the Far East the following year so you'd replaced the savings before you went ?
I'm a traveloholic and love my trips but if it's doing your head in and you'd resent the loss in existing savings then mybe work out what you could change to make it something you'd be looking forward to instead of thinking the money could be spent better.
Mortgages and weddings are probably a way off if your partner is only just starting his first job - but maybe you are at different stages if you've been working for 2 years already and need to meet in the middle a bit ?I Would Rather Climb A Mountain Than Crawl Into A Hole
MSE Florida wedding .....no problem0 -
Breaks come in many forms .....what made you choose three weeks in Thailand rather than say a more traditional fortnight in the Greek Islands or whatever ?
Is this you idea or your boyfriend's ? Would you be more comfortable with a more normal break next year and some longer term plans for the Far East the following year so you'd replaced the savings before you went ?
I'm a traveloholic and love my trips but if it's doing your head in and you'd resent the loss in existing savings then mybe work out what you could change to make it something you'd be looking forward to instead of thinking the money could be spent better.
Mortgages and weddings are probably a way off if your partner is only just starting his first job - but maybe you are at different stages if you've been working for 2 years already and need to meet in the middle a bit ?
I'm actually half Thai and was hoping to coincide the trip with my parents visit to Thailand. My grandma is very elderly and it's likely the last chance to see her.
Your right we are at 'different stages'. I graduated uni after doing an undergrad two years ago, whilst my partner stayed on to do a year in industry and a Masters. I'm not exactly in a 'graduate job' as I struggled to find employment, though the new role is far more suitable.
As to the other posters suggestions to do costings and have a saving 'pot' that might make it something more to look forward to! I may be asking for shop vouchers for clothes and luggage for xmas!0 -
If you've only got £6K savings I'd say you can't afford it, however I very much understand you wanting to see your grandma. Can you save up enough between now and the trip to cover it? If so, go for it0
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A Thailand holiday need not be expensive. If you are flexible, flights can cost as little as £300.
So why not make it fun on a budget?
Where are the preferred dates?0 -
Don't listen to the guilt factor, which will always be there. This is the right time to do it because of your grandma, and so that you and your partner can discover your roots...
To satisfy your inner miser, spend half an hour on the 'old style' and 'debt-free wannabee' sections of this board to get some ideas about frugal living, and put them into practice to help pay for the holiday.0 -
Lose the guilt this isn't a jolly holiday to Thailand but an important family visit that you are at least able to save towards.0
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NiftyDigits wrote: »A Thailand holiday need not be expensive. If you are flexible, flights can cost as little as £300.
So why not make it fun on a budget?
Where are the preferred dates?
My parents will be there for practically the entire of May, so end of april/may ideally.0 -
Voyager2002 wrote: »Don't listen to the guilt factor, which will always be there. This is the right time to do it because of your grandma, and so that you and your partner can discover your roots...
To satisfy your inner miser, spend half an hour on the 'old style' and 'debt-free wannabee' sections of this board to get some ideas about frugal living, and put them into practice to help pay for the holiday.
Grand idea! I'm also looking up frugal xmas ideas such as baking seasonal treats.0 -
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