Treat myself or not?

rach_k

I wouldn't replace it until it breaks. Yes, it could break in a year or three, but so could a new machine. Set aside some money in case you do need a replacement but do something fun if you have extra money. I'm probably more excited by laundry than most but I still wouldn't see a washing machine as a treat!

For backpacks, I wouldn't put them in the washing machine anyway. Clean any actual dirt with a wet sponge, then dump the whole thing in a bath of water and detergent for a few hours. Rinse, squeeze as best as you can then leave it to drip dry. Gentler on the backpack, gentler on the machine and should work just fine.

maman

Mr_Singleton wrote: »

Oh bless!

Made my weekend this has. To see a person so happy with such a modest income is just wonderful.

I know people earning around £200/hr as employees who come across as there being taken advantage of.

Good for you OP!

I agree.:)


Also, the fact that OP considers a new WM a treat says a lot. If he's only just started earning after benefits I really would advocate saving the money to give himself a bit of security. And meanwhile, have a proper treat you deserve it.:T

littlegreenparrot

I must be unimaginably filthy, it would never occur to me to wash a backpack, unless something stinky had leaked all over it.

I would save the money, I find it useful to have 2 savings pots.
1 is for boring things like car repairs, New washing machines etc. Dull stuff that is expensive but needs dealing with quickly.

2nd one is for holidays, days out, fun stuff.

It helps to build up some security against unexpected events, and of course allows for proper treats when you fancy them.

iammumtoone

I dont think you need a new machine but keep the money aside for it until this one breaks.


Most machine will do a rinse and spin/spin only cycle. For things that just need freshening up, hand wash in the sink and either use machine for rinse and spin or also rinse in sink and use machine for just the spin.



What I would do is treat yourself to a proper treat (most people would not consider a new washing machine a treat) you deserve it. If it makes you feel better about spending the money this treat doesn't have to be new it can be second hand as long as its new to you. What do you like doing? You mention games would you like to get yourself a second hand console that is a version better than the one you currently own. Or a better tv to watch your films on?

dekaspace

Didn't realise people had responded in a few days sorry, yeah probably going to leave it, current machine isn't broken at all just the tiniest bit of rust, and the clip on panel covering the bottom has cracked (but can be put back on, just falls off with slightest bump) works great.

I have quite good savings as was saving for about 5 years on benefits as I don't spend much anyway I could of bought this before I started and still had a lot left for emergencies.

maman

dekaspace wrote: »

Didn't realise people had responded in a few days sorry, yeah probably going to leave it, current machine isn't broken at all just the tiniest bit of rust, and the clip on panel covering the bottom has cracked (but can be put back on, just falls off with slightest bump) works great.

I have quite good savings as was saving for about 5 years on benefits as I don't spend much anyway I could have bought this before I started and still had a lot left for emergencies.

Well done! Martin would be proud of you.:money:


Now, what about a proper treat?;)

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

Buy some wine and forget about the washing machine!

VfM4meplse

Well done dekaspace, your thrift is paying off

If I've taken something away from your OP, its that my £3 coffees out that I would have 4-5 times a week are a treat that many can't afford. I've cut back radically and the rarity means I now enjoy them even more.

If I want to treat myself I head straight for the chazzer and find something that gives me joy - usually a book, which can be had for 50p. Its not the size of the prize that matters, its what it means to you.

MandM90

I would keep the money aside for now - sods law says you'll replace the washing machine and the fridge'll go

buildersdaughter

Well done on the savings - many years ago, on minimum wage, I had a friend who reckoned you can always save 10% of your income (I do know that's not true for some)
I agree, keep saving and get a cushion for whatever goes wrong - and have a little treat out of the pot every so often as well!
Having said that, sometimes you see a really good deal and it's worth getting there and then.