Does it ever bother you?

Getting_Better_With_Money_2

Being thought of as tight?

I have just moved departments and as part of my new package, I get a free lunch (and very nice it is too). This saves me loads as you can imagine!

But recently some ex-colleagues asked if I would go to lunch with them and I told them they could come here (they can eat in our canteen for £2.50 -- Still not a bad deal) but that I would not go out. One of my new colleagues heard and said, jokingly, "You tight git!"

I don't necessarily want to tell everyone that I am in real trouble debt wise and am trying to sort myself out, so every penny counts. I have also already had to turn down a night out as there is no room in my budget for that sort of expense. I also feel that if I am going to have a treat, then my Best Beloved also should have a treat so I try and make sure that any treats are budgetted for 2! [He is going bankrupt as soon as we can afford it (oh the irony)!] We have a big wedding to attend and the associated hen/stag nights coming up so I am trying to leave a little in the budget for them too. (And the wedding present)

Sorry for the rant -- I am trying to keep smiling but it just seems so unfair sometimes.
I know that I brought this on myself and once I have cleared all my debts (2010 -- debt Free Date at the moment :T ), there will be funds for having a good time with! I just get a bit down sometimes...

Thanks for listening

Kat

Dumbledore55

I know exactly how you feel. The looks I get when I do go out and I politely tell people I'd prefer not to buy in rounds and I'll just buy my own drinks!!

I can't afford huge rounds and to be honest they never work out fairly.

fairmorn308

When i was younger i used to just ignore being in debt and spend money else where instead of paying off debts but i was 18 and silly then and now i have opened my eyes up i am making a start to get my finances back on track and i know in the future i will need credit of some sort for either a mortgage etc

Just stick at it you will see the light in the tunnelt coming quick than you think. Am the same my m8s are asking me to go out at weekends etc and when i tell them i cant afford it now etc there like i will lend you money etc until you get paid but it is tempting but i have to decline cause i have to sort a few things out in life before can enjoy good times again.

What finances are you in at the moment.?

Ember999

You are coping so well and from your post, I would say you are dealing with the dilemmas people who are trying to get out of debt face in the best way you can. It must be hard no being able to do things you would like to sometimes, but think of the joy when you are finally debt free and all your money is yours to do with as you please.
I don't think you are wrong to invite people to your works canteen where subsidised food is available for a reasonable cost, I would do this myself in a similar situation. It's who you enjoy your lunch with that counts, not where you enjoy it. The amount of money spent on a social gathering does in no way reflect the enjoyment and pleasure it can bring to the parties involved.
I also think it is very nice of you to think of your other half when deciding to enjoy yourself or not. Very thoughtful to try to include the both of you in any treats that can be afforded.
Can't offer any advice but just wanted to say, you are doing so well, keep your chin up, you'll be glad you did one day :grouphug:

ashmit

Dumbledore55 wrote:

I know exactly how you feel. The looks I get when I do go out and I politely tell people I'd prefer not to buy in rounds and I'll just buy my own drinks!!

I can't afford huge rounds and to be honest they never work out fairly.

One thing I am very grateful for in life is that most of my friends just accept it no questions asked if I stay out of rounds. I only ever budget £10-15 for going out for tea with friends - last time we were out one of them said she only had £15 to spend so would have to be careful - I can;t help but wonder what she normally spends because I usually have change when I get home!

fairmorn308

when i go out with m8s we used to do rounds and used to never work out fair so then we decided to put say £10 each into a kitty etc worked out alot better and more fair that way

Xbigman

I never got labeled tight, I got labeled a misery guts. It bothered me a little at first but not any more. I've found that the attitude to money I developed when I was paying off debts and after that living with very little spare income, is still with me now. The difference is that I now choose to live this way. I resent paying for the nescesities in life and I want value for money from my luxuries. Like your colleague I only spend what I can afford when I go out, which is exactly the right way to live. So feel free to call me tight anytime you like.
Regards



X

Blink_2

I used to feel the same and would never turn down a night/lunch out but recently I couldn't care less what people think of me and whether they think I'm poor or just tight.

If I can't afford to go out, I can't afford to go out and if someone wants to form an opinion of me based on that, they can because *hopefully* soon, I will be back on track money-wise and be able to afford a few more treats!

billy_the_kid_2

I have had the same levied at me. I would politely refuse, but dont use money as the excuse, think of something else such as diet, using prescription drugs, tired etc.

btk

Turning_into_scrooge

If someone branded me as a tight git i would take it as a complement for years i was the one to fork out for everyone else :mad: and now i have debts i can't so being called a tight git for me would mean huge achievment. Just ignor them you have a goal to aim for they don't.............yet :eek:

Louise20000

Oh if only I was as tight back then as I am now I would not be in this mess - its been a lesson to me thats for sure but its a lesson that will stay with me and I will always be tight - I just hope that I'm not the 'richest person in the graveyard'.

Don't get yourself in more debt - you seem to be doing well and take the free lunches ;-)