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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to have upheld the boundary?

29 replies

rainbowduplo · 25/04/2024 17:47

My OH and I have a budgeting system which accounts for every penny. I didn't realise this was a 'thing' until yesterday, but apparently it's called zero-based budgeting. We each take the same amount as each other each month for personal spending (coffees, clothes, gym membership, etc) and then the rest goes into various accounts for our family life. For example mortgage and bills, everyday family spending, saving for annual costs (Christmas, car insurance), long term savings etc.

From my allowance I put a little into a long term savings pot and a little into a 'splurge' account (latest purchase was new hiking boots to replace my 10 year old ones, so bigger purchases like that come from here) and then the rest stays in my current account for coffees.

Today OH said he wants to buy himself something for £100-£150, using the family savings as he hasn't been putting anything of his allowance aside. I said that I use my allowance for that sort of thing so he should too, and he was really disappointed.

I know if the boot was on the other foot he'd say for me to take some out of savings without hesitation. But he also wants us to move soon which we're meant to be saving for, so I feel like every penny counts atm and this is a very personal purchase which he should either save up for using his money that he gets every month.

AIBU to hold the boundary? I'm such a people pleaser, I can feel myself being ready to say what he'd say to me and to just get it. I wish it didn't feel like it's been made my decision. Can't tell if I'm being unreasonable or not tbh!

OP posts:
Arlanymor · 25/04/2024 17:52

You’re not unreasonable at all, sounds like a misunderstanding which can now be corrected. On this occasion I’d be inclined to take the same amount for both of you from the shared account, that seems fair.

AnathemaPulsifer · 25/04/2024 17:51

I would let him but you take the same amount into your personal savings.

Maybeicanhelpyou · 25/04/2024 17:49

I guess it’s nice that he’s asking you. But if he’d let you……

Haydenn · 25/04/2024 17:49

I would agree to the spend this time on the basis he saves in future.

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