Do you feel guilty for treating yourself?

No, but I do make considered purchases. I don't buy just because. And I always buy in the sales, or from charity shops, as I can get clothes in natural fibres, for quite cheap where I live. Saying that, I really do not need any more clothes, or things, for a while!

I feel guilty if it's unethical — e.g. sweatshop-made, carbon-intensive, not fair trade, etc., or if it's spectacularly extravagant, but durable new bags and decent make up do cost lots these days and, though non-essential for survival, are part of a decent, as in enjoyable, standard of living. Definitely don't feel guilty spending within reason!

I once spent an exorbitant amount of money on a designer handbag I purchased overseas. Said designer handbag then stayed in my closet for about a year, because I couldn't bring myself to plop it on a dirty floor (aka, use) if I went out anywhere. I do use it, now, but I certainly try & look after it more & don't treat it like a regular handbag, which would get tossed wherever!

No not at all. I think earn my money, why would I feel guilty? I have a massage every Friday, I have my nails done. I buy what I want. Who would make me guilty?

Always. I grew up dirt poor, no reliable income, phone was always being cut off, final reminders on the doormat. I’m always terrified to spend money. When I turned 40, after much persuasion, I bought myself a designer handbag on holiday which I had seen and loved and then got back to the hotel and sobbed for an hour over what I’d done. DH has been long suffering for 20 years over it and he says it’s the one thing he wishes he could change about me. For most purchases I get round the feeling by buying second hand or waiting for a discount then spending feels bearable. I can buy for others, just not myself. I wish I could shake it, I really do.

Absolutely! I'm a saver not a spender (grew up low income, think always 2nd hand, no name brand items, no holidays, luxuries etc). If I do want something, I consider it very carefully & I equate it to how many hours work it'll take me to afford said item.

Even things like getting a massage or getting my nails done... I'd like to do that stuff more often, I just can't bring myself to.

Same. Grew up poor.. raised on hand me downs and 2nd hand stuff.

It took a lot to undo the rigid thinking surrounding it. Funnily enough, it is my own DM who says to "treat yourself" when we are out and about now.
I now feel ok buying a new houseplant to cheer up my home, or a decent pair of trainers that will last instead of some Shoezone shite.

A lot of people saying they earned their money, so can treat themselves... I am on UC, so am I not allowed to treat myself?

I grew up very poor and it's made me quite profligate instead. I was never allowed nice things growing up so now I make it a priority to get myself a couple of treats every month, even if they're not very expensive.

I do buy nearly everything second hand, but I certainly don't need everything I buy.

I'm a saver and one of my DC is a spender. DC thinks they are very hard done by because I budget. So if I treat myself to something like a new t shirt for a fiver my DC sulks for weeks. I still do it and refuse to feel guilty.

This.

Presumably you've done a budget or at least arranged your money so your bills are covered and you have savings? So after that you should be allocating some personal money for essentials like bras and other basic clothing and also things you want like make up and accessories? So that money's there to be spent on whatever you want to buy.

Yes, I do feel a bit bad if I think I've wasted money on trivia and things I don't really need. Mostly I'm reminded of how incredibly fortunate I am just to live here in the UK and not in a war-torn or famine-plagued area like so very many unfortunate souls do.
Sometimes I feel like I should give away everything I own to help others who need it more. I should. But I don't.

My everyday shoes were getting a bit worn and tatty (they're 6 years old) and I ordered two new pairs online a few weeks ago, intending to return the one that I liked the least. But they both looked nice, fitted well and felt comfortable. So I've kept both. So that's £248 I've just spent on two pairs of trainers. Guilt! I know they will probably last me for at least 10 years, so I try to justify the expense with that thought.

No, I never feel guilty spending money on myself.

No. I wouldn't even regard new bras and makeup as a treat. They are basic essentials in my book. Especially bras!

No. I don't feel guilty even though we are not rich. We are also probably the squeezed middle.

I'm not irresponsible with money, I don't go splashing it around willy billy but why should I not enjoy what I can?

I used to struggle with treating myself but now realise that I deserve nice things.

No. I’ve worked hard, been prudent and fortunate. As a couple we’ve been generous to our adult offspring. We’ve also put things in place for effective estate planning.

I do empathise with the hangover from childhood hardship, see the difficulties it can cause

We're skint but no, I don't feel guilty for treating myself.

I do, but not necessarily because of money (or lack of) but just because there are so many people in the world who haven’t got anything. I can’t help it - every time I buy a non-essential item, I’m overcome with guilt.
Many of my clothes therefore are from charity shops or Fairtrade.
I blame my Catholic upbringing 😮

No, not at all. I love treating myself and other people. I work hard, it's the reward for that.

Yep!

No children, mortgage free, well paid job but wracked with guilt if I pick up a new bag.

Childhood poverty stays with you.

No I don't feel guilty.
I work hard and it's nice to be able to afford nice things.

I always feel great when I buy myself a little present. If I can afford it then why on earth not. I think it's actually really good for my self esteem. For many years I never bought myself anything nice. This month I got a new t shirt. I can usually afford to spend about 30 quid on something for me each month, or save a couple months for something bigger. If it's in your budget, always make sure you give yourself a nice treat now and again. Don't wait for someone else to do it! Cos they inevitably won't.

No, I work hard and don't even give it a second thought if I want something.

A bit because I don't have a lot of money. But I don't feel guilty for the principle of thinking I deserve nice things. I do deserve nice things!