Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that saving money isn’t optional?

81 replies

CraftyNavyDeer · 31/03/2025 14:08

It feels like common sense but I’m constantly surprised by how many people don’t save at all. At the very minimum, everyone should have an emergency fund - yet plenty of people live pay check to paycheck with no backup.

AIBU to think that saving should be non-negotiable? Or do some people genuinely have valid reasons for not doing it?

OP posts:
Original poster
CraftyNavyDeer · 31/03/2025 14:22

ImWearingPantaloons · 31/03/2025 14:16

If you’re on the bones of your arse then there’s nothing to save is there??

Of course, if someone is truly struggling to cover basic needs, saving isn’t realistic in that moment. But I’m talking about people who do have some disposable income yet don’t prioritise saving at all. Even a small habit of putting something aside can make a difference over time.

OP posts:
LadyKenya · 31/03/2025 14:22

CraftyNavyDeer · 31/03/2025 14:18

Didn’t realise there was a limit on discussing money! It’s an important topic, and clearly, people have different views on it.

Show quote history

And clearly you have enough of it, and always have, hence your total non understanding of the monetary challenges facing many, many people.

ByEdgyPeer · 31/03/2025 14:21

CraftyNavyDeer · 31/03/2025 14:18

Didn’t realise there was a limit on discussing money! It’s an important topic, and clearly, people have different views on it.

Show quote history

Let me give you a scenario, say you earn £1500 a month in wages, your rent, utilities, food and other bills all come out at £1500, you have absolutely nothing left in the bank, no pennies down the back of the sofa until your next payday.

How much are you putting into your emergency fund?

CheesyRaver · 31/03/2025 14:21

How do you save @CraftyNavyDeer when every penny is spent each month on essentials ffs Many people are struggling to pay for food and heating.

ilovesooty · 31/03/2025 14:21

MrsTerryPratchett · 31/03/2025 14:13

This. FFS OP some people don't have spare.

Show quote history

Exactly.

Cynic17 · 31/03/2025 14:21

It might be sensible, but of course it's "optional". The state doesn't come along and force you to save. Paying tax, however, is not optional. See the difference, OP?

stayathomer · 31/03/2025 14:20

Or do some people genuinely have valid reasons for not doing it?

valid reason number 1- some months you don’t make it through the month money wise. If someone is an overspender you can say we’ll make sure on payday you transfer x amount to a savings account but if they watch their money and barely make it through the month nothing they can do. Heard a financial consultant have a question once about savings and he said he didn’t agree with putting any aside if you honestly can’t get to the end of the month, are in arrears and are miserable

Original poster
CraftyNavyDeer · 31/03/2025 14:20

AquaPeer · 31/03/2025 14:13

What do you mean non negotiable? Non negotiable means you have to do it. No one is going to make you save money!

but also, people use their savings you know. There is an element of false security with “everyone should have 3 months savings” great. Then when you need it, you use your savings and go through the process of saving it all over again. Obviously having 3 months, or 1 months expenses as savings is something that takes people years to achieve, so they start again in the interim, they do not have 1 or 3 months expenses saved away.

So yes it’s a great idea but kind of obvious why people don’t always have it.

Edited

I get that savings fluctuate - life happens and people dip into them when needed. But my point is more about having the habit of saving, rather than assuming you’ll always manage without a safety net. Of course, not everyone can save at the same rate, but treating it as an essential rather than an afterthought makes a huge difference in the long run.

OP posts:
cherryontoppp · 31/03/2025 14:19

CraftyNavyDeer · 31/03/2025 14:18

Didn’t realise there was a limit on discussing money! It’s an important topic, and clearly, people have different views on it.

Show quote history

it’s not different views. it’s different finances. are you thick?

MissGeist · 31/03/2025 14:19

I need to squirrel money away to replace a window in the house, it needs trickle vents for ventilation to let the room breathe. Unfortunately in the last week that has been overtaken by now needing to spend on my boiler that is going glitchy and the cigarette electric charge point in my car that won't work properly, I need it for the dashcam and sat nav.

So actual saving is always being pushed back. I do add to my small pension though so I'm not entirely screwed yet.

EmmaEmEmz · 31/03/2025 14:18

I live pay day to pay day. I can't afford to save

Original poster
CraftyNavyDeer · 31/03/2025 14:18

BallerinaRadio · 31/03/2025 14:13

Another goady money post, really?

We need a bit of variation in these posts if they're gonna keep cropping up, who's posting all these is it Mumsnet? Because they're getting really tiring now

Didn’t realise there was a limit on discussing money! It’s an important topic, and clearly, people have different views on it.

OP posts:
TeapotCollection · 31/03/2025 14:18

You’ve never been skint have you OP?

ByEdgyPeer · 31/03/2025 14:17

Do you understand what paycheck to paycheck means?

Teenagerantruns · 31/03/2025 14:17

You are being ridiculous. I can save money easily now. But 20 years ago l was a single mum, living pay day till payday. Sometimes l didn't have money to top up the electric card, or l would only have enough money to feed kids not myself. That was despite me working in a relatively well paid job.
How would l have saved money?

ThisUniqueDreamer · 31/03/2025 14:16

How do you suggest people save if they literally have nothing to save.

ImWearingPantaloons · 31/03/2025 14:16

If you’re on the bones of your arse then there’s nothing to save is there??

BallerinaRadio · 31/03/2025 14:15

Shodan · 31/03/2025 14:15

Come on OP. You can't possibly be this dense.

You have to give them a break, they haven't been programmed to have fully functioning thoughts yet

Shodan · 31/03/2025 14:15

Come on OP. You can't possibly be this dense.

PaintYourAssLikeRembrandt · 31/03/2025 14:14

Three word name, one of which is a colour.

Goady "To think...." title.

Gosh, how original.

BlackDollsEyes · 31/03/2025 14:14

At the very minimum, everyone should have an emergency fund - yet plenty of people live pay check to paycheck with no backup.

Obviously then, it IS optional. It may come with risks but if plenty of people are living without it, then saving is quite clearly optional.

MrsTerryPratchett · 31/03/2025 14:13

Fancycheese · 31/03/2025 14:11

“valid reasons” 😂😂

This. FFS OP some people don't have spare.

AquaPeer · 31/03/2025 14:13

What do you mean non negotiable? Non negotiable means you have to do it. No one is going to make you save money!

but also, people use their savings you know. There is an element of false security with “everyone should have 3 months savings” great. Then when you need it, you use your savings and go through the process of saving it all over again. Obviously having 3 months, or 1 months expenses as savings is something that takes people years to achieve, so they start again in the interim, they do not have 1 or 3 months expenses saved away.

So yes it’s a great idea but kind of obvious why people don’t always have it.

BallerinaRadio · 31/03/2025 14:13

Another goady money post, really?

We need a bit of variation in these posts if they're gonna keep cropping up, who's posting all these is it Mumsnet? Because they're getting really tiring now

EffortlesslyInelegant · 31/03/2025 14:13

Oh bliss. Another one of these. 🙄