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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I’m so so upset about this!

283 replies

Penny4thoughts1 · 07/12/2025 10:39

I am struggling money wise after a tough few years (or 5 years really) but I was never well off. A few weeks ago I asked my dsis if I could borrow 500quid to sort Christmas and I would pay her back. She said she didn’t have it. I thought fair enough she must have had some crazy expenses as she has two dc etc. but her and he4 do both work v good jobs. Anyway I’ve made do.
cut to this weekend…I’m so upset. She asked me if I would babysit for them for the night. (Paid, as she knows I’m broke) after her dc had gone to bed I had a bath. I was running the bath and found he4 shampoos, brands I have never really seen or used. I googled them. 25quid a bottle!!!
then to top it off I was looking for a match to light a candle as I had tidied the kitchen this morning and in the drawer was a quote for a new car being ordered for January. 500 quid deposit and cash payment due of 25k.
she did have the money she just didn’t want to lend!? Why didn’t she just say? They are due home in an hour and I just want to cry. The live in a brand new house! Furniture is new… everything is perfect and beautiful. I’m just so heartbroken that she couldn’t share 500 with her only sister, they are clearly way more well off than I even thought! Should I say anything! I wasn’t snooping by the way.

OP posts:
McSpoot · 07/12/2025 10:44

No, you shouldn't say anything. She, correctly, said that she didn't have 500 quid to give you for your Christmas purchases. That didn't mean that they don't have 500 quid at all.

BlueMum16 · 07/12/2025 10:44

How and when your sister spends her money is her business.

She probably doesn't want to loan you money in case it ruins your relationship. She's helping by paying you to babysit. I would babysit for my sister for free and she would for me.

BurnTheWholeThingDown · 07/12/2025 10:44

Why do you feel they should go without because you need money?

Would you give your money to someone less well off to you and go without Christmas presents? If not; why not? Try to rationalise this in your head. You are not entitled to their money, and they don’t have to save money by not buying nice things in order to help you out. I’m sure they wouldn’t see you starve but that’s not what’s happening here.

pictoosh · 07/12/2025 10:43

They don't owe you a loan and they can spend their money on whatever suits them.
I sympathise with your struggle but policing your sister's toiletries and taking offence at their personal spending is not going to add anything useful to your situation.

CandyCaneKisses · 07/12/2025 10:42

Why should she fund your Christmas? You’ve had months to buy little and often.
She can spend her money and what she likes, she probably said no incase you didn’t pay it back.

VenusStarr · 07/12/2025 10:41

No, you shouldn't say anything.

What your sister chooses to spend her money on is her business.

HippeePrincess · 07/12/2025 10:41

No wonder they can’t lend you anything they’re buying a new car so it’s already spent, stop being entitled.

Imanautumn · 07/12/2025 10:41

Maybe they’ve over stretched themselves and really don’t have it to spare?