Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask you honestly what are your first thoughts on seeing this?

644 replies

gemful · 09/12/2025 11:44

NC’d for this

A couple. 2 dc (no childcare)
A brand new, new build house. Mortgaged.
Two brand new cars.
They don’t dress designer but the present well.
She has a few designer handbags.
gadgets are always good brands, latest I phones, shark hairdryers, robot hoover.
very organised and tidy home, both work full time in good jobs.
They do family outings every few weekends but not every weekend.
Honesty, what are your first thoughts?!

OP posts:
Flomingho · 10/12/2025 05:38

Nothing remarkable about any of it. Just sound like a generic family who like to drive new cars and look after their house. Personally, I couldn't justify the expense of a designer handbag but each to their own.

tartyflette · 10/12/2025 03:22

That you sound disciplined and are managing things well.

BobblyBobbleHat · 10/12/2025 02:20

gemful · 09/12/2025 18:44

That’s exactly how I feel about old, damp draughty and mouldy houses….

Show quote history

I don't mind some newbuilds, though I prefer older homes, many aren't draughty, damp or cold and they tend to be far more homely. I'd wonder why you went for a semi 5 bed rather than a 4 bed detached, as I would always prioritise detached, but I wouldnt think much else. I'd perhaps wonder if you thought expensive brands necessarily meant quality, that's if I could be really fussed to think about it.
Ultimately, I think just ignore your neighbour and family, they can think what they like, if you and your family are happy thats what matters.

TableLegs001 · 10/12/2025 02:16

You sound similar to me but we have one DC and paying childcare so that is an added expense. We also have a new car soon! I think when both partners work it can be constant stream of income so easier to know exact when money is coming in and plan finances with that in mind.

ticklyfeet · 10/12/2025 02:09

Whatsthatsheila · 09/12/2025 12:08

A little green eyed monstering- ignore it - enjoy the fruits of your labour x

Show quote history

Exactly this.

PurpleSky300 · 10/12/2025 01:50

Wouldn't even notice them. Why would anyone know or care if someone has designer handbags or not?

NoKidsSendDogs · 10/12/2025 01:39

SJone0101 · 09/12/2025 11:51

Absolutely not an average middle class family.

To have that life style, both would have to be on £60k plus.

Show quote history

So, avg middle class

Franjipanl8r · 10/12/2025 01:22

We had a neighbour who always commented on what money we spent on what. He used to stare out his window at the neighbourhood and just generally be nosey. He was a lovely old man and I missed him when he moved, even the comments about money!

I’m happy to put up with a bit of judgement for a chatty neighbour!

Bingbongbangbop · 10/12/2025 01:01

Sounds a bit.. boring 🤷‍♀️

LeopardPants · 10/12/2025 00:50

Disturbia81 · 09/12/2025 19:00

how is that not ample!? Most people live paycheck to paycheck.

Show quote history

I know! Must be a piss take comment. And the use of the word “kindly” at the start… It’s so damn irritating. No need - just say what you want to say without pointless preamble.

incognitomummy · 10/12/2025 00:47

IridiumSky · 10/12/2025 00:31

They are definitely into wife-swapping. That much is obvious.

And he worships Satan, although only on Tuesdays.

This!

Ariela · 10/12/2025 00:38

'what business is it of yours?' was my first thought.

Mummysof · 10/12/2025 00:31

My thoughts are that I don’t care.

IridiumSky · 10/12/2025 00:31

They are definitely into wife-swapping. That much is obvious.

And he worships Satan, although only on Tuesdays.

PalePinkPeony · 10/12/2025 00:28

I would think firstly why am I fixated on the details of someone else’s life to the point that I knew which gadgets and clothes / accessories they wore. Must have too much time on my hands.

secondly I would think that two new cars were an awful waste of money and actually quite pretentious. I hate flashy people. People moving into new builds and having brand new spanking cars and gadgets are either dumb with money, in debt or eager to impress by being flash gits. Or all 3. People I would steer well away from. Quite vulgar

ThisTicklishFatball · 10/12/2025 00:25

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the family’s setup in the original post by the OP. In fact, I’m completely supportive and think that anyone who judges them harshly is totally out of their mind.

Mumsnetters aren’t always genuine when they put on a friendly front in this thread. I’ve been around for years and have seen plenty of members be blunt, even downright cruel, when judging just about anyone in any situation. No one is spared.

EarthlingsAhoy · 10/12/2025 00:10

Lyraloo · 09/12/2025 22:56

Don’t be silly, you have absolutely no need to take on further work, ignore the idiot that suggested that, they are clearly trying to be clever and pretend they have more money then you!

I think pretty sure "you should take in ironing" is a MN saying. It's sarcasm.

ZenNudist · 09/12/2025 23:39

Maybe NDN is picking up on the whiff of smugness.

ZenNudist · 09/12/2025 23:38

I'm getting hyacinth bucket vibes from the rest of the OPs posts

LonelySeahorses · 09/12/2025 23:33

I probably wouldnt look twice tbh.
However if pushed for answer I'd probably say that we don't know the details of their finances. I've known people inherit enough for a decent deposit then with investments end up with a good standard of living.
Ex bro in law became fairly rich with his wife as MIL looked after the kids every day. This saved a huge amount on childcare and neither had to work part time or take career breaks- both climbed the coperate ladder. I guess this made a difference to their wealth as they never seemed to struggle.

Cars can look flash but actually just be rentals...handbags..Vinted??
Plenty of rich fRmers in my rural local wearing wellies n old macs...they dont LOOK flash but own a lot of land, Range rovers ( new)

I guess its difficult to judge just by looks. Lots of people have expensive style and dress well/ choose lavish looking stuff?

If you hadnt have asked, i probably wouldnt notice

sunsu · 09/12/2025 23:29

beefthief · 09/12/2025 11:46

This seems entirely normal unless you're going to drip feed that it's actually Fred and Rose West

i nearly choked on my tea!!

TheBeaTgoeson1 · 09/12/2025 23:21

I think I would imagine grey decor, lower middle class. Possibly aspiring working class.

Negroany · 09/12/2025 23:20

DoubleHardBastard · 09/12/2025 18:54

Kindly, I'd hardly say 2k savings a month is ample. Are you able to retrain to earn more? Take in ironing? Odd jobs? Dog walking? Anything to get those savings pumped up into a more acceptable and actual ample amount.

Show quote history

Maybe she could sell some stuff on eBay?

OnLockdown · 09/12/2025 23:16

I imagine their house decor to be grey or beige.

GirlOfTudor · 09/12/2025 23:15

That they have comfortable salaries and have help to keep the house clean and tidy.

Swipe left for the next trending thread