How much of a problem would you consider this bill to be if you have this amount of money?

I think most people having to fork out 7K for an unexpected repair bill would be pretty pissed off, no matter what the savings level.

You have to get pretty high up the wealth scale (maybe the top 10% of the population) before that amount becomes trivial.

Oh and we have about £100k total savings with about £20 of them being more short term ones for things like this and the rest invested for longer term growth and that we intend to cash out when we retire. Ultimately if I had to spend from the invested £80k I’d be a bit irritated and I’d have a good think about if I wanted to do that or borrow the money instead

Well nobody would enjoy dropping 7 grand on something essential but not pleasure giving. I'd be a bit irritated that the left felangee had to be replaced, but would feel fortunate to have the money easily available.

It's taken years to get savings, but these days I would be disappointed to see the balance go down, grateful that the balance is big enough to cover it but still leave me plenty, and resolved to build it back up.

I just had to pay £7k for crucial home maintenance (just to replace what was already there, not even an improvement to enjoy) and I have zero savings so am now in debt. So in the situation you describe I’d be delighted to have the savings to use!

I’m really being entirely honest. We put money away every month with the assumption there will always be boring maintenance jobs like plumbing issues, electrics, leaks or whatever that you have to sort out. It’s not surprising and I’m perfectly happy to spend money on ensuring the house stays in good condition. I can hand on heart say when our boiler broke down and we had to get it replaced & add some extra boost thing to help water pressure then spending £7k didn’t phase me in the slightest. At the end of the day it’s the cost of a couple of 1 week all inclusive holidays (& not even expensive ones) for something essential that keeps the place you live the majority of the time in good working order. The whole purpose of savings for me is that it means getting those kind of bills come up is a non event and you don’t have to worry how you pay for it. Are people just operating on the assumption they can somehow indefinitely avoid maintenance and repair costs for their houses?

Three written quotes and going with the one I had most confidence in... not a problem.

One random quote and I'd be squirming no.

If its to improve my home I'm happy as I know the pots still being added to.

I'd be less happy I didn't see a benefit and if the size of my safety net was being reduced.

Agree with others. That’s what savings are for🤷‍♂️

I would be pleased I had savings and pleased I was able to replenish those savings quite easily.

Why would it bother you? I’d be relieved I had the funds available and pleased they would be topped up again quickly. Surely that’s why you save?

Wouldn't phase me.

Essentially, this is what savings are for. And you'll have the same amount in savings again in 7 months time anyway. Just a temp blip in saving accumulation.

Isn't that what savings are for? I'd smart over a £7k bill on anything, lol, but if it needs doing, it needs doing. Owning a home is the most expensive thing a person will ever have, it never makes sense not to keep it in good condition.

You're annoyed and stressed about spending <4% of your far larger than average savings? What else are you saving for that such a tiny proportion of them is an issue?

As someone who currently would have to look very closely at just how essential the work was and arrange credit to cover the cost, I would be thrilled to be in a position where that was possible.
Yes it would be irritating if that money was earmarked for something else, and of course it's always nicer to be able to spend it on something fun/that you would get pleasure from rather than an essential but in the grand scheme of things, what a fortunate position to be in!

I wouldn't bat an eye at that tbh. Especially if it's necessary repairs, rather than a design preference.

That's what savings are for unfortunately!

I'm not saying that Im not glad we have the money to fix it. I'm not saying that I won't fit it. I'm saying that I'm still pissed off and stressed about having to spend that much to fix it.

Annoying but just imagine NOT having the savings...

I get what you mean, we have savings but paying for a new kitchen made me wince.

Depends on what it is for really though, would it be covered by insurance?

I'd be bloody relieved that I had the money!
You have the luxury of having a substantial amount of money in the bank and are able to pay for the repairs, unlike many other people- myself included- who would absolutely shit themselves if they had a bill like that come up...

Wouldn't bother me. That's what they're for.

Repair bills are never much fun but they're a fundamental part of house ownership. There will always be some repairs and maintenance needed.

I'd probably think "that's quite a bill, we probably need to cut back on the luxury spending for a while, so we can replace the savings" and then that would be it. With £1000 per month of ongoing savings then it's not really a problem.

I grew up in relative poverty. When a big bill comes in and I can pay it I feel thankful and relieved and almost smug. Then I have a flashback about how every unexpected financial outlay was such a wrench in my past and I have anxiety for a bit remembering. Then I pay the bill. Then I maybe get myself a nice coffee to help me recover. People who say money doesn't buy happiness never had nooney. That said I'm not even a high earner by mumsnet standards and I don't have 60k income but scaling it back to my income bracket and savings level that's how it goes for me. My husband is the same. We literally get excited that all our direct debits just go out and we never have unpaid bills.

I’d be a bit gutted but grateful I had savings. I felt proper grumpy when I had to pay for a new roof. But these are boring grown up things we have to do when we buy houses. Now when I see a new roof going up I do feel a little sorry for the person as they could have had a nice holiday instead.

This is why it's good to segregate your savings.

Have a sinking fund which is money just there to pay for repairs and keep seperate pots for longer term savings/ fun savings etc. When you have to dip into your emergency fund it then doesn't feel like you are losing money from anything else.

And then just top it up when you can.