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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be shocked when adults have absolutely no savings at all?

482 replies

ThisJollyReader · 05/04/2026 17:19

I’m going to be honest, I find it quite hard to understand when adults have no savings at all. Not even £100 put away. I’m not talking about people going through a temporary rough patch but just having nothing set aside whatsoever. Personally, I try to keep around £10k as a buffer (I know everyone’s situation is different), but even putting that aside, I would still feel uncomfortable having nothing at all.

AIBU to feel like having at least something put away is important or am I being too harsh?

OP posts:
FlutterShite · 05/04/2026 17:22

Oh gosh yeah, I also can’t fathom how people can sleep at night if they don’t have at least a couple of spare houses stashed away, just in case.

Itsmetheflamingo · 05/04/2026 17:21

Genuine question- had it not occurred to you that savings aren’t static and that even if you have them at one point they need to be spent or relied on at another point?

life is long- surely it’s not a surprise to you that people emerge from unemployment, divorce, house move etc. Having exhausted savings which even for well earning people can take years to build back up?

Woahtherehoney · 05/04/2026 17:21

You’re being too harsh. There are many people on the poverty line in this country who cannot even pay their bills, let alone put money aside. It’s not a temporary thing for many people, it’s their life.

Be grateful you don’t understand - of course it’s important to have a buffer but it isn’t realistic for many people.

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 05/04/2026 17:21

A sweet tea and a lie down is good for shock.

TheMaddHugger · 05/04/2026 17:21

👇

🙄

PedanticPrincess · 05/04/2026 17:21

You are being too harsh. If you’re living on the breadline it can be impossible to save. I live off of my credit card for the last week of the month before my and my husband’s wage comes in!

hazelberry · 05/04/2026 17:20

You are easily shocked and a bit goady.

What is it with all these goady threads?

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