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Race to the bottom on MN

53 replies

coulditbeme2323 · 05/05/2026 14:07

Due to all 3 kids now at school I have gone from a bit of a lurker to a poster, and can't help notice that there is a race to the bottom mentality on MN when somebody asks for financial help.

Now let me prefix this by saying I think there is great budgeting posts and advice on here that help people - that is not what I am talking about.

It's the "get rid of Netflix" or " eat meat once a week"

I mean perish the thought that somebody with not much money who doesn't have holidays, days out, etc - gets to watch the odd boxset or have a bacon sandwich!

OP posts:
Shoecamp · 05/05/2026 14:18

I‘M not sure I follow your argument. I don’t begrudge anyone a bacon sandwich or a box set as per your examples, but not having subscriptions services such as Netflix is surely an option worth considering if money is tight and advice is being sought on how to save money?

Reviled · 05/05/2026 14:17

I’ve noticed almost everyone on “what’s your income” threads has an income far above the national average. Sub 50k being rarely sighted.
But then on other threads absolutely everyone is suddenly having to live off cold baked beans from the community fridge for their dinner? And making a chicken last an entire month?

An interesting phenomenon

MidnightPatrol · 05/05/2026 14:12

Agree.

Also a lot of posters with limited understanding of the variations in cost of living based on age / stage.

There is quite a confusing juxtaposition whereby the average salary after tax is ~£2k a month… meanwhile for many that’s the cost of the mortgage on a three bed semi or one month of nursery fees.