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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think saving while working is more about discipline than privilege?

28 replies

RealPearlTurtle · 22/05/2026 09:15

I feel like saving is often framed as a privilege, but I do think a lot of it also comes down to habits and discipline where possible.

I understand that not everyone has the capacity to save, but for those who do, it seems like consistency and choices play a big role.

AIBU?

OP posts:
BrimfulofSacha · 22/05/2026 09:59

Deadleaves77 · 22/05/2026 09:48

There's obviously an element of discipline but it's a lot easier to be "disciplined" if your denying yourself say designer handbags compared to say food or heating. The more you earn the easier it is to save, and the more you can save (and then invest). If your salary only covers the absolute necessities then no amount of discipline is going to help

Many people have family help which enables them to save, living at home with low/no rent or families that have extra properties they can live in cheaply. Many people have circumstances which prevents them from working long hours e.g. caring responsibilities and earning

And ultimately most people don't become rich from discipline alone. There's always huge elements of luck/privelage and it's naive to thing that "consistency and habits" is the main factor

All of this.
original post is giving “have you ever tried just not being poor ?”

randomchap · 22/05/2026 09:57

Is this just sneering at people who don't earn enough to save.

Deadleaves77 · 22/05/2026 09:48

There's obviously an element of discipline but it's a lot easier to be "disciplined" if your denying yourself say designer handbags compared to say food or heating. The more you earn the easier it is to save, and the more you can save (and then invest). If your salary only covers the absolute necessities then no amount of discipline is going to help

Many people have family help which enables them to save, living at home with low/no rent or families that have extra properties they can live in cheaply. Many people have circumstances which prevents them from working long hours e.g. caring responsibilities and earning

And ultimately most people don't become rich from discipline alone. There's always huge elements of luck/privelage and it's naive to thing that "consistency and habits" is the main factor