AIBU to spend £2k of £35k savings on a holiday?

I have plans for my savings, they are to allow me to retire as early as possible/in the next 5 years.

If I wanted a holiday now I could pay back into my savings in 6 months, I would generally save in advance for the holiday instead not "borrow" from savings to put back later - as I know if I don't have that discipline my savings they would erode over time with just £2k here, £1k there etc (and I would be working for much longer than I want to!) But if a last minute holiday arose for a compelling reason I would consider it.

There is no right or wrong answer here, it is a very individual decision based on your own priorities.

Enjoy the holiday, no guilt! You have plenty left as a buffer as well as other savings for retirement and kids.

If £30k is a year's worth of expenses you have enough in the "emergency backstop pot". Maybe in future start saving a "fun pot" so you don't experience any guilt when you spend it on fun things like holidays or days out or a nice dinner here and there.

1. You are taking it too seriously, in my opinion.
2. I am a female, so I can use this term how I wish. I’ve actually never heard a man refer to anything as ‘girl math’, but as always - context matters.
3. It’s used somewhat satire in my circle to justify anything I want to spend my independently earned money on. (I’m not presenting proposals at work, and calling them girl math).
4. You’re entitled to your opinion, and I respect you don’t like the term. That’s ok too. ☺️

Sounds fine to me. Enjoy the holiday! We have separate savings for holidays, means there's no doubt what we should or shouldn't be spending. They are a priority though, we don't splurge on cars or expensive clothes but I love a holiday.

Life is short. Take the holiday.

So many people on Mumsnet are happy to live like monks, it’s baffling to me. I’d consider 35K in savings to be enough for a particularly special holiday that would cost a lot more than 2K. Could get hit by a bus tomorrow.

Do it! Life is for living. You still have an emergency fund if you need it, and you can replace it quite quickly anyway.

I know I am probably taking this a bit seriously, but I really really hate the expression "girl math". So sexist.

I literally don't know why that would be unreasonable

Blimey you don't need to justify to Mumsnet on how you spend your money, you earned it so go and enjoy your holiday!

I’m assuming you’re relatively young with a stable income and either live alone or have a good relationship that you won’t need to leave .
If so , go for it have a lovely holiday 😄

I was always taught pay your bills save 3/4 of what's left and the rest is yours to spend anyway you want. I've always been able to live comfortably by doing this. Enjoy your holiday!

If you have a feeling of guilt about spending some of your savings, then have two (or more) savings accounts: one for long-term savings and another for short/medium term expenditure such as holidays. Put aside a regular amount into the second account and that can be your fun money. Otherwise you can go into hoarding mode and save for the sake of saving and nothing ever feels worthy enough to spend it on.

Yes it’s ok to enjoy your life and spend your money. £35k in savings is a great achievement. Live a little.

We have £50k in savings and spend probably £15k a year on holidays. We replace the savings each year, so we “save” an amount that’s earmarked for holidays each year.

But £2k of £35k that you can replace within a year - absolutely. But maybe think of setting up a new pot that isn’t savings, it’s just money set aside to spend on holidays.

Hopefully you're saving into an ISA too (tax free savings), S&S best (you choose the risk level)

(Enjoy the holiday!! Good decision)

Well I’ve just spent £3.5k out of our £25k general savings for a holiday and don’t feel guilty one bit!

Currently on maternity leave with my youngest and want to do a holiday before the eldest starts school.

As long as you have responsible buffer for life’s unexpected events then enjoy yourself. You’ll remember the memories of the holiday far more than the feeling of looking at your saving account statement in future years time 😁

I would only ever pay for a holiday if I had the money in hand to do it - which you do. The alternative is to go into debt - which you don’t need to do.

I have just come back from a holiday. We paid for it with the bank balance we had and no one said “oh, but, what if”.

Brilliant, enjoy your holiday.
You can have too much in savings and there are no pockets in shrouds.
Enjoy your day

It’s pretty common for people who have grown up in a household where money was tight. Not saying that’s the case for OP but speaking from experience.

I don't really understand the "guilt" here tbh! Why do you feel it is "wrong" or "guiltworthy". Where has that idea come from?

This is coming from someone who has never borrowed for anything other than buying a house and spends very well within her means with plenty of savings and pension, and even I think you are reacting a bit strangely here!

You can’t take it with you.
Also, girl math, if you pay it now, and you’re repaying your savings over the year before you go. The holiday is paid for before you depart, so that’s free, and your savings are back up to £35k, so you’re in the same position you are today. So basically the whole holiday is free. And if it’s all inclusive, even more free stuff.

All joking aside, there’s no point saving all your life and forgetting to live. Book it!