Page 4 | AIBU to spend £2k of £35k savings on a holiday?

Ladygregory1 · 2026-05-22T09:16:31+00:00

AIBU to think if you have 35k in savings that it’s ok to use 2k towards a holiday?

pinkspeakers · 22/05/2026 11:01

Instinct is yes! 2k isn't really that much for a holiday.
But of course it depends what else you might be saving for eg house, school fees, cost of uni, pension...
But if it's just your rainy day fund, then yes.

Imlyingandthatsthetruth · 22/05/2026 10:58

A good rule of thumb might be to spend it slower than you saved it. Is this going to be your only holiday this year? If yes then no problem, you've said you'll replace it in 6-8 months, so you're up. Holidaying every 3 months at £2k a time? Maybe not such a good idea!

Jafferz · 22/05/2026 10:46

Is the 35k your emergency fund (sounds like it is)? If it is, would you have six months expenses left in there after the holiday? If yes then absolutely go ahead!

Lindy2 · 22/05/2026 10:45

Yes. That sounds absolutely fine.

You need a balance between financial security and enjoying life in the current moment.

It won't leave you short of money and you will continue to top up your savings.

Have a wonderful holiday.

nomas · 22/05/2026 10:42

Ladygregory1 · 22/05/2026 10:24

It’s not really retirement savings. I’m nowhere near retirement age it’s just savings. rainy day fund or big emergency fund, job loss fund etc. I just thought it would be easier to take the 2K out of it and now I feel a bit bad.

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If you're 40, what's ypur pension fund looking like?

I would go on the holiday and pay some of the savings into a private pension.

TigerRag · 22/05/2026 10:39

Stealth boast?

Imaginary86 · 22/05/2026 10:38

Absolutely if I had that much in savings I would use 2k to go on holiday. I would go on a holiday with a lot less savings than that. Are you saving for something specific which is making you hesitant to use the money?

iamtryingtobecivil · 22/05/2026 10:38

LOL just seen update, maybe that’s a sign for me then☺️

WhitegreeNcandle · 22/05/2026 10:37

Depends. You say you’re overpaying on a mortgage. That’s great. Do you save monthly for a pension? What would be 6 months of bills for you. If the answer to those is yes and less than 30k then go for it. If no, get those things in place first then go on a holiday

MrThorpeHazell · 22/05/2026 10:37

I wouldn't but then I think holidays are a waste of money anyway.

iamtryingtobecivil · 22/05/2026 10:37

Just posted on another thread about how we have only recently got better at being in a saving mindset and so I do struggle to spend on holidays.

i have my eye on a four day holiday which I really want to do as it’s an experience too different to what we’ve done before but it’s just over 2k and I’m still pondering it

sorry not much help…

EmailsaysOOO · 22/05/2026 10:35

Of course you can/ should. Carpe diem

DirtyGertiefromno30 · 22/05/2026 10:35

Ladygregory1 · 22/05/2026 10:31

well it’s done now and I feel guilty 🤣🤣

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So are you having second thoughts 🤔

MrsOni · 22/05/2026 10:34

Surely paying for a holiday is literally what savings are for.

Worralorra · 22/05/2026 10:32

If your savings are not for anything in particular, spending just under 6% of them doesn’t seem bad - after all, most people save for a holiday annually, at least.

Get some financial advice though, and start investing at least with £20,000 - your savings should increase better that way…

Original poster

Ladygregory1 · 22/05/2026 10:31

ThisJadeBear · 22/05/2026 10:31

If you are young, healthy, steady employment..
Go on the holiday. You’ve earned it!

Healthy and in steady employment yes. I’m 40…is that young? 😅

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ThisJadeBear · 22/05/2026 10:31

If you are young, healthy, steady employment..
Go on the holiday. You’ve earned it!

Original poster

Ladygregory1 · 22/05/2026 10:31

DirtyGertiefromno30 · 22/05/2026 10:28

I think if you have to ask MN then you aren't sure stating the obvious l know .
How are you going to feel seeing it gone , that's what l would think about .

Edited

well it’s done now and I feel guilty 🤣🤣

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Original poster

Ladygregory1 · 22/05/2026 10:30

PinkPhonyClub · 22/05/2026 10:28

Too many variables.

If you’re saving money each month so won’t take long to replace this, have a steady job with low risk of job loss, secure housing etc that’s one thing.

If you’re on low wages, precarious employment and housing, struggle to keep head above water, that’s different.

If you’re able to save money regularly I would suggest putting into various pots - long term savings, medium term for specific things such as replacing household appliances, work to the house, and shorter term savings that can be used to save for holidays, new clothes, Christmas etc. then you can have a pot you can use guilt free without risking your longer term needs.

Not on a low wage, secure employment, own my own home and overpay on the mortgage etc.

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Original poster

Ladygregory1 · 22/05/2026 10:28

HedgehogsOnTheWall · 22/05/2026 10:27

It depends how quickly you can replace the £2k. But in general, no, I wouldn't spend that percentage of my savings on a holiday.

can I ask why? I do feel it’s the wrong thing to do but I can replace it over 6-8months

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Sparrowsandbudgies · 22/05/2026 10:28

I spent £3k on a holiday this year on my interest free credit card and I have no savings so you crack on! 😂🙈

DirtyGertiefromno30 · 22/05/2026 10:28

I think if you have to ask MN then you aren't sure stating the obvious l know .
How are you going to feel seeing it gone , that's what l would think about .

PinkPhonyClub · 22/05/2026 10:28

Too many variables.

If you’re saving money each month so won’t take long to replace this, have a steady job with low risk of job loss, secure housing etc that’s one thing.

If you’re on low wages, precarious employment and housing, struggle to keep head above water, that’s different.

If you’re able to save money regularly I would suggest putting into various pots - long term savings, medium term for specific things such as replacing household appliances, work to the house, and shorter term savings that can be used to save for holidays, new clothes, Christmas etc. then you can have a pot you can use guilt free without risking your longer term needs.

MidnightPatrol · 22/05/2026 10:27

Ladygregory1 · 22/05/2026 10:22

Yes my savings, I have cash flowed another 2k throughout the year. But I’m paying the balance now and taking it from savings. I will be putting it back in over the next 6-8months

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Then it sounds entirely reasonable.

Saving and spending is a balance - but you sound as though you are responsible about it.

Lifes for living, as they say.

VivaciousCurrentBun · 22/05/2026 10:27

It depends on what stage of life you are at and if they have any chance of being replaced. On a general level fine but it may be more nuanced than that.