Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think something isn’t a waste of money if you genuinely enjoy it?

64 replies

BreezyLemonShaker · 27/05/2026 17:23

I feel people label things as a “waste of money” quite quickly, but if you genuinely enjoy something and it adds value to your life, is it really a waste? Obviously this is within reason and assuming you’re not putting yourself under financial strain, but I do wonder whether enjoyment is undervalued when it comes to spending.

AIBU?

OP posts:
darksideofthetoon · 27/05/2026 17:49

Agreed. Some friends I know drink outrageously expensive wine and champagne like water. But they earn a lot of cash and enjoy it so why not?

Their life, money and decisions.

Takoneko · 27/05/2026 17:49

I agree.

Lots of things that I enjoy spending money on would be a complete waste for other people. Things that other people enjoy spending their money on hold zero interest for me.

That doesn’t mean anyone is wasting money. I get very little joy out of buying “things” but happily spend quite a bit on certain experiences. Other people prefer to have a tangible thing to show for their money.

WhatNoRaisins · 27/05/2026 17:49

For me even if it's not something I enjoy I can still see the value in it to someone else. I'd love to hear a friend chat, all happy and enthusiastic, about their most recent bungee jump even if it's something I wouldn't do in a million years myself. I honestly think some people just hate other people being happy in general.

PermanentTemporary · 27/05/2026 17:46

I go from ‘what a waste!’ to ‘I guess she must like it’ to ‘hmm wonder what that’s like’ to ‘this is awesome!!’ so often that yes, I am learning to miss out the first step.

I did spend many many years absolutely boracic though and in those circumstances you are under such rigid control that you need to stop yourself even getting interested in spending.

Littlebitpsycho · 27/05/2026 17:40

I have a takeaway coffee at least 3 times a week 🤷‍♀️ MN seems to loathe that but I enjoy them and couldn't be bothered to make them myself even if I had the equipment (and had space for it)

Catarinabella · 27/05/2026 17:37

Club not click

Catarinabella · 27/05/2026 17:36

went out for a champagne brunch with old friends this morning. Not a tacky drink all you like, but really nice country click. Mentioned it to a friend, not in the same group and she thought I was ridiculous for paying £40 + . Had a wonderful time, great food, great surroundings and brilliant company, worth every penny to me x

SandwichSuperstar · 27/05/2026 17:32

I've only ever seen people telling others that they're wasting their money on something they clearly enjoy and can afford, on Mumsnet.

I don't think I know anyone that unintelligent in real life.

CieloElmers · 27/05/2026 17:30

Different people have different ideas on whats a waste of money and whats not.

Do what you like and what makes you happy, it’s no one else’s business what another person spends their money on.

Lifeisforliving12 · 27/05/2026 17:29

You’re a long time dead, so if you want it, can afford it and it makes you happy go for it. As per my username Life is for living.

KilkennyCats · 27/05/2026 17:29

I agree. But some people hate spending money on experiences, they need to have some tangible “thing” that they can keep forever to feel they’ve gotten value for their money 🤷🏻‍♀️

CoyGoldenKoi · 27/05/2026 17:29

It would be a waste of money to them - their cost/benefit analysis says it's not worth it.

That doesn't at all mean it's a waste of money to you - your cost/benefit analysis says it pays off.

People need to remember that their (& others) opinions are just opinions, not facts. There's very little objective truth in these things.

AgainJ · 27/05/2026 17:28

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

WhatNoRaisins · 27/05/2026 17:26

You've got to remember that there are a lot of very joyless people on here if that's affecting your view. I think we should prioritise enjoyment more if anything.