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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be annoyed that my parents never gave me a sense of responsibility when it comes to money?

228 replies

spendyspend · 30/05/2026 09:00

My parents have always been pretty well off - a successful business, rental properties and healthy pensions.

They have never been ones for investing, and although my dad is quite tight, my mum is the opposite. If i ever saw something I liked as a child she’d tell me to buy it, birthday money would always be “oh let’s go on a shopping trip”, there was never any mention of saving it. They never really bought into the saving for your kids thing either.

That attitude carried on, and I ended up in a bit of a mess in my early 20’s because of it, and I’m only just starting to get myself out of it in my late 20’s.

But looking back, I can’t really believe they did this? I’m not in a hugely well paying job but they encouraged me to act like I was - if I ever mentioned liking something they’d just say “oh well buy it”, never encouraged saving for a home etc., and I just feel like it was really irresponsible of them. They’ve not taught me about pensions, investing, anything like that. I feel a little let down by them to be honest. AIBU to feel that way?

OP posts:
RhaenysRocks · 30/05/2026 09:02

Well now you know these things are important, so go do them. Parents do their best, for the most part. Being angry at them for giving you a lovely childhood seems mean. Not everything we struggle with is someone's fault.

SALaw · 30/05/2026 09:02

There comes a point in life where, absent proper trauma, you can no longer constantly blame parents for things. You’ve had time to learn these things, but if you haven’t, it isn’t too late to do so now.

Evaka · 30/05/2026 09:02

You are being comically unreasonable. You're an adult - educate yourself.

Mine were shite with money too and I learned how to budget, save, max out pension contributions etc.