Feeling guilty when spending money?

[Orda1]

Hi all,

I need some advice/ a shake.

I have a problem with guilt when spending money on anything 'non-essential' so food, bills, insurance etc. are alright but honestly it still makes me feel quite stressed. The only thing that doesn't make me feel guilty is buying gifts for birthdays/Christmas.

I know this isn't normal and I need tips on how to deal with it? Sometimes I put clothes I really like in an online shopping basket but I don't buy them. I'd feel bad for spending money on myself for fun and not saving it.

We have a shared hobby which we do spend probably £75-100 a month on though and that stresses me but I love it so much it's worth it, IYSWIM.

Please help!

10% on Clothes? That would equate to £2,760 a year for someone on average income. I can't start to imagine how some one could spend so much, unless this is for the whole family and your kids are growing like pea shoots?

The only time I don't feel guilty for spending money is when it's something for DD.

I don't really understand it. We aren't loaded but we're comfortable, both have decent jobs and have no debt. It's just the way I've always been.

I overspend, I can affordo it but feel guilty

I often feel the same, don't even think about it when buying for the kids but when it comes to me I overthink it 'do I really need it or do I just want it?' 'can i find it cheaper?' then end up talking myself out of it, don't know why I do it, were not skint or in debt it just feels like it's money that would be better spent on other things (like kids clothes/toys they don't really need, days out, holiday fund or house stuff)

I am the same. We're comfortable I suppose although we have had a change of circumstances recent,y which means no holiday we'd planned this year. But day to day were not skint.

I've always been like this, will always shop around, try and save, find something cheaper etc. Do is the opposite so we have somewhat balanced each other out.

Maybe the 10% is too much for some folk ...... but I think the logic stands, as part of your budgeting can you allocate (mentally, if not always physically) an amount to spend on non-essentials. Then you've given yourself that permission?