AIBU to ask how much debt you are in?

[stingray586]

Having a conversation with DH about whether our debt is above average or not. Our household income is approx £40000. We do have a mortgage but don't want to focus on that more asking about credit cards and loans. We have a credit card with £3000 owed on it and pay £200 a month for our car. We hope to pay off the credit card within the next 12 months.
AIBU to ask how much debt you are in? And if you also don't mind saying what your household income is as well? As obviously being £3000 in debt when you earn £20000 is a lot different to someone who earns £100k.

Not counting student loans (and I don't, because I see those repayments as a sort of tax), £4.5k. Coming out of years of financial crap and finally on target to be out of debt entirely and able to save properly next spring.

Oh and household income is c£45k.

lakie I buy almost everything second hand, there's a few things I definitely wouldn't but everything else, it makes way more sense.

I also don't understand why people need stuff NOW. We had a year of an uncomfortable lumpy sofa as we saved up for a new one. Yes, it was a little bit annoying but I'd rather not have the debt of a sofa hanging over my head instead of buying outright after saving up.

Last debt I had was with a catalogue in 1991 to pay for DC Christmas gifts. It was about £50 which at the time might as well be £5,000.

Because of non payment it spiralled out of control and I ended up £200 in debt. Seem such a small amount now but at the time on £60 a week total (with a DC It felt like a mountain.

I promised myself never to take out anymore loans etc and I haven't.

No debt or mortgage here . We’re not high earners though so have tried to invest our very average earnings into properties so we have a pension fund . We buy for cash and then any profit is banked and saved until we can buy another property. It also means that as we aren’t beholden to a mortgage lender we can rent to whoever we choose .
I’ve never received a penny from my parents , husband was gifted a site to build our house on when we got married but paid for the house building himself ( starting saving when he was a teenager and his friends were buying flash cars) .
I grew up without a lot of spare cash , the thought of not having enough for my children frightens me so I’d rather go without new cars etc to ensure they have a comfortable future .
I use credit cards and pay them off in full by direct debit each month, mainly for the added protection they offer but also for the rewards available .