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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to spend 1/3 of my pay check on an armchair?

103 replies

millerjane · 17/02/2020 10:43

I know it's a ridiculous amount for 1 piece of furniture but I am tempted.

I'm in the fortunate position that my first (grad) job is within commuting distance from my family home (therefore I do not have to pay rent). Living at home is great but my parents LOVE parenting iykwim - despite being pretty independent and competent they will still treat me like a child.

My bedroom has become my sanctuary. Luckily for me it's a good size and somewhere I can escape to for a bit of privacy/alone time. I've splutged a bit on doing it up,

I've been looking for a snuggly armchair to watch tv/read on but haven't really been able to find what I'm looking for. Literally the only armchairs I like are in excess of £1k.

AIBU to spend so much of my paycheck on a chair. I think it would make me immensely proud to know I've been able to buy something special for myself/through my own hardwork.

It would mean having fewer savings for a month and not putting anything into my holiday pot so no crazy ramiifcations.

I've included a pic of the style I want but would opt for a different colour and fabric. I should mention I would have to lie to my parents about how much it costs.

AIBU to spend 1/3 of my pay check on an armchair?
OP posts:
MitziK · 17/02/2020 11:34

Have you checked that the loveseat (which is the one that's a grand) will actually fit not just in the front door, but up the narrowest part of the stairs and landing, plus go through the frequently narrower internal doors of the house?

IntermittentParps · 17/02/2020 11:34

There are people struggling to pay for food and you want a pat on your back for sponging off mum and dad and blowing £1k out of £3k salary on a chair?

I really don't understand this 'there are children in starving in Africa' type shit. Get a grip and stop being a tit.

OP, spend what you want. Incidentally, I'd love an oversized chair like that and am now inspired to look for one! Although my budget is lower than yours.

Andtwomakesix · 17/02/2020 11:35

If you've earned it and want to buy this I don't think it's for anyone else to decide. Sometimes its nice to treat yourself with your hard earned money if you can. So many people I know have the means to save but waste it all on nights out / alcohol / socialising. That's their choice and I probably did a fair amount of that too when younger. As you get older your priorities change. Now I'd reconsider blowing a lot of money on something costly as I have bills to pay, kids to feed etc but I don't regret spending some of my earlier wages on things I'd consider a bit extravagant now.

ElderAve · 17/02/2020 11:38

FWIW, spending money actually puts food on others' tables

St0pTryingT0MakeFetchHappen · 17/02/2020 11:42

YABU. You've made me want a teal loveseat!

In all seriousness, I think get the chair, it's not frivolous, and will remind you of your achievement for years. If you are going to snuggle the dog, maybe get a nice thick throw?

However, I think once you've made that purchase, then do save as if you were paying rent - it mounts up quickly!

PersephoneandHades · 17/02/2020 11:46

@annamie people are allowed to spend their money on what they like; there will always be people in less fortunate situations than yourself, that doesn't mean you aren't allowed to spend your money on a luxury every once in a while Confused

Ignore the spiteful comments, OP, do what you want at the end of the day and I'm glad to hear that you're in a good place now!

userxx · 17/02/2020 11:50

I love that chair.

Hingeandbracket · 17/02/2020 11:52

YABU for using "Pay check" when not in the USA.

Beautiful3 · 17/02/2020 11:53

If you want it and can afford it then, why not? Go for it. Enjoy yourself.

MzHz · 17/02/2020 11:57

Oh ffs, that’s a beautiful chair and if you have the money and space for it then go for it.

My oh fell in love with an armchair that was over twice what your chair is, the only reason he didn’t get it was because there was nowhere it would go.

If your home arrangement is ok with everyone, that’s all that matters.

ellendegeneres · 17/02/2020 11:57

@garbagegirl i LOVE the chair you posted, can you give me a link to where it’s from please?

I’m always on the lookout for gorgeous furniture

garbagegirl · 17/02/2020 12:01

@ellendegeneres its the Grevie from Ikea x

ActualHornist · 17/02/2020 12:08

YANBU to spend your own money on what you want.

However, don’t lie to your parents. Put half away this payday and half next payday (or the payday after), it’ll give you some breathing space to find something you love, and you can show you’re being considerate of your finances.

If you’re not already then start putting some serious cash away. Like, £1500-2000 a month.

However, try not to fritter. I have a hazy memory of you posting something not dissimilar and getting ripped to pieces as your parents won’t accept rent, like that’s somehow your fault Hmm

79andnotout · 17/02/2020 12:10

A good chair is an investment. Make sure it's something you could get recovered in future if your taste changes.

ShirleyPhallus · 17/02/2020 12:13

Note to OP: MN hates anything considered extravagant. See also: designer bags, expensive weddings etc etc

Add in not paying rent to the mix and frothing is guaranteed

purplecorkheart · 17/02/2020 12:20

I would go for it but as someone pointed out make sure that it will fit up the stairs/hallway/doorway and that it will not scratch the walls etc

Savingshoes · 17/02/2020 12:23

It's your money and your choice. I would say that you are very unlikely to be in this financial position in the future so it's now or never.
I would however, look into reviews and quality and make sure your money is well spent as you want it to last a long time on that money.
Lovely how, despite your parents not accepting rent, you spend your money on your parents in a way that they will accept and enjoy.

takemetomars · 17/02/2020 12:34

I have the loaf chair you posted. Don't buy it. the seat pad goes flat very quickly. Very uncomfortable

AmazingGreats · 17/02/2020 12:37

Go for it. I think there are much worse things you could spend money on, and this can be something that moves with you into your first home some day, and eventually be the chair you sit in to feed your kids (or cuddle your dog, don't have to have kids of course) or whatever life events come your way. People always encourage you to invest in a decent. coat or pair of boots, which might last many years. I see this in the same way. It's an investment in yourself, in your career, in your mental health etc. It will move with you. I think it's a lovely idea actually.

Igmum · 17/02/2020 12:46

Go for it OP. Snuggling with your dog and reading will be lovely. It should also last a long time. Take careful measurements first and make sure there's room for it in your bedroom. Don't lie to your parents. Good luck

userxx · 17/02/2020 12:48

@annamie Harsh and unnecessary.

Tils1066 · 17/02/2020 12:53

You totally should buy the chair. You should be proud of your achievements. Yes there are other things you could spend your money on but it’s your choice how you spend. As long you like it then your opinion is more valid than a strangers. Btw I bought myself a chair, it was my first big purchase for my new flat, I still have the chair, it’s still in good condition and I still love it. It has been in 4 homes with me now and yes I did feel guilty when I bought it but the excitement I had and still have for it was worth it. 🙂

Rosieposy4 · 17/02/2020 12:56

Yes buy the chair. I spent the entirety ( bar a tenner) of my first pay cheque on a horse ( and I wasn’t living at home so had rent etc)
Never regretted it 😀🐎

ImFreeToDoWhatIWant · 17/02/2020 13:00

You're an adult and can allocate your salary however you please, but heed the words of @ElderAve - if your parents truly won't accept money from you, pay a decent rent&bill equivalent (£750/£900? depending on market rents in your area) into your savings account every month non negotiably. She's right, you'll probably never have the opportunity to build significant savings this easily ever again. If you're at home for say two more years you'll have in the region of £15k/£20k liquid cash, that's a phenomenal sum. And am opportunity and security worth far far more in the long term than an arm chair, I promise you.

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