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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

for 5 million quid today would you take 5 years off your life?

227 replies

voiceofmarion · 22/10/2022 19:58

In a supernatural hypothetical situation if you were told you died 5 years younger than you are going to/destined to by the Gods/creator (whatever) and you get 5 million quid would you take it?

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 22/10/2022 21:13

Yes

I don't know anyone for whom the last 5 years is anything but misery - extreme old age looks awful

TheGirlWhoLived · 22/10/2022 21:15

Fink · 22/10/2022 20:53

Assuming the money would pass to my estate after I die, yes. Because if I live to sort of age my family history would indicate then I wouldn't mind five years off the end, and if I die young then at least I would have set up my dc (at the moment I've got bugger all to bequeath).

But you have YOU to bequeath. Talking, laughing, memories, drinks, Christmas, arguments, LOVE.

they will remember all of that and think how much more you could get with 5 years!

SweetSenorita · 22/10/2022 21:16

No. Absolutely, definitely not. I'm not for sale.

SD1978 · 22/10/2022 21:20

Not now. My daughter is too young to take the risk. In ten years time, although I'd regret I could never give her the education I've always wanted to be able to now, but then she'd be 20 and hopefully ok if it was an imminent death, yes. Absolutely

ladygindiva · 22/10/2022 21:20

Yes. A million quid for each of my kids and a fun filled time left for me and DP. Of course I would.

GettingItOutThere · 22/10/2022 21:23

no. i utterly value life.

Not for any amount of money would i shave a minute off my life

Applesandcarrots · 22/10/2022 21:24

Worth the risk. If I drop there and then, someone will inherit it.
Win win.
Because at my age if I have only 5 years left, it will be either painful or traumatic death. Nlt into that

Echobelly · 22/10/2022 21:24

Probably - I suppose worst case scenario I was due to die in 5 years anyway and died straight after getting the £5m, my kids are secondary age so will always have memories of me and I wouldn't have seen them 'grow up' or get married or have kids etc anyway, plus the family would have £5m.

And if I was due to live to 90, then I'd have enough money to have good quality care and not burden my kids and I would have lived a good life by then (and probably wouldn't be enjoying myself by mid 80s anyway; I am not going to be a super fit and healthy 80-something)

But I can see it not being a chance you'd take if you have very young children.

Rowthe · 22/10/2022 21:24

Yes.

I'd make sure my kids are provided for.

So even if I die straight away they'll have the cash.

Brokendaughter · 22/10/2022 21:25

Yes.

I could make sure my kids were well taken care of with a fraction of that money.

I'd trade my last 5 years which will probably be awful for a future for my kids in a heartbeat.

Applesandcarrots · 22/10/2022 21:26

TheGirlWhoLived · 22/10/2022 21:15

But you have YOU to bequeath. Talking, laughing, memories, drinks, Christmas, arguments, LOVE.

they will remember all of that and think how much more you could get with 5 years!

Show quote history

They might also remember the trauma of seeing you waste away and lose yourself and any memory of them like we did.
🤷🏻
Living longer does not necessarily mean living well

NancyDrooo · 22/10/2022 21:27

Definitely. A million for each of the kids, a million in savings/pension, and I’d start blowing the rest tomorrow.

Quackpot · 22/10/2022 21:27

Quarter of a mil would do me, I'd give up 3 months of dementia for that. Enough for a modest house, some savings and a trip to Disney.

Fink · 22/10/2022 21:30

TheGirlWhoLived · 22/10/2022 21:15

But you have YOU to bequeath. Talking, laughing, memories, drinks, Christmas, arguments, LOVE.

they will remember all of that and think how much more you could get with 5 years!

Show quote history

Possibly, but I'm on a low income with no real prospects of it improving. This isn't the difference between leaving my dc £50k and £5 million, it's the difference between leaving them penniless, a burden on already stretched family members, and setting them up for their future. And that's all assuming that I'm due to die young, which I'm probably not.

OdkinsBodkins · 22/10/2022 21:31

Yes. No hesitation.

orangeisthenewpuce · 22/10/2022 21:31

No because I'm old

Schoolchoicesucks · 22/10/2022 21:36

Depends which those 5 years are. 80 instead of 85? Definitely. 75 instead of 80? Sure. 70 instead of 75? Hmm, maybe. 45 instead of 50? No chance.

whoareyouinviting · 22/10/2022 21:37

Hell yes

alwaysmovingforwards · 22/10/2022 21:37

No not for £5m.

£50m, probably.

JustOrderADoor · 22/10/2022 21:39

MrsTerryPratchett · 22/10/2022 20:00

I'd want to know how and when I died. I wouldn't trade quality 5 years with DD if I die young. But 5 years in a care home with dementia, sure.

If I didn't know, it's not worth the risk.

^^that

XenoBitch · 22/10/2022 21:39

Can I have £20million and have 20 years taken off?

Jimmini · 22/10/2022 21:40

Yes. If you gave me a million in cash I’d give 5 years. Done

DilemmaDelilah · 22/10/2022 21:40

No. I have various health problems and may only have ten (ish) years left. I want every minute of them to spend with my family and my DH.

SallyWD · 22/10/2022 21:42

No, I think life is far more precious than money. I'm surprised at all the people saying yes!

maddiemookins16mum · 22/10/2022 21:43

Yep.
I don’t want to live past about 75 anyway.