...to wonder how people can afford a thing I can't afford?

[MasterBeth]

Sometimes, I see people who have a thing or things which I can't afford. How on Earth can they afford it when I can't afford it? It makes no sense.

Can anyone solve this impossible conundrum?

Normally, on Mumsnet, if people don't understand you that means you must be American.

They take in ironing @MasterBeth or perhaps let a room to a gentleman lodger.

On a different note, AIBU that I was offended by something somebody said to me today. Can’t say any more than that as it would be too outing….but AIBU?

@Pippa246 I bet you have a secret hobby but can’t say what it is?

@Sugarnspicenallthingsnaice you got me.

@Dolliesdisasterousdayout actually no but DH does🤣

😂😂

They are quite clearly up to their eyeballs in debt and have put the thing on a credit card. Only explanation.

I think you'll find they are considerably richer than yow 😉

Some people are taller than I am.

How can this be??

Loans/ credit cards/ getting into debt!

Different priorities. You may spend your money on nice handbags, shoes and clothing while they may prioritise holidays.

Also budgeting helps.

They obviously buy less 🥑 toast than you.

Probably because you don't drive.

Somebody asked me that recently. She admired something I was wearing and asked was it X designer brand . I wouldn't have flaunted it but because she asked I confirmed it was and she asked "How can you afford that?'

I honestly didn't know how to answer. The honest truth is 'Because I had that much money and it was worth it to me'. But that sounds like such a cocky, bitchy thing to say. In the end I said (pretty feebly and not entirely truthfully) I had bought it on sale.

But surely if several people can afford something it means everybody can afford it and they're lying when they say they can't.

They obviously make more meals than you do out of their single chicken.

They save or cut back on non essential items

There’s an old Yorkshire word ‘thoil’ sometimes you can afford it but can’t thoil it.

Priorities, mostly. We used to cop the how can you afford it tripe when in our 20's as we bought a house AND travelled (Aus so travel is expensive). We didn't spend money on take away, alcohol or debt for flashy cars. Travelled cheaply & bought an affordable house. Zero help, so just our average incomes.

One friend had an endless pot of both in law & parent money. Others we know drive themselves (sometimes into the ground) to earn more money or spend on appearances. Some just spend & get into debt or go nowhere financially.

They're considerably richer than you.

Brexit