Is it worth it to get a credit card to treat yourself because you’re so fed up?

[LastHope30Something]

Just that. I know this sounds selfish and childish but I’m so fed up of waiting on everything. So fed up of having to be careful every month. I feel I’m not living and I know getting into debt before I’ve got a job will likely make it worse but my mental health has been taking a hit for a while. I’m so pissed off at those especially those online who get everything handed to them when I just get ignored and forced to just have to cope. I’m in the mindset that just is like f it I’m tired of being careful I’m going to get a credit card to treat myself and I’ll pay it off later. If I’m going to get one I’ll get a 0% one. I just want to go on a nice night out without worrying about the red of the month, I want a new phone, I want some nice new makeup, I want my Botox and fillers again etc. I miss the days when I was able to afford all that. I know it’s first world problems and people have it a lot worse and I feel terrible for those people as it’s not easy. I’m just so done and angry. I just feel like I’m in limbo and I want things to change for the better

I’ve been applying for jobs and had a few rejections but one promising one I’m waiting for the final say so I’m hoping I’ll be working and earning soon. I need dental work too so I need to save up for that and that was because of negligence by medical professionals too.

I’m just so done with this situation

Future you won't thank you for it.

I don't want to sound sanctimonious because I totally understand the Fuck It All mentality when you feel stuck and miserable but there will always be something you want, the trick in life is to make those things free or cheap. A hot bath, a good book, a film. Put your phone down, all it does is bombard you with adverts and make you want something.

I was desperate for a dyson airwarp when the were in the sale but I knew as soon as I bought it there would be something else I wanted. Its a constant chase for The Next Thing. So I didn't buy it. Yes, I still want it but I don't need it.

None of the things you have mentioned is worth going into debt for.

I'm very against debt, not because I necessarily think it's irresponsible or something moral failing but because it's a trap. The debt cycle is designed to get people stuck in a rut forever borrowing money to pay back others and to maintain a standard of living. It's a hugely hugely profitable industry and they want you to fall into it.

You say you would get a 0 percent credit card but they don't stay that way forever. If you don't have the money put away now you won't easily repay it, at least not before something else comes along, am ermegncy or a huge bill and it's very easy to stick it on credit. Then you're hundreds or even thousands in the hole and struggling to climb out. When the 0 percent runs out you either have to take out more credit cards and juggle them or pay the interest. That's fine if you're extremely finicailly literate and used to spending hours arranging money through different accounts and are doing it because it works out better for money would have to borrow anyway eg for renovations or a car purchase, much more of a problem if you're doing it because you can't afford a night out or to treat yourself.

Also treats by their very nature are fleeting. Do you want to be paying one night of going out off for months?

Nope, never

Bad idea.

Your mental health will only take more of a hit when you are in debt. It will not help you.

Save up first and buy it later, rather than the other way round.

Please don't.

It's so easy to get debt and think you can pay it back later, but being in debt, worried sick about, sleepless nights is way worse than having the grumps right now because you can't treat yourself.

Be your future friend and do not get in debt.

Do not get a credit card. If you can't afford to buy it don't have it as its just storing up major trouble for the future.

Being debt free is a great position to be in. I know it doesn't feel like that sometimes, but believe me, you're doing well.

Put all your energies into finding paid work is my advice. Switch off social media if you can't handle the constant comparisons / envy of others etc.

Once you're working and earning, your self esteem will improve.

Credit cards are not the answer.

I was out with a friend and she confided that she had £5k on a credit card which her husband knows nothing about. She does work but she doesn’t earn a huge amount so it’s quite a big deal. She said it was buying clothes, shoes etc and getting her nails / hair done. Really the issue is she has another friend who earns a lot and she’s caught in some trap of trying to keep up with her. She also has no hobbies so on her day off she’ll go for a wander around the shops. I think the worry of that secret and debt must be greater than any thrill you get from the shopping.

I appreciate how rubbish it is but if you don’t have money to save up then how will you pay it off?
This has the ability to spiral pretty quickly and the treat will be over quickly. I would be looking to cut costs or earn some extra money in any way possible.
people often say there’s nothing they can do to cut costs or earn more but really they don’t fancy the options there are

Imagine yourself in exactly the same position you are now except with a large CC debt hanging over you. That will be you in 6 months' time if you go ahead with this plan.

Can you do a clear out and sell some stuff on ebay/Vinted/MusicMagpie? Even if you just make a few quid that would be enough for some new make up or a few drinks out, you won't be in debt and you'll get a lift from having got rid of some clutter.

Credit and debt cards aren't the same thing anywhere.

Debt cards take the money from your bank account. Credit cards are essentially a loan and need to be paid off.

I mean debt as in getting in to debt not debit card.
Like lone debt having to pay back.

It's debit cards. Debt cards are a widespread nickname for credit cards.

Why do you think that people who can afford it have "everything handed to them"? They're not handed everything on a plate. They work, and save.

Thank you i couldent get it any clearer in my above post.

No, don’t get a credit card. You’ll be accruing debt.

You've confused debt and debit.

It's tempting but you'll have to pay it back sometime and then when you do get a job you'll find each month a chunk of your salary is taken immediately on paying back credit card debt so you still don't feel like you have any fun money each month.

It is awful but many people are like that now or have had that time in their lives - it's so normal

What's less normal is the constant advertising and pressure - it might help if you view that as your enemy not something to be admired - they are manipulating you to try and get rich off your back - trying to make you feel bad about how you look to get money off you

You should probably step away from social media if it is making you feel this way. The saying 'comparison is the thief of joy' is so true.

Stuff, and the acquisition of it, is not the route to happiness, especially if you will incur debt. That is a road to misery.

What else can you do to earn some spending money - anything you don't need/want and can sell? Online surveys? Apps that pay you to use them? Loyalty points sitting on a supermarket gift card or something?

You know how you're finding it hard to make ends meet now? Imagine being in the same boat in three months time except now you also have a credit card bill to pay off as well.