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Original poster

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

121 replies

LastHope30Something · 12/02/2025 12:14

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

OP posts:
Floralnomad · 13/02/2025 01:25

Stop messing about on SM and put a bit more time into getting a real job . Who would give you a credit card without paid employment anyway . Far too many people think they are going to make it as an influencer or similar , it’s ridiculous .

iamnotalemon · 13/02/2025 02:11

You will feel a whole lot worse about yourself when you have to repay the debt (even if it's on 0%).

Could you give yourself a smaller treat?

Pickled21 · 13/02/2025 02:21

Make an appointment with a GP or nurse with regards to your mental health. Forget about botox for now, it's your mental health that needs working on. You'd also do well to come off social media for a while.

pinkdelight · 13/02/2025 09:29

The 'carefree' thing is a fantasy - you've always been you and it sounds like you've often had various cares to manage, no matter the wage or botox input. The YouTube and social media stuff you describe is also a fantasy and bound to make you feel worse. You sound like you know this deep down but can get sucked into the spiral of trying to fix your self-worth with these ultimately worthless things. Of course not worrying about money is something to strive for but it's not about some idyll of bottomless brunches that make everything better. Focus on that job lead that sounds promising and forget about Youtube and credit cards. Intrinsic rewards, delayed gratification and doing things for others are always more fulfilling ultimately than buying stuff you don't really need.

LarasLupins · 13/02/2025 11:32

You also mentioned you need dental treatment. Is there something genuinely wrong with your teeth as opposed to just wanting some glaringly white fake looking teeth? If so and if your income is very low you could be eligible for a free dental and other NHS treatment like glasses, certificate called an HC2. You will find the HC1 form to fill in on NHS Choices. It's hard to find an NHS dentist but there are a few or you could at least get on their waiting list.

LarasLupins · 13/02/2025 11:37

Just out of interest what is it you do on social media, if you would like to give just a general idea? Maybe you need to go in a different direction with your content if it's something you really want to do. I still think getting a proper job or training is a better idea though. It sounds like you're just really fed up and down about everything and could do with some help in turning things around. I hope things work out for you

Completelyjo · 13/02/2025 11:42

I feel so inadequate and ignored that it makes my blood boil that I’m the one left struggling as I thought I’d get what she and other has when I had my baby but that wasn’t the case yet I work as hard as they do.

You need to get a real job. Your bitterness will mean you never have a following online.
The market is oversaturated and overall most of the people who are successful do put in the work. You can’t sit there and moan that you work as hard as others when you have no idea.
The cold hard truth is maybe you aren’t special, maybe randoms on the internet don’t have any interest in your life, maybe you don’t have an angle that benefits viewers.
Get a real job and improve your life for your children.

MeMyself00 · 13/02/2025 11:48

Could you try and find some free activities to cheer you up? Going for a walk, run, swim? I like going walks and meeting the local dogs as they really cheer me up. I love listening to podcasts and music as I walk. I also think you need to take time away from social media. All these people that seem to have things handed to them on a plate are not real. It’s all for show and they are probably getting themselves into debt. feel so much better after reducing my scrolling time and now I realise how worthless and time wasting it is x

LarasLupins · 13/02/2025 11:53

@MeMyself00 I also love going to the local park and meeting the dogs haha, cheers me up no end

CherryPopShowerGel · 13/02/2025 12:06

You won't enjoy whatever you buy, knowing you've got yourself into debt. I wouldn't assume you'll be able to pay it off with a new job. There's no guarantee, and the debt can spiral very quickly. Take it from someone who was bankrupted before my mid-twenties. There will be few things worse for your mental health than that.

Isobel201 · 13/02/2025 12:23

Without a regular income, you may not even qualify for a credit card at the moment. Used with care, they're absolutely fine, and can be used as buffers to give you breathing space.

They also can be used as a way to get your money back if companies go insolvent and you require money back - travel companies if you have booked a holiday and they go under before you travel.

I use a Tesco one because it gives me lower costs on my food shops with the club card - which benefitted me when getting car insurance as well because I got a lower premium. I just keep an eye on the balance and make sure its not going over my budget, then I pay the statement balance every month on pay day.

Greymalkin12 · 13/02/2025 14:25

I think I recognise you from previous posts - there was good advice on your previous threads.

CannotWaitForSummervibes · 15/02/2025 06:55

If you can’t afford it now, how will you pay it off?

Peripop · 15/02/2025 07:00

Sorry OP i do sympathise but this is the worst reason to get a credit card and exactly how people end up.woth unmanageable debt 🙈

mezlou84 · 15/02/2025 07:26

I wouldn't. Not just because if you can't afford to save for nice make up etc now you'll struggle to afford minimum payments. Think how much you'll be paying for those things with the interest each month just paying minimum. I would love it then think omg that much just for that. Main reason I wouldn't do it because it isn't a quick fix. You will feel great buying them then get depressed again just as quickly. The debt will start to grate on you and make you feel worse, making you want to buy even more and you will get yourself into a vicious cycle. Buy to feel better, more debt, feel even worse, feel better by buying more, even more annoyed you did it again and in even more debt. Please speak to doc instead.

Hdjdb42 · 15/02/2025 07:32

You sound exactly.like a colleague at work. She got a credit card to spluge on, nights out, outfits and holidays. She broke down at work as credit cards were no longer her offering 0 percent, and she had no where to transfer the debt.to. she used to move it every 12 months onto a 0.percent deal. She rang a help line for.help, and ended up with a 5 year repayment plan. She was so upset because she couldn't even remember what she'd bought with it all, and she owed thousands. So honestly it isn't worth it. Get a job, save some money and treat yourself.

SBHon · 15/02/2025 07:51

The only real big treat I get for myself bar a few mini pleasures is getting my hair done once every 2 months.
This is more than many people get. You need to focus on the positives rather than the negatives.

Have a moan and a strop, but then pick yourself up and move on.

sorrynotathome · 15/02/2025 08:07

Either this is made up, or you’re an example of why older people think younger generations are full of snowflakes. You’re not entitled to a shiny happy influencer life, no matter how “hard” you think you work. Blaming “mental health” and other people’s negligence for your misery is ridiculous. Life is often hard and unfair - it’s up to you to make what you can of it. You need to snap out of it and leave the pity party now.

LouH1981 · 15/02/2025 08:07

I know how you feel.

Its a long story but all I’ll say is that the short term buzz from treating myself hasn’t outweighed the long term stress of the debt.
Being back at work has made me feel 100% better. Don’t do it until you can afford it OP xxx

LouH1981 · 15/02/2025 08:09

SBHon · 15/02/2025 07:51

The only real big treat I get for myself bar a few mini pleasures is getting my hair done once every 2 months.
This is more than many people get. You need to focus on the positives rather than the negatives.

Have a moan and a strop, but then pick yourself up and move on.

I had my hair cut once last year 🙈

Gettingbysomehow · 15/02/2025 08:09

No it isn't. I once had a 10k credit card bill to pay off. It was a nightmare and nothing I bought was worth it. I haven't had a credit card since. I save up for what I want. I took a second job to save up for some cosmetic surgery.

SprinkleOfSunak · 15/02/2025 08:18

@LastHope30Something

I got a Barclaycard with 0% interest on purchases last August, as I was fed up with not being able to treat myself too - it’s the only reason I got it! The 0% lasts for 22 months.

I had been on long term sick leave and feeling awful due to being ill, and felt pathetic that after working for years in an incredibly stressful career - the career that made me ill in the first place, that I couldn’t afford to treat myself.

I bought a beautiful bag for £220 and a gorgeous skirt for £190 that I’d been admiring in the shop window and online. They are two of the most expensive items I own, and I adore that they make me feel so happy - a happiness I haven’t felt in ages, and have used both so many times since. I usually get bored of things really easily, but I don’t with more expensive items, as I feel for me I must have really wanted them as I’m usually so careful with money.

I could’ve saved up as others have mentioned, but both products would’ve sold out by then and I’d have felt further frustrated.

I’ve also treated myself to two dresses that were £90 each in a sample sale but should’ve been around £300 each in the shop. So altogether I’ve spent £590.

I currently owe around £200, and the minimum payment (I always pay more) is £19.00. For me it has been well worth it.

summersolsticesoon · 15/02/2025 08:18

A credit card is not the answer. Lots of good advice already.
Yon mention pregnancy, do you have a baby ? How old is the baby?
You may be depressed.
Try free things first, walking, running. Feeding the ducks, gardening.
Little purchases can lift you, a bunch of daffodils, new lipstick, some nice coffee beans to grind, choose some special biscuits .
Use the time you have to
Clear a cupboard out and line with wallpaper. Tidy your wardrobe and colour coordinate your clothes - prepare for the job you want.
Botox is NOT the answer.

Mumlaplomb · 15/02/2025 08:37

I don’t think social media is always great for mental health. Comparison is the thief of joy and you will be seeing people’s “best bits” and highlight reels. If I’m feeling low I come off it for a bit. Also I have a well paid job but can’t afford Botox etc with cost of living, clothes off vinted where I can. Manage your expectations and maybe focus on getting a job which will give you some purpose and meaning.
Also to add- if I want to feel treated, I buy fancy bath bubbles or a nice skin care cream, so expensive but still not that expensive as for example Botox. That way I feel like I’m investing in self care but not breaking the bank.

Cattreesea · 15/02/2025 08:46

Don't do that OP.

Have a look instead at what local groups you could join for free to improve your social life and well being.

There are usually lots of walking and running groups and low cost art, craft and music adult classes in most places.

Many galleries and museums are free to visit and libraries often have book clubs.

Basically look for stuff you can do rather than stuff you can buy...