To think that saving money isn’t optional?

[CraftyNavyDeer]

It feels like common sense but I’m constantly surprised by how many people don’t save at all. At the very minimum, everyone should have an emergency fund - yet plenty of people live pay check to paycheck with no backup.

AIBU to think that saving should be non-negotiable? Or do some people genuinely have valid reasons for not doing it?

It might be sensible, but of course it's "optional". The state doesn't come along and force you to save. Paying tax, however, is not optional. See the difference, OP?

Exactly.

How do you save @CraftyNavyDeer when every penny is spent each month on essentials ffs Many people are struggling to pay for food and heating.

Let me give you a scenario, say you earn £1500 a month in wages, your rent, utilities, food and other bills all come out at £1500, you have absolutely nothing left in the bank, no pennies down the back of the sofa until your next payday.

How much are you putting into your emergency fund?

And clearly you have enough of it, and always have, hence your total non understanding of the monetary challenges facing many, many people.

Of course, if someone is truly struggling to cover basic needs, saving isn’t realistic in that moment. But I’m talking about people who do have some disposable income yet don’t prioritise saving at all. Even a small habit of putting something aside can make a difference over time.

If you have to choose between feeding yourself or your kids or saving it - even if it’s 2 quid - then it’s not essential any more, it is optional and sadly an option that many people do not have. You clearly have never genuinely been poor. Congratulations OP.

You just don't get it, do you?

You really need to be clearer here if you want useful replies.

I assume you know people who do have surplus after all the bills are paid and they spend it on 'stuff' then panic/complain when the car needs a repair.

I agree with you and would not be comfortable without good savings.

I think those that are tend to either be from wealthier backgrounds and so know they have bank of mum and dad as a safety net or very poor backgrounds where they know life is short and can be shit so spend when they have the opportunity.

No need to be rude. Different finances definitely play a role but people also have different priorities and attitudes towards saving, which is what I was getting at.

Try being the Carer of a disabled DH and see how much "spare" money there is to save...

Oh wait...

I like to have discussions with real people and I'm not really sure that's the case with you 🤔

Ah. And now an unwarranted insult as well. Are you bored?

They do indeed

but savings are for poor people right? Rich people don’t save for a rainy day. They don’t have rainy days.

your post is such a great example of poor people pointing at each other and sneering whilst the rich eat you all. Well done OP

What a knob

Aaaaaghhhh !!!
You still don’t seem to get the point that many people literally have no spare money to save!
Of course we all should, but for many it’s impossible

What do you mean by 'not optional'. Do you feel it should be made obligatory? Like, a law or something? How would that be enforced? What will happen to people who are hard up and can't afford to save? Will Universal Credit be increased so that people can save a bit?

I mean, obviously it is optional at the moment - so do you feel that it shouldn't be? What do you propose?

Bless your heart.

Op, you didn't do yourself any favours with the wording of your original post, I think that is the main issue here.

"At the very minimum, everyone should have an emergency fund - yet plenty of people live pay check to paycheck with no backup.
AIBU to think that saving should be non-negotiable? Or do some people genuinely have valid reasons for not doing it?"

Those two lines are the ones people are taking offence to. You say in a future post that saving may not be realistic in that moment but in your first post say EVERYONE should have an emergency fund and "people live pay check to paycheck" well that's sort of the point the ones living like that are the ones who have zero chance of saving.

You then state "do some people genuinely have valid reasons for not doing it"

This comes across as very out of touch. Maybe if you had phrased it differently and said something like "While a lot of people are in a position that they financial cant, why do you think those who could choose not to". While not perfect that at least reads like you have some understanding.

But to answer what I think you are trying to ask, a very large group of people in this country do not have a choice to save, they either eat or save, what's the point in saving if you cant eat? Another group of people could save but it would cause a drop in their living standards, they would need to cancel netflix or not go out for dinner that month, they decide that happiness now is worth more than security in the long run (I fall into this group). I know the risks I am taking but its a trade off, I either live a bleak life now without much in the way of "fun spending" or I save for a potential future need. My choice is who knows what the future holds, I would rather enjoy life in the moment and figure out the future, you never know if you're going to make it.

Hopefully one day I will be back in a position to do both, but while I cant the present takes priority.

I have read what you said. And you are both rude and inaccurate. I am not jobless and that is a personal attack, which breaches the guidelines.

Presumably not everyone has enough money spare to save every month?

Also, saving small amounts might help with an unexpected bill but I don't think it stops you living pay check to pay check.

That said, it's a good habit to get into if you can.

I think for a large proportion of people it's not taught and we live in a society where if you want something you pretty much get it but on credit. So you end up paying more each month which dwindles available money. Stuff has also gone up so much in price that many people struggle to keep their heads above water.
But some have their priorities wrong IMO have no money but get nails done, have no money but have the latest tech etc etc.

My nephew (19) said to me when I sat him down with budgeting and saving that he's never been taught any of this. I think if we want people to change it starts in schools. DS1 had a savings sessions from a building society he's 6 just wish they did them for adults too as the most basic of life skills of budgeting many people fail at the first hurdle at!

Should say I've also been very poor before, spent 6 months sofa surfing and at some points was living off £20 a week - I worked as a warden in exchange for no rent.

Idiot

You clearly lead an extremely blinkered life. Do you not think most people would love to save, I certainly would but I’d don’t have that option. I mean I could if I didn’t feed, clothe and house my family.
Your post is so offensive.