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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Modest pension but want to splurge when the time comes.

77 replies

sparklingpinkenergy · 19/10/2025 16:02

Im a divorced Mom of three. I’ve worked full time
all of my life . Raised my children solo, two of whom have mild SN. My life has been so good despite some ups and downs and my work has been my saviour when times got hard. I love it and will miss it but will continue to work in my field voluntarily and paid , now and again after retirement
the majority of my income has been spent on my children over the years , like so many of us parents , and I’ve done that lovingly .
However , I’ve always, since a teenager , wanted a Chanel classic 2.55 bag.
I will receive a decent sum on retirement and a lump sum also. My income will halve but my children will be financially independent by then I expect .
my dream is to fly to Italy solo or if I have a partner by then, with him .. for a weekend
f decadence and luxury and include a trip to one of the Chanel stores to buy my bag of dreams. It’s ridiculously expensive , I know and guilt is beginning to set in.
the guilt of splurging on myself I expect .
AIBU to do this or should I keep an eye on designer exchange stores? I can do a trip anytime but it seems like an extortionate thing to do . Then again, forty years of work outside home and raising my children solo deserves celebration too!
Id be interested in your thoughts!!

OP posts:
Kago2790 · 19/10/2025 16:03

How much are they?

Overthebow · 19/10/2025 16:04

Depends on how much it is, how much you have in savings and what your pension will be.

Tamfs · 19/10/2025 16:05

Go to Italy and buy the bag OP! You've paid your dues, it's YOUR money! You'll be so happy every time you look at that bag. You've waited since you were a teenager.

tartyflette · 19/10/2025 16:07

Wouldn't it be better to go to Paris for Chanel? Italy for Gucci, Ferragamo, Bottega etc...
Yes, they are e xpensive but also an investment. They don't lose much in value, especially over the longer term..

FoxtrotOscarFoxtrotOscar · 19/10/2025 16:07

OP, book that flight and buy that bag! That's an order. You more than deserve it.

tripleginandtonic · 19/10/2025 16:08

It's like Mrs Harris goes to Paris but in Rome. Go for it OP.

Indianajet · 19/10/2025 16:08

Do it! We never know what is round the next corner, so treat yourself - you've worked for it.

ScrambledEggs12 · 19/10/2025 16:10

Do it!

Raera · 19/10/2025 16:11

Do it!
Not pension, but inheritance from my DM.
We bought a much yearned for Motorhome.
DD spent hers on a holiday to New York , went to a concert at Carnegie Hall and bought a very expensive handbag.

DarkRootsBlue · 19/10/2025 16:14

Live your dream OP.

Jeschara · 19/10/2025 16:14

Do it, you deserve it, and do not feel guilty.

sparklingpinkenergy · 19/10/2025 16:16

I have zero interest in going to France / Paris and believe that Chanel has their bags / accessories made equally in Italy.
Possibly around £9000.
Lump sum £100,000 and pension about £40,000 per year. I will be 58 years of age.
I own my home but that sum is the bulk of my savings and investments .
would I be nuts ?

OP posts:
ThisOldThang · 19/10/2025 16:19

Just don't get robbed in Italy. That would be a real kick in the teeth.

Overthebow · 19/10/2025 16:20

sparklingpinkenergy · 19/10/2025 16:16

I have zero interest in going to France / Paris and believe that Chanel has their bags / accessories made equally in Italy.
Possibly around £9000.
Lump sum £100,000 and pension about £40,000 per year. I will be 58 years of age.
I own my home but that sum is the bulk of my savings and investments .
would I be nuts ?

Will You have a mortgage to pay off? If not then I’d go for it, you will have a reasonable lump sump and £40k a year isn’t bad. Spending £10k on something you really want is fine.

titchy · 19/10/2025 16:25

Is £40k pension what you’ll be able to take at 58, or at normal retirement age? If the former that’s hardly modest. Presumably a humble brag?

MaurineWayBack · 19/10/2025 16:27

No, go for it!!
The guilt is because you’ve never spend any money on yourself ever and always put everyone else needs before yours.

You have your house. A decent savings and a very reasonable pension.

Just do it!

Cowprintplease · 19/10/2025 16:29

How is £40k a year a "modest pension"?

Missmarplesknittingbuddy · 19/10/2025 16:29

@sparklingpinkenergy

  1. You can afford to take the trip and buy the bag .
  2. You do not have a " modest " pension .
ScrewyouJonathon · 19/10/2025 16:30

Pension of 40k a year?! Come on why would you think you’re nuts? That is not a modest pension surely you know that?

Irritatedandsad · 19/10/2025 16:32

sparklingpinkenergy · 19/10/2025 16:16

I have zero interest in going to France / Paris and believe that Chanel has their bags / accessories made equally in Italy.
Possibly around £9000.
Lump sum £100,000 and pension about £40,000 per year. I will be 58 years of age.
I own my home but that sum is the bulk of my savings and investments .
would I be nuts ?

Sorry OP, but with your prnsion then spending 10% of your enture pension on a bag is madness. Find something around £1000 as this is still a huge amount of money.
Remember that your 9000 goes straight into somrone elses pocket.
9000 could give you so much more enjoyment than a bag. Its enough for a holiday every year for 10 years.

Irritatedandsad · 19/10/2025 16:33

Irritatedandsad · 19/10/2025 16:32

Sorry OP, but with your prnsion then spending 10% of your enture pension on a bag is madness. Find something around £1000 as this is still a huge amount of money.
Remember that your 9000 goes straight into somrone elses pocket.
9000 could give you so much more enjoyment than a bag. Its enough for a holiday every year for 10 years.

Sorry i just reread, yeah get the bag, i read your whole pot as 100k. But now realise its just the lump sum.

Daisy12Maisie · 19/10/2025 16:35

I wouldn’t buy a bag personally but if you want one then I think you should get one if you aren’t left with a big mortgage/ huge debts.

£40,000 per year if you are mortgage free I think is a lot so you can afford a retirement treat.

outerspacepotato · 19/10/2025 16:36

Are you actually going to be able to use it? Do you live in an area where it will make you a target for bag snatchers or robbery? How much will it cost you to insure?

Charlize43 · 19/10/2025 16:36

There's nothing modest about a £40K pension! With or without State Pension?

There's nothing to stop you buying a £9K bag on that. Nothing at all.

user44455557621 · 19/10/2025 16:36

Honestly, I'd do it, but I'd buy a pre-owned bag. I've bought a few things over the years from Chanel and I think you're overrating the shop experience. It's fine, it's nice for a few minutes, but seems silly to basically double the price of the bag just for that. And older Chanel bags are better quality, imo.

If you do that, you can either save the rest or spend it on a truly extraordinary hotel and an amazing tasting menu dinner while you're there,