To ask you honestly what are your first thoughts on seeing this?

[gemful]

NC’d for this

A couple. 2 dc (no childcare)
A brand new, new build house. Mortgaged.
Two brand new cars.
They don’t dress designer but the present well.
She has a few designer handbags.
gadgets are always good brands, latest I phones, shark hairdryers, robot hoover.
very organised and tidy home, both work full time in good jobs.
They do family outings every few weekends but not every weekend.
Honesty, what are your first thoughts?!

I'm getting hyacinth bucket vibes from the rest of the OPs posts

Maybe NDN is picking up on the whiff of smugness.

I think pretty sure "you should take in ironing" is a MN saying. It's sarcasm.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the family’s setup in the original post by the OP. In fact, I’m completely supportive and think that anyone who judges them harshly is totally out of their mind.

Mumsnetters aren’t always genuine when they put on a friendly front in this thread. I’ve been around for years and have seen plenty of members be blunt, even downright cruel, when judging just about anyone in any situation. No one is spared.

I would think firstly why am I fixated on the details of someone else’s life to the point that I knew which gadgets and clothes / accessories they wore. Must have too much time on my hands.

secondly I would think that two new cars were an awful waste of money and actually quite pretentious. I hate flashy people. People moving into new builds and having brand new spanking cars and gadgets are either dumb with money, in debt or eager to impress by being flash gits. Or all 3. People I would steer well away from. Quite vulgar

They are definitely into wife-swapping. That much is obvious.

And he worships Satan, although only on Tuesdays.

My thoughts are that I don’t care.

'what business is it of yours?' was my first thought.

This!

I know! Must be a piss take comment. And the use of the word “kindly” at the start… It’s so damn irritating. No need - just say what you want to say without pointless preamble.

Sounds a bit.. boring 🤷‍♀️

We had a neighbour who always commented on what money we spent on what. He used to stare out his window at the neighbourhood and just generally be nosey. He was a lovely old man and I missed him when he moved, even the comments about money!

I’m happy to put up with a bit of judgement for a chatty neighbour!

So, avg middle class

Wouldn't even notice them. Why would anyone know or care if someone has designer handbags or not?

Exactly this.

You sound similar to me but we have one DC and paying childcare so that is an added expense. We also have a new car soon! I think when both partners work it can be constant stream of income so easier to know exact when money is coming in and plan finances with that in mind.

I don't mind some newbuilds, though I prefer older homes, many aren't draughty, damp or cold and they tend to be far more homely. I'd wonder why you went for a semi 5 bed rather than a 4 bed detached, as I would always prioritise detached, but I wouldnt think much else. I'd perhaps wonder if you thought expensive brands necessarily meant quality, that's if I could be really fussed to think about it.
Ultimately, I think just ignore your neighbour and family, they can think what they like, if you and your family are happy thats what matters.

That you sound disciplined and are managing things well.

Nothing remarkable about any of it. Just sound like a generic family who like to drive new cars and look after their house. Personally, I couldn't justify the expense of a designer handbag but each to their own.

We wanted to be more central having already lived rurally in a detached house, we found the time in the car and the maintenance on the gardens to be not our thing, it was fine when the dc were young but to be honest, I just couldn’t justify being a personal taxi and spending over an hour of my day in the car now my kids can’t walk to their clubs and to School so it’s extremely handy and works better for our family life right now.

yes, and yes, in my experience older houses are generally damp and draughty I’m aware that they’re not all like that I . But it’s just not what I need or want right now.

They could have inherited money or be influencers I would mind my business though good for them

I have no reason to pretend and I'm clearly not an idiot when I know what is ample and what is not 🤔

I think you need to think about taking on extra work. £100 a month is a measly amount, what if something terrible were to happen??

Absolutely! The fancier the better. Obviously that's a fair amount of upfront cost but soon you'll be earning plenty to cover that 😊

Yes, well, some people clearly don't aspire to be better or have better.