Struggling with balancing finances

[Clairee2]

Does anyone else feel a regular struggle between being ‘sensible’ with money and feeling ‘you only get one life’?!

It seems particularly poignant at this time of year with so many plans etc.

I am sensible, save/invest etc but still find myself feeling guilty about spending and that I should be a bit more carefree.

Any tips welcome!

Anyone? 😂

@Clairee2 daily. My husband is a saver. I’m an earner and a if we can afford it why not.

Allocate a portion of money for fun. Spend that guilt free. It doesn't have to be all or nothing.

I am content with my life but I save a lot, I'm in a fortune position so I save most of my salary and allow myself a modest allowance. I sometimes wonder if I'm too sensible and don't have enough fun, but I am content and don't feel unhappy. There isn't anything I covet like clothes, things or holidays, in fact I have a nice holiday already booked for next year. PS. I am never carefree with money, ever. I think this is because I was once in a lot of debt and I vowed never to go back, so my habits changed forever. I also worry I'll lose my job and never get another job (not sure why as I've been in stable back to back employment for the last 24 years!).

This is reassuring to read! That it isn’t only me

I’m a saver but I’m also earning good money which won’t be forever. I will spend on travel though, just a bit more frugal in other areas.

Im a spender OP! I love to live well and eating well and holidays are hugely important to me. But I balance that with two sensible things. One, I have property wealth through lucky timings buying in London areas that have gone up in value a great deal. And two, I have a very very good pension. I wish I saved more but I just can’t. No debt, but not much savings. I’d be ok if the boiler broke but not if I needed serious amounts of cash.

Oh yes, it's eternal isn't it.

You have to find the right balance for you, which has to include enough fun stuff for you.

You cannot take it with you, and not all of us will make it to retirement never mind old age - you have to plan as if you will of course, but also have a life that you will feel was worth living if someone told you your time was up tomorrow.

Wise words above, thanks all. I think it doesn’t help at the moment that we have a planned house move in the next year or two, so I feel as if I need to keep saving for that. When in reality we have a decent amount to contribute and there’s an element of saving for the sake of it now. Plus once we move I’ll be able to concentrate savings on more ‘fun’ things hopefully.

I guess there’s a balance to be had and nothing wrong with treats here and there. I was in a lot of debt in my 20s and never want to be in that position again if I can help out. I was very materialistic then and learnt a lot.

I am a saver but over the last couple years I have found myself spending much more freely, and to be honest I don’t know how to feel about it.

On the one hand I feel I have a much healthier attitude towards money now and I’m making my life much easier by spending more on things that add to my quality of life, no matter how frivolous.

On the other hand I stop and think about how much I might spend online on junk and clothes, I have a sinking feeling and feel like I’ve sobered up.

November and December tends to lead to a spike in buying things (and not just gifts for others) and I’m hoping this time it means I’m really going to save aggressively in 2026.

I now have so many subscriptions to streaming services I really don’t want to think about it!