AIBU to spend £2k of £35k savings on a holiday?

[Ladygregory1]

AIBU to think if you have 35k in savings that it’s ok to use 2k towards a holiday?

We have £50k in savings and spend probably £15k a year on holidays. We replace the savings each year, so we “save” an amount that’s earmarked for holidays each year.

But £2k of £35k that you can replace within a year - absolutely. But maybe think of setting up a new pot that isn’t savings, it’s just money set aside to spend on holidays.

Yes it’s ok to enjoy your life and spend your money. £35k in savings is a great achievement. Live a little.

If you have a feeling of guilt about spending some of your savings, then have two (or more) savings accounts: one for long-term savings and another for short/medium term expenditure such as holidays. Put aside a regular amount into the second account and that can be your fun money. Otherwise you can go into hoarding mode and save for the sake of saving and nothing ever feels worthy enough to spend it on.

I was always taught pay your bills save 3/4 of what's left and the rest is yours to spend anyway you want. I've always been able to live comfortably by doing this. Enjoy your holiday!

I’m assuming you’re relatively young with a stable income and either live alone or have a good relationship that you won’t need to leave .
If so , go for it have a lovely holiday 😄

Blimey you don't need to justify to Mumsnet on how you spend your money, you earned it so go and enjoy your holiday!

I literally don't know why that would be unreasonable

I know I am probably taking this a bit seriously, but I really really hate the expression "girl math". So sexist.

Do it! Life is for living. You still have an emergency fund if you need it, and you can replace it quite quickly anyway.

So many people on Mumsnet are happy to live like monks, it’s baffling to me. I’d consider 35K in savings to be enough for a particularly special holiday that would cost a lot more than 2K. Could get hit by a bus tomorrow.

Life is short. Take the holiday.

Sounds fine to me. Enjoy the holiday! We have separate savings for holidays, means there's no doubt what we should or shouldn't be spending. They are a priority though, we don't splurge on cars or expensive clothes but I love a holiday.

1. You are taking it too seriously, in my opinion.
2. I am a female, so I can use this term how I wish. I’ve actually never heard a man refer to anything as ‘girl math’, but as always - context matters.
3. It’s used somewhat satire in my circle to justify anything I want to spend my independently earned money on. (I’m not presenting proposals at work, and calling them girl math).
4. You’re entitled to your opinion, and I respect you don’t like the term. That’s ok too. ☺️

Enjoy the holiday, no guilt! You have plenty left as a buffer as well as other savings for retirement and kids.

If £30k is a year's worth of expenses you have enough in the "emergency backstop pot". Maybe in future start saving a "fun pot" so you don't experience any guilt when you spend it on fun things like holidays or days out or a nice dinner here and there.

I have plans for my savings, they are to allow me to retire as early as possible/in the next 5 years.

If I wanted a holiday now I could pay back into my savings in 6 months, I would generally save in advance for the holiday instead not "borrow" from savings to put back later - as I know if I don't have that discipline my savings they would erode over time with just £2k here, £1k there etc (and I would be working for much longer than I want to!) But if a last minute holiday arose for a compelling reason I would consider it.

There is no right or wrong answer here, it is a very individual decision based on your own priorities.

You sound like you actually have a lot more savings then 35K (saying you have separate pension fund separate kids fund etc), so yes I would spend it and then quite a more more!

If 35K was all the money I had in the world, then I would be more cautious.

I think sometimes when you're saving and not spending big amounts often, it can feel a 'woah, hold on' when spending a large amount in one go.

The OP can 'spare' £2000 it's just down to one's relationship with money

It depends. If it's a holiday just because you fancy it, prob not, I'd save up for it instead for next year. If it's a holiday because you're fed up, really need a break from everything or something to look forward to then yes. That's what rainy day funds are about, when times are harder. Doesn't just have to mean financially, like losing a job, but mentally too.

Go on holiday! We save every year for a holiday but also have residual savings

I spend my working life in and out of care homes (that’s my actual job) and I often think how short life really is. The one thing I will never regret is taking holidays

The flip side to this is growing up in a home, where money was tight but life was lived. So, bills paid, food on table and more in kitchen, plus being able to put the heating on. Whatever is left is to be enjoyed on experiences. No need for guilt

No you're bloody well not. I'd say you should take another £3000 for spending money, just to round it down to £30000. Everyone deserves a well earned holiday.

My husband is so frugal he would say no. I on the other hand say sod it, you only live once and you can’t take the money with you when you die! It’s not like you’re blowing it all, you’re leaving a sensible percentage. Have a great holiday!

we have about that much in savings, and I am not touching it because I am saving for our DC’s university (they will only get the minimum loans). If, however, I didn’t have a savings goal I would probably pay off some mortgage and go on a lovey holiday.

Go on holiday, life is for living. When you are old, in poor health and are sat on a pile of money that you can't enjoy and the taxman is going to take, you'll look back on your life and wonder why you didn't make the most of it x

You can't take it with you. No pockets in shrouds. Etc etc. as long as you have an emergency fund then creating memories and living your life is more important than money in the bank. Enjoy!