Money guilt

[dotty202]

I was bought up in poverty and for most of my adult life have never spent money on anything really ‘nice’

About a year ago, I got a slight payrise and finally relaxed a bit- I got my daughter a nicer phone, spent some money I should have saved on things for the kids I could never get- A PS4, trampoline, general toys... Got my hair done, bought a new TV... some home decor. Nothing too flashy, just some things I’d never have purchased before

I am now kicking myself, we are now on 80% pay and whilst we are not destitute, once again we are counting pennies.

I know it’s not a lot I spent, but I’m feeling irrationally guilty. The stuff I purchased amounts to about £3000 and I’m just thinking how thankful I’d be to have a safety net of a few grand right now Especially as I work in hospitality and my job is uncertain

I know buying these things was far from ‘reckless’ but after so many years of being a money grinch I just feel so intensely guilty, which is weird as I’m normally capable of being rational

Ironically, if my kids didn’t have this stuff to keep them entertained, I’d probably be at my wits end!

You've answered it yourself, they were sensible purchases that have allowed you and your family to stay that bit saner during all this.

Deep down I know it was sensible, however the guilt is still there. I’m trying to focus on the fact that my kids are happy, but I still feel weirdly unsettled. I am in the vulnerable category, but the financial side is scaring me far more than the actual virus.

I know we are lucky to be coping, however

You had no way of knowing this was coming though OP. You’d been so careful and chose to treat your family to things they’d not previously been able to have.

I used to spend ££££ on holidays, DH was made redundant in November and in the current climate, is unlikely to get anything soon. The money I spent would have been useful now, but I’m also pleased we were fortunate enough to have enjoyed some lovely holidays when we could.

I’ll bet the PS4 and trampoline are proving excellent investments at the moment

Doesn't sound that frivolous but you should always prioritise building an emergency fund ahead of unnecessary spending.

Maybe a sixth sense knew your dc needed this extra stuff for a lockdown??

Honestly you have not been frivolous. It’s easy to dwell right now but you have nothing to feel bad about. But the birch twigs down.

We have no control at what happened in the past. You didn't do anything wrong or bad, so have no reason to bad in yourself

I'm feeling guilty reading others circumstances on here knowing DH has his job and I have my two low paid jobs. I can't see one of my employers surviving this but I have to make the most of what I have now.