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He isn't skint.

1000 replies

AmIbeingUn · 19/10/2024 09:32

NC for this as personal/outing. Am wondering AIBU? Or WWYD?

Began seeing a local man met on OLD. We matched so perfectly: same age, local, some mutual acquaintances, similar hobbies, outlook, politics, music taste, humour etc. Found him incredibly sexually and emotionally attractive and vice versa.

We became very close and cosy very quickly: daily contact, usually in person, in and out of each others' houses for coffee and a chat, sleeping over at each others houses often, meeting each other's friends and family. Talked loads, for hours, about a wide range of subjects and very frankly. Within weeks we were so close and comfortable with one another it felt like we'd been together for ages.

The only thing that wasn't perfect was that he had no spare spending money. He had gone part time at work to give him the time to renovate his house, singlehandedly, and those renovations also ate up all the money he had left over after paying mortgage and bills. He warned me that, until the house was finished and he returned to full time working, he could not afford to spend much on going out, going away, buying me gifts, unless it was cheap and we split the costs. I am not materialistic so I did not care and to be honest I am a homely person who is more than happy to have dates at each other's houses, cooking each other a meal or watching a film. For Xmas he saw something in a charity shop window which he knew I would love and he even admitted it had cost him only £2 and said he felt guilty and mean and sorry and hoped I would tolerate his being skint until he got back to work and could treat me properly and take me to a swanky restaurant now and again.

Whilst chatting and being in his home whilst things were happening in his daily life he would mention now and again that he was down to his last few pounds, or that the purchase of some essential building materials or an emergency dental problem or vet bill had wiped his bank account. I am not wealthy but I do have a couple of hundred pounds left over every month which I usually just put into a savings account. He never once asked me for money and in fact when I offered to lend him money once or twice he absolutely refused. When I offered to treat him to a fancy meal out or a theatre ticket he also refused, saying that unless he could pay at least his own share, he would not go. I saw these refusals as a confirmation of his honesty and integrity.

One day I was at his house reading the paper after breakfast and he was opposite me on his laptop. As he went to answer the front door I took the dirty plates to the sink and as I turned round to walk back to the table I could not help myself, my eyes were drawn to the screen which had some kind of spreadsheet of figures. I was absolutely staggered to see that he had stocks and shares and an ISA totalling £1.5m. When he came back into the room I just pretended I had not seen anything because I knew I should not have been snooping but I went home and was literally in shock and also really angry that he had been lying to me the whole time.

Next time I stayed at his I deliberately snooped when he was in the shower, and read an open letter about the sale of a flat he owned (which he had never mentioned to me). £250,000 from the sale had been deposited into my boyfriend's bank account about a week before, and yet that very day he had been saying how broke he was.

Am I in the wrong for snooping or is he in the wrong for telling me for a whole year the lie that he is struggling financially from month to month?

What would you do? Confront him and admit you snooped? End it? Tell yourself his finances are none of your business?

OP posts:
Faldodiddledee · 19/10/2024 12:10

The OP is being ridiculous and if she ends it, she will be the loser

I disagree, not many women of middle-aged with their own homes, finances and friends want to date men who sit in all the time, don't want to go out, when they do they take their own Ribena and can't afford to go on holiday. For ever, as there's no end to this by his own admission.

I don't think they will be queueing up for this lifestyle, even if they knew about the extra money! I wouldn't!

Meadowfinch · 19/10/2024 12:10

He has lied repeatedly. That would be the end for me. How are you supposed to trust him?

I can understand if he had been discreet about his affluence for the first couple of months while he got to know you. Fair enough for him to be cautious.

But this is different. He's lied repeatedly, restricted your shared activities for no good reason and moaned on about being skint. Not only that, the whole 'embarrassment' at buying you a £2 Christmas gift makes me slightly queasy.

MightSoundCrassButItsFactual · 19/10/2024 12:10

AmICrazyToEvenBother · 19/10/2024 09:47

The money invested is probably not accessible though at this moment in time? They're most likely long-term investments and that money is tied up.

As for the sale money, you also have no idea whether that money is earmarked elsewhere. Whether him not telling you about it is an issue depends partly on how long you've been together - you dont actually say, but it all sounds a bit whirlwind, I dont blame him for exercising caution on financial matters.

THAT IS BAD, a whirlwind for a 50 something
it is not her fault she liked him so much

IMustDoMoreExercise · 19/10/2024 12:11

Gymnopedie · 19/10/2024 12:09

He has lied.

From the OP:

He warned me that, until the house was finished and he returned to full time working, he could not afford to spend much on going out, going away, buying me gifts, unless it was cheap and we split the costs.

he even admitted it had cost him only £2 and said he felt guilty and mean and sorry and hoped I would tolerate his being skint until he got back to work and could treat me properly and take me to a swanky restaurant now and again.

Whilst chatting and being in his home whilst things were happening in his daily life he would mention now and again that he was down to his last few pounds,

If he has that much, whatever form it's in, they were lies. Not lies by omission but by commission.

But he has set himself a budget, so he is not lying.

You might not do that but a lot of people do (me and husband do), so we might have savings that we could use, but we don't because we only spend what we have budgeted for.

Anonanonandon · 19/10/2024 12:12

Silvertulips · 19/10/2024 09:41

So he’s a saver? Hes never asked you for money and refuses to let you help -

You are dating not married.

You get on and don’t share finances. He works part time and does his own renovations.

Im not sure what you are asking here?

Are you looking for marridge?

To an extent I agree with this, but he is taking it to the extreme. If you are dating then finances are an individual and private matter; however OP is not really having the sort of dating experience he could afford. No restaurants, concerts, days out; it wouldn't make a big hole in his finances to take OP out once in a while. They could go Dutch but it appears that he is too tight even to do this.
If it were me, the fact that I now know that he is not skint but tight would be the end as he doesn't care enough to make an infinitesimal dent in his fortune for me.

Strangerthanfictions · 19/10/2024 12:12

Silvertulips · 19/10/2024 09:41

So he’s a saver? Hes never asked you for money and refuses to let you help -

You are dating not married.

You get on and don’t share finances. He works part time and does his own renovations.

Im not sure what you are asking here?

Are you looking for marridge?

But he lied and doesn't trust her to know he has money, she thought they were close but I can understand why she now feels betrayed, it's not about his finances it's about his misleading her

LaMarschallin · 19/10/2024 12:12

FetchezLaVache

I do think you have to tell him you know, see what he has to say for himself and decide on that basis whether you should throw this one back.

I also think she should tell him she knows and how she knows.
She may be saved the trouble of throwing him back - he's got the right to walk away too.

IMustDoMoreExercise · 19/10/2024 12:13

SoNiceToComeHomeTo · 19/10/2024 12:09

He hasn't said 'I have a budget', he's said he can't afford to pay for a meal out occasionally. It's not the same thing.

It is exactly the same thing. He does not want to dip in to his savings, so as far as he is concerned he can't afford a meal out.

You might not do that, but I and lots of people do.

I have a strict budget for spending and stick to it.

Pippatpip · 19/10/2024 12:13

To be honest the not hiring anyone to help with this endless house renovation would piss me off. It is going to go on for ever, isn't it. There is always going to be an excuse as to why he hasn't done anything more 3 years is a very long time. The stingyness of cheap tickets and ribena would also annoy me. However, is it possible that the spreadsheet and flat sale are for his wealthy mother? If he handles her finances, perhaps they are her investments. I sort of doubt this but it is a possibility and perhaps something he may come up with when you question him.
Also, his mother may need to go into care thus dwindling down any inheritance or she may have already said she is leaving everything to the cat's home.

I think you have to say something. A £2 present is very annoying and you are clearly not high maintenance or grabby so as you say, even if a bit skint, £20 would be more appropriate.

It's eating at you and the relationship can't go back to what it was or he is a bloody good con man and playing the long game.
I don't think you should put your life on hold for him. If you want a holiday then book one for yourself. If he really cares it might override the compulsive stinginess.

Good luck!

frozendaisy · 19/10/2024 12:13

Sipping a brought in ribena on a rare evening out, in between sitting in the cheap seats would be the beginning of a very fast end for me.

For contrast, because we do walk the walk, we have no where near that amount in savings, but life is to be lived as you say, I was looking at a theatre show, looking at second most expensive seats in the place, suggested to H we could go further back for £50 a seat cheaper, he said "no sod it it's once in a lifetime" it was a decent 4 figure cost (we have x2 teens so 4 tickets), not a single moment of regret, one of our best days ever. It would never cross H's mind to buy the cheap seats, or smuggle cartons of juice in. Life is too short.

I don't know what you do OP because you have information obtained not given.

If everything else about your relationship is good you can try challenging his stance.

Along the lines of

"Ok Christmas is coming up, look if you are planning on a £2 charity shop gift again just don't bother" and you get him a £10 box of chocolates, like a neighbour present.

I'm not sitting in cheap seats go yourself.
I'm not cooking your turn to treat me.

Tell him he's boring, tight arse.

Book things. Go out without him when you want, book a holiday away. Challenge his stance. Either he wants to spend time (and money that you know he has) doing stuff with you or he doesn't. Make a decision from there.

Don't spend another penny on him

Life is far too short.

The expression "oh who wants to be the richest corpse in the graveyard" might help

MightSoundCrassButItsFactual · 19/10/2024 12:14

AmIbeingUn · 19/10/2024 09:54

Not marriage but a long term partnership, probably living together for the rest of our lives (we are both over 50).

You are not sure what I am asking, even though I put it as plainly and clearly as I could in my OP?

"Am I in the wrong for snooping or is he in the wrong for telling me for a whole year the lie that he is struggling financially from month to month?"

"What would you do? Confront him and admit you snooped? End it? Tell yourself his finances are none of your business?"

you cannot live with him till death do you part if you are not married with him
he does not support you living together - what partnership it would be just visiting each other for coffee and sex

AmyW9 · 19/10/2024 12:14

I've personally always seen our spending money as different to savings. We have a fair bit in our savings account, yet we don't touch it and end most months feeling the pinch. It's a really effective way of budgeting - we'd certainly never dip into our savings pot for a night out or gifts. If we can't afford it from our spending pot, we don't spend it.

Unless you've had a conversation where he's specifically said 'I don't have savings', I see no deceit here at all.

Also to add, we're serial renovators and maintain this financial plan throughout our developments. Our projects also take us years - for us, we renovate for the love of it, not for the speed, so certainly disagree with posts from PPs suggesting he's daft for not taking a quicker approach and getting trades in..

Barney16 · 19/10/2024 12:14

I wouldn't be bothered about his money but I would be bothered that he lied to me and really angry that we hadn't had treats because he's a stingy bastard. So no nice meals, trips out especially as you had offered to pay and weren't expecting him to pay for anything other than his share. As for a £2 Christmas gift, wtf. He's weird. Give him back his £2 gift and tell him your done.

NoTimeToChill24 · 19/10/2024 12:14
  1. You are NOT a gold digger but a kind, caring person who has lasted for two years and preserved positive attitude in such circumstances.
  2. Mean with money, mean with love. This is far too general and a bit extreme of a statement. However, such attitude to finances usually spills into other areas of life. Is he helpful and caring at all? Invested in your emotional wellbeing? Ready to support by organising dates, activities? Or does he live out of principle- if you want us to entertain, you organise it? Is he good in emergencies ( not that you should have any). Could he physically help should something break around your house, some DIY etc, visit your family, help with elders? Does he have any pets?
  3. His lifestyle is inflexible and controls yours. You have accepted his rules. If he restrics himself ( for whatever reason), how likely is he to treat you? Does this relationship have an element of convenience for him? Do you have an idea about his previous relationships? Are you prepared to continue the same lifestyle many years on end? Is this emotionally sustainable?
  4. Has he brought a Ribena for you too? This would be a good predictor of how willingly he would share his lifestyle once he has “tested you out” and you both growing old together. Or would present format of a relationship continue indefinitely? Is house renovation a moving goal post?
  5. Please note, I have not mentioned any of his assets- there is no need really. You came across this information but it is relevant only to some degree.

I would not bring up “ a bank statement page” and concentrate on reflecting on the above.

Whatsnmynameagain9 · 19/10/2024 12:16

He wants to see if you’re in for the money or for him, I would think

Faldodiddledee · 19/10/2024 12:16

He didn't say 'I'm on a budget' though, he said he's skint, might not get taken back on at work, and lives like a miser in a house that isn't great as he doesn't even want to take on someone on min wage to help get things finished.

That's him, that's his life, that's the choice for her.

He isn't going to suddenly want to take nicer holidays, or get a drink at a bar, or eat out. It's not him, and it probably never has been.

Nice men aren't so miserly, usually when you love someone, you want them to share in your good fortune in life and treat them. That's what the Op has been offering to do- offering to lend him money, getting him a nice gift...more fool her!

I can't believe anyone on this thread would really be happy with a £2 gift for Christmas out of a charity shop and I love charity shops! It's not beginning to be normal behaviour.

IMustDoMoreExercise · 19/10/2024 12:16

Pippatpip · 19/10/2024 12:13

To be honest the not hiring anyone to help with this endless house renovation would piss me off. It is going to go on for ever, isn't it. There is always going to be an excuse as to why he hasn't done anything more 3 years is a very long time. The stingyness of cheap tickets and ribena would also annoy me. However, is it possible that the spreadsheet and flat sale are for his wealthy mother? If he handles her finances, perhaps they are her investments. I sort of doubt this but it is a possibility and perhaps something he may come up with when you question him.
Also, his mother may need to go into care thus dwindling down any inheritance or she may have already said she is leaving everything to the cat's home.

I think you have to say something. A £2 present is very annoying and you are clearly not high maintenance or grabby so as you say, even if a bit skint, £20 would be more appropriate.

It's eating at you and the relationship can't go back to what it was or he is a bloody good con man and playing the long game.
I don't think you should put your life on hold for him. If you want a holiday then book one for yourself. If he really cares it might override the compulsive stinginess.

Good luck!

Have you ever hired anyone to renovate your house? They will never do as good a job as you can yourself if you have the skills.

He will put everything in to the renovating, anyone else will just take short-cuts because they don't care.

What is wrong with a £2 present? As everyone says, it is the thought that counts isn't it? (I don't given anyone presents as I cannot see the point).

If he was a conman, he would have spent all her money, he hasn't spent a penny.

SoNiceToComeHomeTo · 19/10/2024 12:17

IMustDoMoreExercise · 19/10/2024 12:13

It is exactly the same thing. He does not want to dip in to his savings, so as far as he is concerned he can't afford a meal out.

You might not do that, but I and lots of people do.

I have a strict budget for spending and stick to it.

But do you also give the impression that you are skint rather than sticking to your budget?
I'm all for budgeting, and I'm all for keeping financial details private, but not pretending to a partner that my circumstances are completely different than they are. It's a very odd thing to do and I think the OP is right to be concerned about it.

AmIbeingUn · 19/10/2024 12:17

ladycardamom · 19/10/2024 10:54

Does he mention holidays, trips or nice places he has been in the past? If not perhaps he has no intention of forking out for those type of things in the future.

Yes. He and his mum went to Egypt shortly after I met him. I did not enquire who paid.

OP posts:
MightSoundCrassButItsFactual · 19/10/2024 12:17

Harvestfestivalknickers · 19/10/2024 10:01

What it boils down to is - are you happy to continue this relationship with him not having any 'liquid' money? Are you happy with £2 charity shop presents and nights in but no trips to the theatre?
If you know things are going to change - fine. If he knows that the renovations will finish by x date next year and he's increasing his hours to full time - fine. But if it's all a bit vague and woolly and you don't see a date by which he can spend a bit - is this really the relationship for you?

he is not offering moving in or marriage....the poster has not made that clear
coffee and sex - even teenagers do this with no money

Pipsquiggle · 19/10/2024 12:17

At first, I would think he was trying to assess whether you were a gold digger or not and also that he might not have access to the cash or it is assigned elsewhere.

The more you write I just think he's a deluded miser. He is so focussed on not spending money, he lives in a building site (unless he genuinely loves all the building malarkey).
There is being sensible with money, then there's a zealot miser. I think he is in the second category.

You need to talk to him. Say you have seen that he has money and that you can't understand why he buys everything from charity shops or doesn't get builders in so he can enjoy his home.

Say you would like the occasional treat, going to a restaurant, theatre in the good seats etc.

fc123 · 19/10/2024 12:18

Gwenhwyfar · 19/10/2024 10:46

" had to buy my own Maltesers in the lobby and he would not pay the theatre's inflated price. And in the interval when everyone made a dash to the bar he pulled out a small carton of Ribena."

Now, you know he's just tight and not really anything to do with the renovations. This goes beyond being frugal and I'd argue that a rich person breaking theatre rules to bring their own stuff in (I presume it's against the rules) is bordering on being ill.

My question would be did he pull out 2 cartons (one each) or just one for himself?
If the latter, he's just stingy and it indicates a selfishness that's not attractive long term . It will sow up in other areas if you share a life together in the future.

Waffle78 · 19/10/2024 12:18

Maybe he's making sure you don't just want him for his money. Especially if he's been hurt in past relationships. I would say he's testing you.

Whatsitreallylike · 19/10/2024 12:19

But maybe he doesn’t have much disposable cash? You say he has £1.5m in an ISA. That’s often used as a tax efficient way to save, particularly when you’re old. If you saw he had £1.5m in a pension for example would you feel the same way?

I think he’s probably told you the truth to an extent, he isn’t earning much and so doesn’t have much spare cash to spend. I wouldn’t be dipping into savings for nice meals and days out

IMustDoMoreExercise · 19/10/2024 12:19

SoNiceToComeHomeTo · 19/10/2024 12:17

But do you also give the impression that you are skint rather than sticking to your budget?
I'm all for budgeting, and I'm all for keeping financial details private, but not pretending to a partner that my circumstances are completely different than they are. It's a very odd thing to do and I think the OP is right to be concerned about it.

Yes, I would never tell anyone that I was wealthy until I knew that I could completely trust them.

2 years in a relationship is nothing.

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