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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

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:
StuntNun · 19/10/2024 17:32

Just to add a different perspective, my BIL is like this: never has money to go out for lunch; asks to go halves on presents for family members but never coughs up his half; drives an old car; never has any holidays etc. But he's a pilot and lives in a massive house that must be worth well over £1 million. He puts every spare penny into his mortgage and his pension so that he can live well when he retires. So even though his salary is well north of £100k he doesn't have any spare money and lives quite frugally. That said, he doesn't lie about how much money he has and pretend he's skint when it's through choice rather than actually being broke.

AmIbeingUn · 19/10/2024 17:33

MrsJoanDanvers · 19/10/2024 17:31

OP your posts are saying that you don’t like him very much at all. Which is actually quite understandable-but why would you stay in a relationship with someone you feel contempt for? Throw him back and that will give you space to meet someone who isn’t a stingy miser and is a better fit for you.

I love him, I adore him, he is gorgeous and sexy and funny and clever and is great company and hard working and all the things I like in a man. That is why I have stuck with him all this time even though he is skint and we cannot have a normal dating relationship like normal couples do.

Finding out he has consistently lied to me, daily, for 21 months, has come as a massive shock and left me bewildered and disappointed at him being a liar but it has not meant that overnight I started hating him.

I just wish I had not found out!

OP posts:
YellowphantGrey · 19/10/2024 17:33

BettyBardMacDonald · 19/10/2024 17:28

Oh come on, this is a real stretch to find something to criticize him about!!

a) Charity shops raise money via selling goods to anyone; they were never intended to just be retail options for poor people.

b) Many of us who are concerned about the environment use charity shops and Vinted regardless of price. By some estimates there is enough existing clothing on the planet to cover the next six generations of humans. Textile production is resource-intensive and we all know how workers are exploited to produce fast fashion.

He is doing nothing wrong by shopping secondhand.

The comments on this thread about people who buy from charity shops is grim. Implying he is buying and wearing holey clothes and bent, brown pans.

Many charity shops do not sell unusable items yet people act like they do whilst sneering at those that use them

PeggyMitchellsCameo · 19/10/2024 17:34

Reading your updates OP, his words aren’t the words of a mentally-balanced person. He’s emotionally manipulating you to feel sorry for him and that’s just awful.
He could sort the house out in weeks but then his game would be up.
You have been open and transparent about who you are.
He is coming at you with sob stories and they are lies.
He should not have accepted that £75 coat off you knowing he could well afford one himself and plenty more besides.
For everyone going on about money it’s not about money. It’s about someone constantly lying to illicit sympathy from someone. It also keeps OP stuck because he will never move this dial.
I think at a time when a lot of people are genuinely struggling, he’s not right in the head behaving like this.
It is going to wear you down.
Tell him what you saw, that you aren’t interested in his moaning, and that he can bog off.

BettyBardMacDonald · 19/10/2024 17:35

AmIbeingUn · 19/10/2024 16:30

Also a lot of the food in his fridge is marked with discount stickers because it's nearly out of date so he must seek these things out deliberately.

Over the 21 months I have known him I have bought him little spontaneous gifts many times, whilst I am doing my own shopping, because I have felt sorry for him. For example, thermal gloves, vest and longjohns for working outdoors, smoked salmon and craft ale and luxury chocolate biscuits, thinking I was helping him out.

Why? You sound as focused on shopping as he is on savings. He's an adult; surely he can clothe himself.

And what on earth is wrong with shopping at Lidl?

YellowphantGrey · 19/10/2024 17:35

AmIbeingUn · 19/10/2024 17:33

I love him, I adore him, he is gorgeous and sexy and funny and clever and is great company and hard working and all the things I like in a man. That is why I have stuck with him all this time even though he is skint and we cannot have a normal dating relationship like normal couples do.

Finding out he has consistently lied to me, daily, for 21 months, has come as a massive shock and left me bewildered and disappointed at him being a liar but it has not meant that overnight I started hating him.

I just wish I had not found out!

You wouldn't have found out if you hadn't gone snooping.

No matter the reason for snooping, you always find something that you don't want to. No good ever comes from it because someone ends up hurt.

You can never put back what you've found snooping

MightSoundCrassButItsFactual · 19/10/2024 17:37

Augustus40 · 19/10/2024 17:31

When will you confront him op?

also is there any future ahead and if this is the future, is she accepting it

Opentooffers · 19/10/2024 17:38

Basically it's clear that both of you should have the freedom to go out and do whatever you like without worries. However, he is making up lies and excuses in order not to do that.
I'd call his bluff, suggest stuff you want to do, that might cost a bit but you can both afford it. Wait for the excuses, dig in, suggest it a few times, and when he gets to turning it all down, give him an end speech. Tell him, you think you are just in different places, and you'd prefer a partner to be your equal. No, offence but as he's made it clear that he can't afford to go out and enjoy himself, and so you think it's time to go your separate ways as you want more fun out of life. You want to be with someone who can match your lifestyle. See him squirm at that, see how he reacts.
He's quite a bore really, it's probably not just being tight, it's not wanting to do fun things and hiding behind money being the reason. He sounds quite extreme with it to the point of having a MH issue.
I wouldn't tell him you know the truth of it. But you can play with the situation a bit and make him very uncomfortable as a result.
Its up to you if you want to continue, but in my eyes, I'd see him as dull and boring. I suspect the perfect match at the start was more him agreeing and mirroring you. Really, he probably hasn't done much despite his long life as he can't bring himself to part with cash to an obsessive level. I doubt he's had many travel and activity experiences to chat about, so just claimed to like what you do, because he doesn't like doing anything unless it's related to saving or making money. Tedious is how I'd describe him.

burnoutbabe · 19/10/2024 17:40

He doesn't sound very hard working?

He works 4 hours a day (so no overtime?) then mooches around doing not much so doesn't have to bother doing work in the house which is taking 3 years or more.

We now most stuff at Aldi as its cheaper, walking distance from us and is quick to shop in. We pick up loads of yellow stickers as we don't mind what we have -so if they have a nice crumble reduced we get that over another pudding. Just seems sensible to take advantage if you were going to buy it anyway (or similar)
They do smoked salmon too!

helgel · 19/10/2024 17:40

Not sure why you think he's clever OP.

helgel · 19/10/2024 17:42

Old saying, 'He knows the price of everything and the value of nothing'.

AmIbeingUn · 19/10/2024 17:43

BettyBardMacDonald · 19/10/2024 17:35

Why? You sound as focused on shopping as he is on savings. He's an adult; surely he can clothe himself.

And what on earth is wrong with shopping at Lidl?

Why are you writing nonsense? Do you geninely misread my posts or are you just looking to be nasty to a hurt and upset stranger on the internet?

For the record... I am not "focused on shopping". I bet I shop less than you. I have a weekly supermarket delivery and maybe 2 or 3 times a year shop for a clothing or household item.

Where did I say there was anything "wrong" with Lidl? I have shopped there myself and it's great. It is HIM he is always telling me that he goes to Lidl because it is the cheapest in our town and that he is always looking out for bargains, reduced food and special offers.

OP posts:
Xmasbaby11 · 19/10/2024 17:43

It all sounds v unattractive OP - the complaining about money and making out as if he is skint when he has plenty. Some people on here clearly think this is ok - I don't - but the important thing is that you don't and it's made you see him in a different way. I consider it dishonest and that he has different ideas about money from you. It's up to you if you can see a way forward with someone who chooses to live like this.

Peaceandquietandacuppa · 19/10/2024 17:44

I wouldn’t confess to the further snooping but would mention you accidentally saw the open laptop and ask him if he is really skint or just being careful. Say you don’t care but there is clearly a difference. See what he says and decide from there. If you get any inkling of further lies, in the bin.

BettyBardMacDonald · 19/10/2024 17:44

timenowplease · 19/10/2024 17:25

.... but to myself might say "wow, I'm really skint this month; I'll have to buy that new set of tyres next month..." or "eh, too skint this month for new jeans/steak/car valeting/a new electric blanket."

But you're not skint. You. Are. Not. Skint.

If it amuses you to pretend you are that's up to you but if you're boring the people around you and making them feel sorry for you with your poor me stories of no money then that makes you deceptive and a liar.

On a cash-flow basis, some months I am indeed skint.

Last year I paid 7k vet bill for my sister (and the dog died anyway!) and bought her a new refigerator in the same month. Believe me, for months after that I was skint. Earlier this year i paid for both of us to go on two week-long holidays; the next couple of months were lean. Last week I had tradesmen in, doing a bit of remodeling, and paying their bill has left me with very little cash until December;most of my Nov 1 paycheque will go to the tradesman's bills.

People need to understand the difference between ready cash and illiquid assets.

I agree that OP's boyfriend talks excessively about money, but his basic frugality and financial values/philosophy are not that unusual.

biscuitandcake · 19/10/2024 17:46

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?

Its the fact he lied.
He didn't need to tell OP he was rich. But he went out of his way to misrepresent his actual financial status. Either because he was afraid she was really a gold digger/would demand expensive dates. Or because he just lies naturally. Neither are good.
Its a good idea not to be too upfront about that stuff on dating sites because it could attract the wrong person. But once you are seeing someone you presumably trust its odd to keep it concealed. Its the same way that women are advised not to advertise the fact they have children on dating sites because it can attract the wrong people. But if, once you were seeing someone, you kept the very existence of your children a secret from the boyfriend because you are scared that if they were secretly a wrong 'un it would encourage them to continue the relationship - that would be weird. I think most men would be offended by that (and its not the same as keeping a boyfriend and kids separate. That's the equivalent I guess of not sharing finances which is completely normal)

Faldodiddledee · 19/10/2024 17:47

It's not really snooping, the first thing though, it's seeing financial information on a screen left open. Would you just look away if you saw a birth certificate of a child, or a text message with a heart on it from a colleague, or try to find out a bit more.

The Op hasn't asked any penetrating questions about money for over 18 months after meeting and being with this man, mostly in his and her houses. Time to start if you ask me, as he's been spinning her a 'poor me' line which has had her worried about him, buying him treats and even thinking of supporting him in the future!

AmIbeingUn · 19/10/2024 17:47

helgel · 19/10/2024 17:40

Not sure why you think he's clever OP.

Er, 10 O levels, 4 A levels, a HND, a BSc Hons in a science subject, an MSc in computing, a professional career as a computer consultant.

The ability to learn how to do plumbing, electrics, bricklaying, plastering, tiling, carpentry, just from books and YT videos and when past middle age.

Also he used to be a member of MENSA (not now as won't pay his subs).

I think the above objectively qualify a person to be labelled "clever". Even if he is a lying scheming whining stingy bastard and I dump him, he's still clever.

OP posts:
wowzelcat · 19/10/2024 17:50

Oh, OP, that is simply not on. He’s really not being honest with you…to be getting sympathy for poverty when he isn’t skint is just….😱

timenowplease · 19/10/2024 17:51

BettyBardMacDonald · 19/10/2024 17:44

On a cash-flow basis, some months I am indeed skint.

Last year I paid 7k vet bill for my sister (and the dog died anyway!) and bought her a new refigerator in the same month. Believe me, for months after that I was skint. Earlier this year i paid for both of us to go on two week-long holidays; the next couple of months were lean. Last week I had tradesmen in, doing a bit of remodeling, and paying their bill has left me with very little cash until December;most of my Nov 1 paycheque will go to the tradesman's bills.

People need to understand the difference between ready cash and illiquid assets.

I agree that OP's boyfriend talks excessively about money, but his basic frugality and financial values/philosophy are not that unusual.

You sound like a kind and generous person but you aren't skint. Sounds like you're sweeping more money than you should be into your pension and investment fund and haven't left yourself a floating contingency fund. That's fine too, but you aren't skint and maybe you're not as good with money as you think.

What about if the situation with the OP was reversed? The partner pretending he has loads of money, pension pot etc. but in fact he is £1.5m in debt and his house is about to be repossessed. Would that be ok for OP or for you for that matter?

I reckon you'd run a mile faster that Usain Bolt does 100m.

BettyBardMacDonald · 19/10/2024 17:51

AmIbeingUn · 19/10/2024 17:43

Why are you writing nonsense? Do you geninely misread my posts or are you just looking to be nasty to a hurt and upset stranger on the internet?

For the record... I am not "focused on shopping". I bet I shop less than you. I have a weekly supermarket delivery and maybe 2 or 3 times a year shop for a clothing or household item.

Where did I say there was anything "wrong" with Lidl? I have shopped there myself and it's great. It is HIM he is always telling me that he goes to Lidl because it is the cheapest in our town and that he is always looking out for bargains, reduced food and special offers.

I was going by the "many times" in this statement that you made: "Over the 21 months I have known him I have bought him little spontaneous gifts many times..."

And you did say something about how he buys nice food BUT it's all from Lidl; the "but" seemed to imply that there is something inferior about it. Apologies if I've misunderstood. As a pp said, you do sound rather contemptuous of him and his mother.

It's too bad you just happened to get that glimpse of his laptop screen. Perhaps bluntly ask him to stop talking about money so often. Maybe you can ask him to set a mutally agreeable weekly entertainment budget so that the two of you can go out more often.

Bloodymenmen · 19/10/2024 17:53

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.

I agree with this. The money isn't 'liquid' and is undoubtedly part of his retirement planning, not available to spend now.

You're dating, not married or engaged. He's not trying to leech off you.

You shouldn't have looked at that screen.

The acid test will be what happens when he returns to full-time work.

It's not like the clock is ticking for you to have children and if you're having a good time with him, stick with it for now.

AmIbeingUn · 19/10/2024 17:53

MightSoundCrassButItsFactual · 19/10/2024 17:19

It does not sound like a partnership or a joy to be around
Also, why you are not married. Not for you

Are you asking me why neither of us has ever been married? It's not relevant to the problem I have posted.

OP posts:
biscuitandcake · 19/10/2024 17:54

@AmIbeingUn If it helps, there was a long period of my life when I spent the bare minimum because I was desperately saving the deposit for a home. I must have given the impression that I was super poor to some people (I am merely a bit poor by mumsnet standards). I wasn't in the habit of announcing my financial status to everyone so how would they know? BUT people I consider close friends would have known I was saving and that's why I was acting super tight. I would have felt bad for misleading them into thinking I was much worse of than I am. I can't imagine concealing that from a partner. As it was, there was a bit of an awkward moment with someone who I would consider an acquaintance who was all "you bought a house". I felt bad because I had accidentally deceived her, but she wasn't someone I was sleeping with.

Mirabai · 19/10/2024 17:54

The ability to learn how to do plumbing, electrics, bricklaying, plastering, tiling, carpentry, just from books and YT videos and when past middle age.

No he doesn’t OP, and however clever he is this is really stupid.

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