the 'being skit' cycle

[curiositykills]

Hi, I tend to worry over everything and today I went and spent £300 on clothes that werent essential but just felt like doing a good bit of retail therapy.

Anyway, I am single and dont earn a lot, say about £700-£800 a month, and now I feeel really guilty, even though it wont leave me in a bad hole (bellieve me before now ive been well into my overdrafft)......Im only a bit into my overdraft and dont have any credit cards.

I guess my question is, even people with kids who are on benefits seem to get by in life somehow, so surely a guy who works full time even if he doesnt earn megabucks is allowed the odd splurge? after all he has nobody to answer to apart from his conciece (the only thing i feel guilty about is i pay reduced rent to parents as they know i dont earn much, but still i feel able to spend this much on clothes?)

Do people spend their whole lives in debt? I have a £14,000 student loan that looks like itll never be repayed because im constantly in low paid jobs since the recession meaning I dont earn over the pay back threshold and wont for the forseeable future?????? thanks

[brenda]

£300 on clothes, you didn't need? Bet your parents would have found a bit of that cash useful, or even to be taken out for a nice meal somewhere.
Think you are more than a tad selfish.

[boxtops]

You will get lots of different answers I am sure, but yes, there are loads of us who spend our whole lives in debt, even if only because of the mortgage, and the after effects of rash spending in years gone by. I must admit that in my younger years, I would shop to make myself feel better - but it isn't the answer, things don't fill gaps.

Can't you take the stuff back, if you still have the labels in it? Being boringly sensible, the £300 would be better spent towards paying off your overdraft or your student loan, at least to make an effort. If you have bought these clothes on an overdraft that you have, in effect, borrowed the money to have them - while you are getting a good deal off your mum and dad. I bet they could have paid off some of their own bills with that £300 - put yourself in their shoes and see how they would have felt with you bring home those clothes, while in the same breath saying that you can't afford to pay a proper rent for your bed and board. I wouldn't be very happy about your priorities.

If you get into a good habit before you take on your own place and other responsibilities later in life, it will stand you in good stead - I wish I had.

[Bbbananas]

Never been skit - have been skint though, many a time.

To be hinest curiosity, if you only have an overdraft and no credit card debts - you're in a good position, it's credit card debts, in my experience, that are the real 'killer.

Do people spend their whole lives in debt? Unfortunately, some do. It's a very hard situation to get out of once the debt spirals. Robbing Peter to pay Paul and all that.
I shouldn't worry too much about your position - at least you are wary of the pitfalls. The odd splurge won't hurt, but if you take my advice - don't be tempted by those cards.

[cassa333]

Next time you feel like a splurge, and we all do at some point, only spend half.

[sara3]

you've got a £14k debt (so you do have something to answer to), but spend £300 on clothes you don't need.

time to grow up, methinks. retail therapy should be limited to about £20-50 a month for things you don't need, or you'll end up in more debt.

[Whoever]

Well the odd splurge never hurt anybody but did you really have to spend £300? Wouldn't just one items have satisfied your retail therapy need, especially when your parents are letting you live with them on the cheap. If you're feeling that bad you can always see if you can return the items although I doubt whether many shops would be prepared to accept them back unless they were faulty.
Now you've left your student days behind you It would be a good idea for you to get a grip on your finances, eliminate your overdraft and start setting up a Regular Saver plan to provide for your future. One day you're going to want/need a car, and a home of your own so it's time to start putting some money away.