Spend or save?

[Flummery]

I had a small lump sum when I took my early retirement from work 2 and a half years ago. I invested it in some bonds for 18 months then as I could see the way the wind was blowing I've spent it on the house. We had some work we wanted doing so I've used it. No point re-investing it - it would just lose value. Part of the spending is the recent order for the chook house! We have some joint account savings but they are rainy day stuff - not intended for income - just as well!

[allotmentlady]

spend spend spend makes u feel better

[pigletwillie]

We save a bit so that if my job goes we can pay yon mortgage for a few months. We dont have a great deal behind us though

Saying that, we have just bought a new leather suite plus all the expense of the hall stairs and landing job, Oak flooing sure does cost..

A healthy mix I suppose then.

[sharonr]

Whats saving? I have a husband, a 13 year old son and two dogs so I never have any money left.

[coomber]

we do a bit of both here, we have some savings for emergencies but if we want something and have the money we buy it

[Rhona]

We spend a bit, save a bit. I spent many years spending loads without saving, but have grown up a bit now! We both tend to avoid credit cards and the like. I have traditionally been a bit of a fritterer, but definately find being more responsible with money much more rewarding.

[burnie]

I think old Aston Martins,Ferraris,Diamonds and Gold Coins would be the best purchases,any one want to lend me some money

[HeyWayne]

Spend a little, live a lot. Sounds familiar...

Never really been much of a saver - but then I've never been reckless with money either.

I will say, that this recession scares me - but mostly because of the unexpected (it's the first time for me). Reading a trade report earlier it suggests that the construction industry is not likely to come out of the recession until sometime in 2012. Just need to hope I can stay employed until then. We've measures in place which should mean we can get by for several months if things went baps up. In which time, one would hope to get something sorted longer term.

What was the question?

[HeyWayne]

It's your round - mine's a pint

Vodka or Gin this time?

[HeyWayne]

as it's Monday, I'll go for Gin please

...as we're in a spending mood I'll treat you to Tanqueray.

[allotmentlady]

as it's Monday, I'll go for Gin please

LARGE vodka and ice with a drop of coke.........instable and mental and not worthy of hospital treatment!!!!

[Bephlam]

I don't have money to spend, or save...so that's the end of that!!

[kirsty b]

I'd like to do both But there's usually too much month left at the end of the money

How true, thats how we feel most months!!

[tricky]

If anybody has any money to spare i would certainly pay off as much as the mortgage as possible .Im pleased i did as you never know when you will become ill.
To be fair if you was to look at the smallprint on a unemployment insurance scheme you will see you have to out of work for nine months ,funny that
After nine months benefits pays your interest anyway so i feel the insurance schemes are a con.
If the benefits people payed my rent for a 2 bedroomed council house for a month it would be £100 more then my mortgage but still they only pay my interest.
Im pleased i overpayed my mortgage by 10% each year , otherwise me and oh would not be able to cope

[willowstar]

I work with someone who has a lot of wealth...her and her hubby just bought a whacking great house lat month for cash (for a ridiculously low price) because they figure it was better to spend it on something rather than having it sitting in a bank because the rates are so low right now. Totally different planet to me mind! I spend what I earn every month and haven't a bean saved anywhere :-)