r/FinanceUK

Genuine question.

I see a lot of people saying you should never borrow money for holidays, shopping, experiences, designer items, etc., and should only use debt for things like a house.

But if life is short and tomorrow isn't guaranteed, what's actually wrong with borrowing to enjoy life now?

For example:

• Taking out a personal loan for a big holiday.
• Using credit cards to fund travelling.
• Financing luxury purchases.
• Buying experiences while you're young rather than waiting until you're old.

I understand the maths argument that you'll pay interest, but lots of people seem to act as if it's morally wrong rather than just financially inefficient.

Isn't there an argument that:

• You only live once.
• You're healthiest when you're young.
• Experiences today may be worth more than experiences in 30 years.
• You could die before getting the chance to enjoy the money you've saved.

At what point does "being responsible" become unnecessarily delaying gratification?

Interested in hearing both sides, especially from people who have either:

• Borrowed for experiences and don't regret it, or
• Regret not enjoying life more when they were younger.

I’m 18 years old and just started investing for the long term 25+ years, up to now I have been putting all my money into vanguards FTSE all world fund, however with there recent releases of FTSE global all cap with a lower cost, I wonder if I should be switching to that, or investing in somthing else completely.

Thankyou and any advice appreciated

Early inheritance (they are still alive, just gifting early due to inheritance tax)

#TLDR I got gifted 750k, got myself a house and 4 BTL. I have more cash coming my way (definitely 60k, may be 180k by the end of 2027). What should I do?

East Midlands

- 320k main residence, now worth 370k

- 140k rented 950/mo

- 143k rented 950/mo

- 146k - under renovation - to be let for 1200/mo

- 140kish terraced in bought STC - predict 950/mo

Prices include solicitor fees, SDLT and surveys.

None of those were mortgaged other than no 4. I had taken out a mortgage for less than 50% LTV from main residence to buy the 4th let. Rent is a bit over 150% of installments.

I have a job with defined benefit but once my income goes into 40% I'll aggressively pay into my SIPP. I'm 28 and I think of having kids and leaving work (a break until they are 12 so I can claim NI 2 for taking care of children) to stay with them so my family history of kids being raised by nannies and never seeing hard working parents doesn't repeat.

I know people are much against the BTL nowadays but I had so issues so far and the properties pay any maintenance and fixes with some money left over. That's the reason why I thought to take a mortgage out and get a 4th one.

Nevertheless, I am getting more money coming my way in a few months/next year. I can either buy a next house or dip my toe into investments. I have SP500 in my SIPP, some guilts and some AI stocks but a thought of putting a full house price into ISA/SIPP and investing it scares me. I would probably do SP500 or gilts. Or should I stick to houses since I was lucky so far?

50yo have inherited a lump sum 300k. Would like to retire around 60. No mortgage no dependants. My head says shut your eyes and stick it all on a tracker and forget it for 10 years but my heart won't let me... what to do?

I am relocating soon to a different country and heard that dealing with Student Finance is a big faff. I currently have about £13k remaining of the loan and I have about £110k in savings. I am wondering if it is just better to pay off this loan as I’ll likely pay it off at some point in my life given I have already paid £20k and I am 28 years old. I expect to find a job abroad but not immediately. I don’t have to pay rent and expect my expenses to not be super high when I move. I am just looking for views if anyone has paid off their student loan early and if it is worth it?

My clear score shows the following
Score 323
I closed an account with premium credit Ltd, it was my pay monthly insurance
I cancelled but my insurer delayed in telling credit company which caused missed payments being shown on my credit score. This missed payment was in March 2026

Some moderate arrears jun jul 2023

Credit card accounts 2022 with bad arrears and moderate arrears

No defaults

Based on this would I get approved for a mortgage
Salary 33k
House prices ranging from 100-130k

Thank you

if anyone has been banned or suffered from a mute from the subreddit please reach out. Recently we have learned one of our mods was banning people for frivolous comments. They have been banned and removed from their post. This message is just to spread awareness that we are handling it.

Anyone else get the email from LLoyds today: "Your Ready-Made Investments account pricing is changing"?

Your account fee is changing from £3 a month to a percentage-based fee of 0.3% per year.

"We’ll take this monthly, based on the value of your investments. You’ll never pay more than £25 per month."

I had £100K in there, so that would have been £25 a month, more than a x7.5 fee increase. 0.3% a month, for doing nothing - you choose between 3 Scottish Widows funds of funds that then just sit in the account & have their own 0.1% management fee.

Glad I told them to close my Ready-Made Investments account last week. 😄