Bloke ‘too scared to spend cash’ admits he is mentally drained by ‘what ifs’

A man has admitted he’s “too scared to spend” his money because he’s tormented by the “what if.”

The dad said his problem leaves him feeling like he’s missing out and fears he may regret it in later life.

In a thread on a Reddit discussion thread about money, the user writes: “I can safely say I have a poor relationship with money. I am scared to spend it. I’m scared to spend it because of the ‘what if.’

“After all the bills come out I feel I must have a certain amount left in my account to feel happy. I call this my buffer. My buffer is ridiculous to some, but it’s what I’m happy with.

“Recently I am starting to feel like I am missing out due to my reluctance to spend money. I am planning on driving from the UK with my wife and child to Belgium to watch the F1. I am a huge F1 fan and this would be a once in a life time thing. But I am really really struggling to press the go button on it and use some of my buffer to pay for it.

“I don’t want to get to the point where I am too old to do these kind of things and look back and wonder why I didn’t do it.

“I’m not sure if anyone can relate, but it’s mentally exhausting and I hate it.”

Many people rushed to offer their advice after the man admitted the trip equated to around 20% of his “buffer.”

One wrote: “Just do it man, it’ll be fun, you’ll make the money back.”

Another added: “You cannot take it with you when you go. Live your life before you’re too old to live it well. It’s pitch black after this.”

While one advised: “Setup a savings account and put $x amount each paycheck. Then you can feel free to spend some.”

One said: “Try setting up multiple accounts, one that has longer term savings (retirement??) and one for current expenses (living expenses) rent, taxes, food, clothes and an account for fun (family pleasure account).

“Look at the money as an investment in personal and family fun, laughter, relaxation and great memories.

“The money we have is to be split between now and the future. We can’t take it with us. So, the person with the biggest financial buffer at the end is probably the biggest loser.”

Another added: “I am the same exact way, I feel genuine guilt every time I have to swipe that card. I also have a buffer in my account that I can’t go below and just like you, I feel like sometimes I’m missing out on life.

“I’ve blown it off as ADHD, but it might be deeper idk. Just like some of these other comments have said, you just have to find that balance between living life and spending too much. Easier said than done for some of us though.”

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