What is 'being MSE'

A question about : What is 'being MSE'

I've been a MSE member for just over 6 months, and in that time I've enjoyed the community part of the forum, got myself some advice, and hopefully made a few helpful suggestions based on a lifetime working in the financial sector, and just a lifetime of living.

My main financial driver is to make the most of the money that I have to enjoy life now and to prepare for an early retirement in about 3 years time.

However, I often see the the phrase 'it's not exactly MSE', usually deployed when someone spends some money.

After further research I'm led to believe that being MSE involves

Wasting the banks time to open multiple bank accounts which you never use, to get benefits worth a negligible amount each month.

Obsessing over your credit score.

Trying to think up ways you might have been mis sold any financial product in the last 30 years, in order to get compensation, and failing, because you weren't mis sold at all.

Being apologetic about spending anything on something that isn't a complete necessity for survival, even if you can afford it.

If that's what 'being MSE' is all about, then I'm so not MSE!

What do you feel is 'being MSE' ?

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Best answers:

• As bringing home fish and chips from time to time is one of my simple pleasures in life, the amount of enjoyment makes it a great use of the money and very MSE !
• All I know is home-made fish and chips are cheaper and taste better than fish and chip shop fish and chips for me!
• Being MSE = lustily shopping around for best value regardless of the impact on workers and then later in political mode pretending you want workers tret fairly.
• For me, being MSE is about getting the costs of living (food, utilities ect) to maximise how much disposable income I have, so that I can spend the rest on things for myself.
  Taking the bus is painful so it's a really comforting thought to know you can always afford the taxi to wherever you need to go, that you can buy the kit for the latest craft project you want to do. I love video games and knowing I can get new consoles when I want rather then when I can afford it is my ultimate luxury.
  I have always believed that you should work just enough in order to live the lifestyle that you are comfortable with, no more, no less. Work is a way to get what you need to live, not a life in itself.
  Currently my Ј17k income (living alone - no kids, 1 kitten) is enough to provide that, but when I do have a family I will need to work more in order to afford the life I want for my children too.
  If you feel you are stopping yourself from spending money on things you will really enjoy, then I believe you need to go through your finances again and figure out how to turn your income into access for enjoyment, you only get one life, happiness and satisfaction for you and your family should be your priority.
• I am so MSE on certain things (cooking from scratch, making good quality clothes last longer etc), and so un-MSE in others (buying expensive organic food).
  It does depend on one's motivations: being mse because money is really tight and making the most of every single penny is of paramount importance, or being mse in some things in order to have more money for others. Or any shade in between these.
  This site tells people how to save every which way, but then it's up to people to use the information or not use it at all.
• Wasting the banks time to open multiple bank accounts which you never use, to get benefits worth a negligible amount each month.
  I've never and never would be bothered with doing that.
  Obsessing over your credit score.
  I've never checked my credit score.
  Trying to think up ways you might have been mis sold any financial product in the last 30 years, in order to get compensation, and failing, because you weren't mis sold at all.
  Never taken out credit - unless a mortgage (paid off) counts.
  Being apologetic about spending anything on something that isn't a complete necessity for survival, even if you can afford it.
  I buy something if I want it.
  Oh dear, looks like I wouldn't be considered MSE then.
  Although I do try to get the best savings interest rates. Meaning bonds & fixed term savings accounts.