A woman has sparked a heated debate online after wondering if she should attend a party with friends to celebrate ‘paying off her mortgage’.
The unnamed woman took to UK parents’ forum Mumsnet to reveal that a close friend of hers, who “had the help of her family”, is celebrating paying off her mortgage.
She revealed that she “don’t want to reason with anyone” but that the party “feels a little fake” to her.
She was met with mixed reactions as some agreed it looked “crass” and “lacks self-awareness”.
However, others pointed out that some people want to celebrate milestone events that “are not tied to the traditional family setup”, such as “weddings, christenings and children’s birthdays”.
The mum explained: “A friend of mine is having a party to celebrate paying off her mortgage, I’m not explaining anyone paying off their mortgage as it’s a fantastic achievement but she’s had so much help from her family , etc.
“She never had to pay for a vacation, her parents bought all her cars, paid for a lot of work on her house, including an extension, and even paid for her divorce settlement.
“She received at least £300,000 over the life of her mortgage. How about attending such a party?? Seems a bit wrong to me.
She continued: “My husband laughed his socks off when I told him about the party invite, he said the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ mortgage had been paid off.”
One Mumsnet user replied: “I think it’s probably some sort of ‘any excuse for a party’ thing – but that’s kinda rude/tactless/lacking in self-awareness.”
While another said: ‘I also think that’s rude, especially at a time when most people are struggling financially.
While another said: ‘I also think that’s rude, especially at a time when most people are struggling financially.
“We were lucky enough to be able to pay off our mortgage a few years ago. Don’t think we told anyone to throw a party.
While someone else wrote: “In the current economic climate, that seems somewhat crude.
“I guess the only thing that would make things better would be if she was just as generous to others, a kind of ‘pay it forward’ person. Is she?’
However, others thought it was no more “gross” than “any other celebration”.
One person said: ‘I didn’t party because it would be weird. But I posted it on Facebook with a glass of Shloer.
“I would go to a party if I was free and didn’t put in a lot of effort on my part (like most parties, I guess – somewhere local or easy to get to). Is it rude? Probably no more than any party.
Another person pointed out that people use any excuse to party these days.
Saying: ‘Most people I know use any reason as a hook to hang the party, e.g. end of summer party, new job party, etc., but it’s not really referenced at the party itself. Go there if you feel like socializing, don’t if you don’t.
Someone else said, “It depends on how it was worded. My friend threw a party when she bought a new bed.
“It was an ironic reason to invite people. If it’s a heartfelt celebration of paying off the mortgage and that’s the theme of the party, it’s very odd.
Another valid point made by some users was that people celebrate “the birth” and their baby’s genitals, so why not celebrate being mortgage free.
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