'Unhygienic!': Mum's 'budgeting hack' has people divided

"This isn't a money-saving tip. It's just gross on so many levels," someone replied to the controversial post. So, would you be willing to do this if it meant massive savings?

In a post that sparked a huge debate within the Mums on a Budget AU Facebook group, a mum shared her unconventional money-saving ‘hack’ — opting out of wearing underwear. 

Her post began with a disclaimer, perhaps anticipating the backlash to come...

"A no underwear post!” she declared. "Appreciating everyone’s 'standards' are different, and what is a necessity for one is not necessarily a necessity for others." 

The anonymous mum then went on to describe her budgeting method. "As a female, choosing to go the 'no underwear' route - for years now - I want to assure others who have never considered this - that it is so comfortable and that I have never gone back."

And, because you're definitely wondering, she makes an exception to her rule for "the monthlies". 

Further stating her case, she writes, "I can’t say that the opposite gender complains about going underwear-free — they seem to like it as well." 

The mum then concluded her post: "I know this is a financial/budget group, so I just want to throw out the idea, in case it helps others, to consider whether underwear really is a necessity or perhaps could be ditched out of the budget."

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"This isn't budget-saving, it's unhygienic on several levels"

The post quickly attracted a range of opinions, with many disapproving of her approach. 

One member replied, "No, no, please wear underwear. That’s just nasty." 

Another commented on logistical aspects: "I would wear undies so I didn't have to wash my things like jeans as often. Wearing undies just seems to make sense to me." 

A different member echoed these hygiene concerns, saying, "It's not nice when it’s the summer months and you’re sweating down there. Yuck."

"I’m not trying to be gross," said someone else, "but women’s bodies leak…how do you deal with that?"

A group member then pointed out, "You’re actually wasting more money because you’re having to wash large clothing items more frequently as opposed to tiny pairs of underwear."

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Speaking of the financial aspect of it all, many pointed out that undies didn’t make a massive dent in their budget anyway, and there were plenty of great, affordable options out there.

"Yeah, no. You can buy knickers from Kmart for under two bucks. This isn't budget-saving, and it's unhygienic on several levels."

"My four-pack from Big W has lasted me for years," someone else claimed.

Concerns about comfort and hygiene continued… "I have to wear underwear; otherwise, I get a sweat rash. I’d rather spend $20 on undies that’ll last years than tons on Sudocrem," one person wrote. 

"Budgeting has gone too far…" stated another woman, "Implying that people could save money not wearing underwear??? Oh my gosh."

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"As long as you're happy"

Despite the criticism, some group members supported the idea. "I’m personally at the other end of the scale, where not wearing underwear is physically uncomfortable for me, so it’s not something I’ll ever cut from my budget. But I’m all for doing what works for you! So embrace that no underwear life, girl, as long as you’re happy!" one responded.

Others admitted that they also ditched the undergarment.

Comments included: "Yesssss! I hate wearing them so very rarely do!" and "I’m with you, no undies for life."

Then, a member summarised the discussion as, "The Most Anonymous Budget post for the Year!!! Kind of thrown into 'WTF did I just read?' and 'Yeah, no worries, you do you'."

Another chimed in, "Personally, I do it every now and again; I don't have a problem with it!! It's being a little wild within, and nobody knows about it. It depends on where I am going and what I am wearing, of course. It's being spontaneous and a little cheeky!! Literally, haha. 😆" 

Then, this balanced commenter added, "Either way is okay. It’s a personal choice and of no consequence to anyone unless wet patches are being left in public spaces."

Responding to the wide range of reactions, the original poster added a follow-up comment: "My post was designed to be for someone whose life could be entirely changed by this one simple freedom-seeking change. I'm ignoring the haters who don’t choose it."

Originally published as 'Unhygienic!': Mum's 'budgeting hack' has people divided