How do you survive, financially??

[allgonebellyup]

Just wondering what most of the single parents do on here for money?

• work full time?

work part time / tax credits?
income support?

Also how do you pay for your housing??

[matilda57]

Hi allgonebellyup (hope that changes soon hun!)
I work part time, plus do a little research job. I have maintenance, tax credits, child benefits as income (on top of £ from work). I pay for my mortgage, but interest only, as I can't afford to pay the repayments at the mo. It's a good job I got on the property ladder when I did tbh.

Are you new to the lone parent malarkey? I've been a lone parent for about 12 years (I think?) so I dont even remember being married any more! I've kept my finances on an even keel right through, though it has been a juggling act, and I've been pretty short for most of it. That's not the case for everybody though. There's a new trend in the public eye about not being wasteful and learning to rein in spending. I must be very trendy then LOL.

[persephonesnape]

I work full time, no maintenance and receive tax credits and child benefit. three children aged 11,9 & 7. it's a bloody hard slog. I make sure i stock the freezer on payday with half price meat from the asda remainder counter. i let myself have £100 shopping and pin money a week that covers food, petrol, papers, etc. i (just about) run a car and my mortgage is inteerst only, but I too am glad that i got on thehouseing ladder when i did as my property value increases daily and when i sell i may be able to afford a smaller flat in a nicer area.

[NuttyMuffins]

I am on benefits at the mo, so get Income support, CTC, Child benefit and Housing benefit pays my rent.

Would rather be working part time at least, and paying my way, but it's easier said than done.

[allgonebellyup]

thanks for replies

luckily we bought our first house last year before we split so my mortgage interest only but at least we managed to buy somewhere.

Nuttymuffins, could you do nannying work or be a childminder? it would raise your tax credits too..

[MrsWho]

I work p/t and have tax credits and a few quid maitenance.

I bought my house before house prices shot up and although I have increased my morgage in the last couple of years its still just about doable.

[Nightynight]

I work full time.
The government pays me maintenance, and then attempts to get it back from my ex.
(this financial advantage of living in Bavaria is unfortunately offset by the social disadvantage of being a single mother)

[Blondilocks]

I work FT & my mum is my main source of childcare.

[madamez]

Self-employed (was for about 7 years before having DS and was always broke then, too...) now get WTC/CTC, HB, maintenance from DS' dad. And borrow a lot from friends. Not extravagant, house is rented, no holidays, no car, any new clothes/shoes from either charity shops or Primark.
Realistically I know thinks are going to get better, but actually having v bad day of black despair at present... but survival is possible.

[MrsWho]

Oh and forgot to say my childcare is my parents (and I only work term time)

[persephonesnape]

madame z (and others!) my kids are kitted out in gap, next and m&S all from our local salvation army store that sells 2nd hand kids clothes in excellent condition for 50p a piece.

I also go to next every payday and get £10 on my gift card and spend it all in the boxing day sale. generally manage to make a 50% saving, so my £120 = £240

[Lasvegas]

I found it really difficult. I worked full time and childcare was my biggest expense. I bought all clothes and toys from charity shops but DD was a baby so no peer pressure. Didn't have a car. I was incrediably lucky that DD godfather paid half my mortgage in return for a share of the equity in the house. When it was sold he did well so it wasn't charity.

[ThereMustBeMoreToLife]

I'm self employed, work full time but with the advantage of being able to have DS with me when he's not at nursery so little child care expenses.It is a struggle and I'm renting, no chance of getting on the property ladder anytime soon .

I was on IS and housing benifits for a few years and it was hard then too, I simply got used to not buying extras, ever, and stocking up in sales and charity shops...

[Kimmya]

Am single mum of 7 yr old DD and we always have been on our own. On IS at the mo and live in a social flat, so getting housing and council tax benefit. Its hard being on a very limited budget and having to make decisions each week on what to buy but more likely what not to buy. Getting a job that will offer flexible working (no weekends!) and only 16-18 hours a week is tricky I find. Things will get more difficult soon with my DD going up to junior school when peer pressure and after school activities will involve spending more money. Just started Brownies and getting a uniform for that is expensive too!

[jellyjelly]

I work full time in a school which is quite low pay. I am taking a lower paid job about 11k but with training. It will be very hard but should be better for us in a yr.

I get maintence, my wages, child benefit, tax credits and working tax credits and nursery fees paid.

I really struggle some months then other times i feel rich because i havent paid a bill. I have to pay out for the mortgage which is 700pm and i will have to find a lodger soon to help out.

My tax credits got reduced by 200pm which has shot me in the foot.

[snowwonder]

blimey they were reduced by a huge ammont, i hope mine dont get cut..

I am single parent to 2 girls,
i work 20 hours a week in the NHS so not great pay, i get tax credits, and child benifit, and housing benifit pay a small ammount towards my rent,

I cant tell you how we survive we just do...

think you always adapt to what you have and make cuts appropiately,

girls having hot dinners at scholl really helps as they just have a light tea after school..

[charliecat]

I have very recently split with dp, he wont be going anywhere till the 1st of June as hes paid the rent till then, and I dont wanna shove him out to sleep in his car when really theres no need.
At the start of this month I registered as Self Employed and have sold some things on ebay...not much and mainly this week, but profit has been £40...I have some more stock coming, but bloody hell, £40 isnt much use.
Hope im entitled to something.

[benjaminsmum]

Hi. I am reasonably new single mum to an 8mth and 3yr old. I manage on maintenance, child tax credit, child benefit and a top up of housing benefit. I am in a rented house having moved out of our owned house (sale pending). I do not envisage ever getting on the property ladder again as it is so expensive. My top tips are NCT sales, table sales, charity shops and Next sales (did you know most stores take on staff for the day and as a perk let you take your pick of the sale stuff a day or so before the big day!)