To wonder what’s the point when I’m left with this after bills?

Aldi nappies are pretty cheap and decent.

No one is "racing to the bottom" and childcare costs ARE ridiculous but that's not going to change overnight, so if OP is seriously struggling there are ways to cut back.

Totally agree

It is always the same posters racing to the bottom. Every post with a higher earner - you’ll see the same names. It is absolutely wrong that people like the op should feel so financially stressed. It does happen and punitive tax policy and childcare costs are harmful to women. Often forcing them out of the workplace: this then widens the gender gap. Bigger picture.

900 a month and only paid off when your 70? Are you an older mum or do you live in London? That's alot to be paying out per month for the rest of your working life. I'd consider selling and moving area to be honest. I mean the nursery fees are by far the biggest problem right now but that's still alot for the rest of your life practically. Unless you absolutely love the house or desperately need to stay in the area you are in I would consider moving. Even the nursery fees will be lower tbh. My daughters full fees were 860 a month and that felt alot yours is double. I'm guessing your in London or surrounding area.

You earn twice what the national average is for a HOUSEHOLD.

Cut your cloth

And you clearly have no idea what the reality of life on benefits is like, so you're spouting nonsense.

Of course she should be able to afford it. But if she's struggling that much, it's not a necessity to buy.

It categorically doesn’t in this country. Your post is silly ! And tells me you have never lived/worked anywhere else in the world.

Who buys cleaning products every week though? I haven't bought any this week. Pets are a luxury as well, not a necessity. It's about choices some times.

You have lost the point of her post!

WHY oh WHY is some who is gainfully employed and earning a decent wage unable to afford bubble bath! You called bubble bath a luxury! Give your head a shake!

Luxury is staying in a superlux hotel, dining on lobster and fine wine. It’s not bubble bath!

Of course it pays to work. What a silly comment. OP is a homeowner, that in itself is an achievement that people who can't work will never have.

Only if they don't work. It can be taken from their wages otherwise. Regardless that's just one option. She has access to other help aswell hopefully she can use some of the childcare help available to her.

I agree with you. I’m a single parent to a four year old and I cannot get my weekly shop below £100. Ignoring the fact that I’m vegan and he isn’t - if you take into consideration cleaning items, toilet roll, laundry, shampoo conditioner etc. Then foods for each meal and snacks and drinks. Then if you have pets, taking that into account. I see people say they feed a family of 5+ on £50 a week and think, are they solely eating pasta and cheese for every meal and wiping their bum on a leaf.

As a single parent of one you really don't need to spend £40 a week on that stuff. Wash dishes by hand, there can't be that many with only 2 of you. A big bottle of Fairy liquid lasts me 3-4 weeks and costs £3. Bubble bath is a luxury not a necessity. Supermarket brand wipes are less than a quid.

Where are you getting nappies from that cost £5 a week? Even when we were on shops own brand, it cost more than £10 a week for my twins.

I completely understand! When you work in a stressful full time job you need r&r. £570 / month is not enough for that. It’s just not. It doesn’t pay to work in this country. Have you thought about using your skills to take up employment abroad ?

The UK has this tall daisy mentality. People hate to see others doing well. Want to see them suffer like they do.

Go to a webpage advertising jobs in the Middle East, you won’t believe the packages on offer.

It won’t be forever OP, in a few years you may find your wages have gone up and your bills have fallen substantially. It is shit though, it’s supposed to be a comfortable wage and you shouldn’t have to think twice about a day out. But it’s not forever, it will get better.

How much are you using daily that you need to buy washing powder, bubble bath and dishwasher tablets every week? Nappies and baby wipes, I feel your pain but look at Mama brand on Amazon. Subscribe and you save even more, box of baby wipes will last you ages.

how?! Washing powder, bubble bath, nappies, wipes, dishwasher tablets… that’s already the best part of 40 quid a week?

No way would that be £40 a week. Even if was using a dishwasher wouldn't be essential for two people and bubble bath isn't a necessity.

I really hate when people on these threads say "why aren't you getting child maintenance?"

BECAUSE MEN CAN GET AWAY WITH NOT PAYING IT.

Many many posters have sympathised with the OP that it feels shit in the expensive nursery years. Of course she’s not unreasonable to feel disheartened. But that wasn’t your original point and so not what I was replying to.

Yes, it’d be nice if childcare was more subsidised. But in this country apparently we don’t like to vote for tax increases. So there’s no money for it.

Oh dear , poor you !

I think the point is you are progressing in your career (even if it might not feel like it) and setting yourself up for a better future whilst covering extortionate nursery fees BUT only for a very temporary period of max 2-3 years.

Are you claiming everything you should be - child maintenance, child benefit, funded childcare and tax free childcare? £1,600 is HUGE so seems like you might not be??

Can you reduce any bills? Buy DC clothes from Vinted. You can go with minimal new clothes for a couple of years??

Have you looked into doing bank account switches? Really easy and can earn a few hundred - would pay for a few nice days out?

Can you put aside enough for one day out a month? It’s not much but it’s only temporary.

In 2 years time you’ll have an extra £1,600 a month (plus potential pay rises), you’ll have the lifestyle you want then!! It’s worth sticking it out!!!

You are spending much more than the ‘average’ 3-person family on food, in that case.