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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Does anyone live alone on 25k or less?

32 replies

Imsotiredandcantsleep · 07/08/2024 12:54

Assuming outside of London and not rent or mortgage free.
If you don't, have you done previously? How did you find it?

OP posts:
Original poster
Imsotiredandcantsleep · 07/08/2024 13:47

Without UC yes.

That's what I earn currently, I have a job offer for something paying 30.5k but I just need to be brave enough to take the leap.

I'm not expecting a life of luxury, but now at this age I just want to enjoy life a bit more. It's tiring to have to always buy the cheapest of everything, live in not nice areas and have to count every penny.

OP posts:
Bjorkdidit · 07/08/2024 13:46

KenAdams · 07/08/2024 13:46

You mean without UC or maintenance?

If they live alone, how would UC or maintenance come into it?

KenAdams · 07/08/2024 13:46

You mean without UC or maintenance?

Longtimelurkerfinallyposts · 07/08/2024 13:44

What is your AIBU?
Personally, have never earned more than £25k pa, have survived fine but am pretty frugal with my spending (eat vegan, bulk-buy wholefoods, don't spend on makeup, new clothes or consumerist tat). Mostly travel by bike.

Bjorkdidit · 07/08/2024 13:32

How easy it would be would depend on your housing costs, other essential costs and lifestyle expectations.

It's a take home of £1700 pm so if you WFH or lived near to work so you could walk or cycle and your rent was cheap and decent insulation and boiler so your utilities were low, it would probably be fine.

However if you had a big commute, possibly also a car loan and expected to be able to spend without thinking on multiple non essentials (endless coffees, lunches and takeaways, beauty treatments, latest tech, eating and drinking out, holidays, hobbies, gym etc), obviously you'd struggle.

JudgeBurrito · 07/08/2024 13:03

I did, but in 2016. It was fine, I could afford my mortgage, bills, food, gym membership, and a car on PCP (and petrol, insurance etc). I'm not sure I could do it now though, given the rise in costs.

Danikm151 · 07/08/2024 12:56

I did and honestly I was fine. Enough for bills and fun. My rent was £500 with bills it came to about £800. £900 left for food, savings and fun each month.
Now I have a child that £25k doesn’t go far!