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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask when is the cost of living going to go down?

239 replies

scotpancakes · 03/11/2024 14:53

When will working hard start to pay off? I scrape by every month. I can't afford to save, so I can't afford a house! I live in the South East and rent prices are crazy. Will this country ever become more affordable? For the past 16 years it's been doom and gloom and it just goes on and on!

OP posts:
Original poster
scotpancakes · 03/11/2024 15:13

Thanks for all your well meaning replies. It's not as easy as just moving, this costs money. Also, moving to cheaper area means changing schools and my daughter is happy! I can retrain (how do I become a hedge fund manager?!?) I work in the media, so notoriously lower paid than most other industries! I was hoping someone might offer a glimmer of hope! But I guess I'll just put up with my lot! Just sad we're such a 'rich' country and hard work doesn't seem to pay!

OP posts:
Greenbike · 03/11/2024 15:12

Short answer: it won’t. Prices for most things almost never go down. They just go up slower or faster. Unfortunately there hasn’t really ever been a time when a single parent on an average income renting in the south east has had it easy.

Is your child’s father contributing financially? Are you claiming all benefits you might be entitled to?

AquaPeer · 03/11/2024 15:11

Can you expand on what you mean? Inflation has reduced since the col crisis, I am not sure it will go backwards though?

steff13 · 03/11/2024 15:09

Understairscupboard · 03/11/2024 15:01

I'm 60 and in my experience the cost of living has only ever gone up.
I remember my mum saying in the 70s that when oil prices go up so does the price of fish and chips, but when oil prices go down the price of fish and chips stays up.

I'm not in my '60s but I was going to say the same thing. I think it only goes up doesn't it? I mean here in the US politicians talk about decreasing the cost of living but nothing ever really happens.

NuffSaidSam · 03/11/2024 15:09

scotpancakes · 03/11/2024 15:05

@NuffSaidSam I'm a
Single parent. I can't move away from where I live as my child is settled and near her father! Other than get a £70k + job or down sizing to a one bedroom flat, there isn't much I can do! (I won't downsize as I want to at least enjoy my home). I don't turn the heating on unless I really need to.

I suppose retraining/changing jobs is your best bet then.

And/or looking around to see if there is somewhere cheaper within commutable distance of your ex.

Are you claiming everything you're entitled to? Have you got the best deals on bills/bank accounts etc? Look at MoneySavingExpert for guidance around this.

Jeckyl · 03/11/2024 15:08

You can’t expect costs to come down. You have to change what you spend your money on, increase your income, or both.

If you are in a career with limited scope for progression then it is difficult.

VickyEadieofThigh · 03/11/2024 15:08

Understairscupboard · 03/11/2024 15:01

I'm 60 and in my experience the cost of living has only ever gone up.
I remember my mum saying in the 70s that when oil prices go up so does the price of fish and chips, but when oil prices go down the price of fish and chips stays up.

I'm 66 and agree. Some prices drop - usually technology, for example - but inflation is a constant. The best to hope for is a low level of inflation.

edwinbear · 03/11/2024 15:06

Businesses have to absorb the new NMW and higher NI costs. Prices are only going to go up.

Original poster
scotpancakes · 03/11/2024 15:05

@NuffSaidSam I'm a
Single parent. I can't move away from where I live as my child is settled and near her father! Other than get a £70k + job or down sizing to a one bedroom flat, there isn't much I can do! (I won't downsize as I want to at least enjoy my home). I don't turn the heating on unless I really need to.

OP posts:
Ragruggers · 03/11/2024 15:04

Never only up.With the floods in Spain glass houses have been destroyed so there will be a lack of imported fruit and veg this year so prices will rise again.

Understairscupboard · 03/11/2024 15:01

I'm 60 and in my experience the cost of living has only ever gone up.
I remember my mum saying in the 70s that when oil prices go up so does the price of fish and chips, but when oil prices go down the price of fish and chips stays up.

Bankholidayhelp · 03/11/2024 14:58

15-20 years,?

headstone · 03/11/2024 14:57

Privately renting in the south east means you will never have any money, any salary increase will just go to increasing rents. Your best bet is to look elsewhere for jobs.

NuffSaidSam · 03/11/2024 14:54

I wouldn't count on it happening any time soon.

What could you do to improve your situation?