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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To struggle on this salary?

409 replies

Unfff · 17/11/2024 18:10

Or more to the point… think it’s just not worth the hard work anymore?

Had enough. I earn 3,100 a month. My mortgage is 900 and car finance 300. Student loans 300. Nursery is 800 and I get 400 child maintenance. By the time I’ve paid bills… this months heating was 150! Water another 50. Phone bill and Netflix… I’m left with barely anything. My job is really full on and I work late or weekends often… I do t strictly have to but it’s the sort of job where you just do… otherwise things fall apart.

I don’t do expensive things. Can’t actually remember last time I went on holiday! AIBU to find it utterly miserable that taking home this much money means you still can’t just buy a coat or even new jumper etc without having to think twice?!

OP posts:
TwinklyRoseTurtle · 17/11/2024 18:17

Unfff · 17/11/2024 18:16

@TwinklyRoseTurtle theres so many bills though that I’m not left with 1,000. I have car tax, home and car insurance etc. it’s far less than that

I would write a list of all your ingoings/outgoings a month, go through bank statements see what unnecessary things you pay for and make a budget. Loads of examples on Instagram/ online how to create a budget, nursery fees aren’t forever

Fairyliz · 17/11/2024 18:16

To be fair the early years with a child are hard for everyone. They will be harder for you if it’s just you and your child.
Hang on in there; it gets easier when they go to school.

IVFmumoftwo · 17/11/2024 18:16

LittleRedRidingHoody · 17/11/2024 18:14

Oh that sucks OP. You're definitely not being unreasonable.

I'm sure the MN brigade will be along shortly with good, practical advice - just wanted to commiserate. I was on similar for a few years and it sucked - just surviving and no fun!

Are you not eligible for a bit of UC towards the nursery fees?

On a £3k salary?

She has a mortgage. No chance of UC with one child, that salary and a mortgage. Maybe if she was renting.

Unfff · 17/11/2024 18:16

TwinklyRoseTurtle · 17/11/2024 18:15

Your salary £3100+ £400 maintenance
your listed outgoings £2500
leaving £1000 left over, I’d suggest combing through 3 months bank statements with a highlighter and seeing where you are overspending

@TwinklyRoseTurtle theres so many bills though that I’m not left with 1,000. I have car tax, home and car insurance etc. it’s far less than that

OP posts:
Unfff · 17/11/2024 18:15

@LittleRedRidingHoody i checked if I was entitled to anything but you have to earn loads less. I just feel like working is pointless at the moment.

OP posts:
TwinklyRoseTurtle · 17/11/2024 18:15

Your salary £3100+ £400 maintenance
your listed outgoings £2500
leaving £1000 left over, I’d suggest combing through 3 months bank statements with a highlighter and seeing where you are overspending

Derogations · 17/11/2024 18:14

Hang in there. Nursery isn’t forever.

LittleRedRidingHoody · 17/11/2024 18:14

Oh that sucks OP. You're definitely not being unreasonable.

I'm sure the MN brigade will be along shortly with good, practical advice - just wanted to commiserate. I was on similar for a few years and it sucked - just surviving and no fun!

Are you not eligible for a bit of UC towards the nursery fees?

Dontfuckingsaycheese · 17/11/2024 18:13

Someone’s stealing from you? 🧐