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Is anyone else's full wage just going on living expenses?!

181 replies

maria2bela1 · 01/02/2025 08:08

My partner and I both work, have 3 young children. We crunched some numbers yesterday and my partners whole wage (which is a decent one, over 50k) goes on outgoings! I just can't believe it, we pay high rent in London (2k) then our gas/elec bill is sky high at £230 a month. Sorry having a rant but this is insanity. How are we ever supposed to save for a house? I honestly feel like the only way around this is to leave London, but our family and friends are here so not nice for the kids.

OP posts:
FrannyScraps · 01/02/2025 08:24

Outgoings is so vague. Everyone spends to their budget so most outgoings are choice to some extent. Ie higher income usually means larger home, more expensive location, newer cars, fancier food and entertainment....

Cut your cloth if you don't like it. Choose a cheaper place to live, have fewer children (can't be undone I know, but it's a choice), etc etc.

Poor people are always told to do it (budget better, accept you can't have everything). Those with higher income need to hear it too.

Zanatdy · 01/02/2025 08:23

To buy the only answer is to leave. I am in zone 6 and do have a deposit but only because I lived rent free for 3yrs when owner was working overseas. I am single, DC teens plus, and so with a single income to buy a house I am returning to my native north west. I could just about buy a flat here, but I have decided to wait until June 2026 when my youngest DC finishes her A levels.

Strawberryfruitcorner · 01/02/2025 08:22

It baffles me how people don’t understand what they can and can’t afford with their salary.

Yes there have been increases in costs but it’s not rocket science.

Housebuy1 · 01/02/2025 08:19

How much over 50k?

Playmobil4Eva · 01/02/2025 08:17

What is your wage? Could you put a chunk of that in savings straight away?

berksandbeyond · 01/02/2025 08:15

You chose to have 3 children in London without having bought a property? Of course it's hard. I'm not sure why this is surprising to you?

If your partners full wage goes on expenses, surely you can use at least some of your full wage to save?

Ultimately you maybe can't afford to stay in London with 3 children and your salaries. Is there anything you can cut from your outgoings?

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