Page 14 | To be so sick of being broke?

Addictforanex · 10/08/2025 18:52

Anactor · 10/08/2025 18:39

Yes, I hear you on the gluten free bread. Morrisons do a £2 loaf, which I buy when I’m running out of money, but, while eatable, I think it tastes like cardboard.

Another trick is to buy all the yellow sticker gluten free that comes up, then freeze it. The defrosted rolls still make good sandwiches and the defrosted slices make good toast.

Another recommendation for Dave Ramsey. He’d suggest that you work on building your emergency fund back up first (while keeping up your current payments) so that you don’t go deeper into debt when the next inevitable crisis happens. Then tackle debts in order of size, smallest first.

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Sometimes I run through in my head what I think Dave Ramsey would say to me if I told him my money woes. Terrifying! But I have taken on board some of his thinking and done a budget to the penny - the money saving expert one is good OP. And it really opened my eyes as to where my money was going and I have cut my monthly spending about 15% just by being much more aware of my spending and re prioritizing.

Pregnancyquestion · 10/08/2025 18:51

Honestly, never ask for money advice on mumsnet, here we go again with people thinking that you should have no luxuries if you just want a vent about how rubbish the COL has been.

“OP if you buy a tent and a camp stove you could give up your house and live more frugally. A house is a want not a need. £850 for food and cleaning products? You can get 30 tins of beans and warm them up on your camp stove and save a fortune! You’re welcome by the way… I’ve just saved you £0000s!’

Original poster

PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock · 10/08/2025 18:51

MickGeorge22 · 10/08/2025 18:47

I don't understand how she gets UC whilst at college ? Has she been awarded the LCWRA element on UC? Or is it a very part time course?

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Neither, she's only been on it for 2 months, since college finished in June. So I'm not sure if she won't be entitled to it once September comes. Will depend on the hours she'll be doing.

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Swirlythingy2025 · 10/08/2025 18:50

PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock · 10/08/2025 18:48

Thank you! I'll have a look at their stuff. I've never been much of a fan of the gluten free pasta, is Lidl's better than Tesco?

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it can vary with the supermarkets own brands, for me its try and taste etc

Bushmillsbabe · 10/08/2025 18:50

PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock · 10/08/2025 18:21

I mean £3.20 for gluten free bread is pretty steep I guess. Does Aldi do gluten free stuff? Not that I've seen. I guess I could just eat gluten and get the shits all the time. Although then I wouldn't be able to work if I can't get off the lav, so would lose my job. Hmmm, not exactly a fool proof plan.

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If confirmed coeliac, in some areas can get a prescription for gf bread. My DH can't get it as he can't eat enough gluten for the test to be reliable, and DD we are waiting for a dieticians appt so can be prescribed.

ThatCyanCat · 10/08/2025 18:50

Can't believe the shit you're getting, OP. Two people who work the hours you both do should certainly be able to spend around £200 a month on things that invest in your health like a gym (£25 is a cheap gym membership especially if there's a pool) and some TV and yes, even weight loss medicine, shock horror.

Original poster

PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock · 10/08/2025 18:49

NeuroSpicyCat · 10/08/2025 18:47

Yep! I was on it for 6 months after gaining weight on medication for my autoimmune disease. It’s not that bad! You can wear pads if worried.

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I'd rather stay on Mounjaro.

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secondtimelucky87 · 10/08/2025 18:48

PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock · 09/08/2025 20:12

This is pretty much just a moan really. I'm already doing everything I can to try and improve our situation financially. Although nothing's working atm. 😑

Both DH and I work full-time, on minimum wage. Me 45 hours per week, him between 40-50 depending on the week. And we still can't make ends meet. I'm talking having about £50 left in the bank 2 days after payday because all the bills have come out.

Not entitled to any benefits as earn too much for UC (on MW? 😐). Kids are grown up (22 and 18) but still living at home. DD1 is in college and on UC and waiting to see if she's entitled to PIP for her autism. DD2 is starting uni next month and works part-time herself.

I'm just so fucking sick of the cost of everything. To the point I'm questioning whether I can afford to buy a £6 pack of Benadryl for my fucking hayfever! 😡

Applying for multiple better-paying jobs every week and getting bloody nowhere! Urgh.

I'm so sorry I have no advice but just wanted to say I'm sorry and I completely empathise with you. It does feel bloody impossible a lot of the time. Sending sincere solidarity your way. X

Original poster

PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock · 10/08/2025 18:48

justasking111 · 10/08/2025 18:40

There's a round brown loaf in Lidl Bakery section that's edible. Gluten free pasta has been such a help.

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Thank you! I'll have a look at their stuff. I've never been much of a fan of the gluten free pasta, is Lidl's better than Tesco?

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NeuroSpicyCat · 10/08/2025 18:47

PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock · 10/08/2025 18:35

Have you tried Orlistat? I have! Shitting out fat uncontrollably is something I can do without thanks.

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Yep! I was on it for 6 months after gaining weight on medication for my autoimmune disease. It’s not that bad! You can wear pads if worried.

MickGeorge22 · 10/08/2025 18:47

PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock · 10/08/2025 18:45

She's staying at home, no way we could afford the extra cost of her going elsewhere. DD1 is in college, she's training to be a Joiner. She couldn't work and go to college, she'd become overstimulated and burn out. I'd rather she train in something where she can actually have a career and earn decent money in the future.

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I don't understand how she gets UC whilst at college ? Has she been awarded the LCWRA element on UC? Or is it a very part time course?

Original poster

PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock · 10/08/2025 18:47

NeuroSpicyCat · 10/08/2025 18:42

Can you work for DWP proper and become a civil servant, using your experience as a way in?

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I am trying! 😃

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NeuroSpicyCat · 10/08/2025 18:46

PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock · 10/08/2025 18:33

You're right, clearly I should divorce the lazy bastard as working permanent nights and doing unpaid work up to 50 hours per week clearly isn't enough! I'll get on to Women's Aid immediately about the abuse he's put me through.

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If he’s that knackered, there are other MW jobs he can do for less effort?

Original poster

PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock · 10/08/2025 18:45

MickGeorge22 · 10/08/2025 18:42

Is your dd going away to Uni - if so then she will get student loans and it will be one less mouth to feed.
If she is going to a Uni close to home and living at home she can contribute towards board from her student loan money.
The eldest's UC is money given by the government to live off - she should be contributing. If she is too unwell to look for work has she been through the UC capability for work process? If not then it would be worth doing this as could increase her UC. Get onto that soon as next April the extra health element is halving for new claims.

She's staying at home, no way we could afford the extra cost of her going elsewhere. DD1 is in college, she's training to be a Joiner. She couldn't work and go to college, she'd become overstimulated and burn out. I'd rather she train in something where she can actually have a career and earn decent money in the future.

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Dunnocantthinkofone · 10/08/2025 18:45

PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock · 10/08/2025 18:41

Thank you, I will. I'll take a look at their website too.

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Best case scenario - they pay you properly
Second best - they try to force you/him out and get landed with a constructive dismissal payout (which would pay a debt or two in full😂)
Stressful and scary for you, granted. But rolling over and letting companies treat us like shit gets wearing in itself, doesn’t it? It costs nothing to find out at least!

Swirlythingy2025 · 10/08/2025 18:44

@PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock id be intrested in a breakdown of the food budget section and all the brands your buying etc.

Mrsttcno1 · 10/08/2025 18:44

Minimum wage x2 was never going to be enough to fund the lives & household of 4 adults.

You’re living beyond your means, things in your budget which could go but can see by your replies you don’t actually want to change anything so crack on winging

Original poster

PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock · 10/08/2025 18:43

Blushingm · 10/08/2025 18:42

Gosh you’re rude!

and you only ‘shit out fat’ if you’ve put fat in!

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Thanks! 😊

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NeuroSpicyCat · 10/08/2025 18:43

ShallIstart · 10/08/2025 18:26

I earn 120k and I can't afford weightloss drugs or gym membership atm our food bill is about 600 for a family of four. Our rent (4k for a 4 bed semi) and council tax is much much higher due to where we live. We arent having a holiday this year as I can't afford it. DH makes 40k a year.
I am budgeting really strictly. Prjces have gone up so much it is hard but we have cut back massively.

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Move area!

Original poster

PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock · 10/08/2025 18:42

HoskinsChoice · 10/08/2025 18:41

But he isn't working 50 hours a week, you said he's paid for 35. If he's going to work 50 hours a week, he needs a job that pays 50 hours a week. There's plenty of jobs out there that pay overtime.

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Yes, I know! Which is why like I've said several times we're both applying for other jobs daily!

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Blushingm · 10/08/2025 18:42

PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock · 10/08/2025 18:35

Have you tried Orlistat? I have! Shitting out fat uncontrollably is something I can do without thanks.

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Gosh you’re rude!

and you only ‘shit out fat’ if you’ve put fat in!

MickGeorge22 · 10/08/2025 18:42

Is your dd going away to Uni - if so then she will get student loans and it will be one less mouth to feed.
If she is going to a Uni close to home and living at home she can contribute towards board from her student loan money.
The eldest's UC is money given by the government to live off - she should be contributing. If she is too unwell to look for work has she been through the UC capability for work process? If not then it would be worth doing this as could increase her UC. Get onto that soon as next April the extra health element is halving for new claims.

NeuroSpicyCat · 10/08/2025 18:42

PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock · 10/08/2025 18:25

For your daughter, did you get support with completing the PIP form? They aren't easy, and they look for very specific information. I only knew how to do it from a social worker I work with helping me, maybe try to get some help from a local charity?

@Bushmillsbabe I didn't get support when filling in the form (although did go through a lot of helpful websites) but I do work for the DWP (albeit via a private company) so I have gained a lot of knowledge about the processes that I didn't know when applying the first time.

Can you work for DWP proper and become a civil servant, using your experience as a way in?

Original poster

PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock · 10/08/2025 18:41

Dunnocantthinkofone · 10/08/2025 18:41

What about OH? Speak to acas and find out what his (and your) rights are

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Thank you, I will. I'll take a look at their website too.

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HoskinsChoice · 10/08/2025 18:41

PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock · 10/08/2025 18:33

You're right, clearly I should divorce the lazy bastard as working permanent nights and doing unpaid work up to 50 hours per week clearly isn't enough! I'll get on to Women's Aid immediately about the abuse he's put me through.

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But he isn't working 50 hours a week, you said he's paid for 35. If he's going to work 50 hours a week, he needs a job that pays 50 hours a week. There's plenty of jobs out there that pay overtime.