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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to ask what you have left monthly after bills?

187 replies

Manth0914 · 23/03/2026 17:23

Hi all, I know this is a VERY broad question but AIBU to ask what you have left each month after all bills. Money you use for food, fuel, clothes and so on? I ask as a single income mum of 2 with a part time job. Just wondering with the way things are how people are getting on?

OP posts:
LucyLoo1972 · 23/03/2026 20:20

Neveragain3 · 23/03/2026 19:57

I put 5k into my pension each month and have another 5k spare after all costs have been met. DH has similar.

Mortgage cleared before we had DS so costs are relatively low. We are looking to retire in maybe 5/6 years so filling up pensions and investments while we can.

If you’d asked me the same question 15 years ago the answer would have been a minus figure.

this is very impressive over a 15 year period. can I ask how you managed it, if oyu would share?

sissy78 · 23/03/2026 20:18

We net £8000 and get DLA just to really piss people off Halo

We have about £3000 left over after bills and food etc. But that’s not the bare essentials.

Neveragain3 · 23/03/2026 20:18

Statsquestion1 · 23/03/2026 20:12

We pay enough tax thanks.

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That comment wasn’t aimed at you.

Neveragain3 · 23/03/2026 20:17

Jane143 · 23/03/2026 20:12

I would if I had that sort of disposable income but I don’t. I was a single mum and struggled immensely working two jobs

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Always easy to say you’d pay more if circumstances were different. You may not be surprised to know that the amount raised by the government in additional voluntary spending come tax is pretty much nil.

This notion that those who earn more, and already bankroll the majority, should pay even more is ridiculous. UK taxes for higher earners vs lower earners are more disproportionate compared to virtually every single other country.

Spring2026 · 23/03/2026 20:16

BlueEyedBogWitch · 23/03/2026 19:32

Jesus fucking Christ. I thought I was doing ok until I opened this thread.

Same. Its made me feel shit 🤦🏻‍♀️

PlanBFertility26 · 23/03/2026 20:15

Wow. These messages 👀

I am in a very fortunate position but I don’t feel that those in similar situations should be berated for earning money and guilt tripled into charity donations.

Spring2026 · 23/03/2026 20:15

Jesus, cant believe some people have nearly 10 grand take home pay each month. That's a different world that I cant imagine. I got great GCSEs and A levels, went to uni, worked hard for my degree but my full time band 6 nurse job pays just over 2 grand a month. Would definitely do something different if I could go back that paid more!
I've got £1000 left after bills but with food, fuel, credit card bills etc etc there's nothing left over and I'm in my overdraft every month.

Jane143 · 23/03/2026 20:12

Neveragain3 · 23/03/2026 20:09

Do you also pay additional voluntary income tax now and if not why not as it’s easy to do.

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I would if I had that sort of disposable income but I don’t. I was a single mum and struggled immensely working two jobs

Statsquestion1 · 23/03/2026 20:12

Neveragain3 · 23/03/2026 20:09

Do you also pay additional voluntary income tax now and if not why not as it’s easy to do.

Show quote history

We pay enough tax thanks.

BlueEyedBogWitch · 23/03/2026 20:12

I was doing fine when my kids were little, and I didn’t claim Child Benefit.

I feel stupid now, like.

PhantomMyOpera · 23/03/2026 20:12

I include food and fuel as bills.
After every bill, subscription, food, fuel etc. has gone out then we have around £700-£1000 a month left "spare"

DH and I take £200 each as fun money. DD (9) is also allocated £200.

The remaining £100-£400 goes into savings - a mix of Christmas, Birthday, Summer Holidays, Family Holidays & if there is anything left - long term savings.

Both work part time but as prices keep rising it is starting to feel more of a squeeze.

Statsquestion1 · 23/03/2026 20:12

Jane143 · 23/03/2026 20:08

Yes you actually can! I think I would. Just look at the posts from those finding it tough to survive

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Me not claiming CB won’t help them…the government won’t opt to give it to someone else 😂

Statsquestion1 · 23/03/2026 20:11

Jane143 · 23/03/2026 20:07

There’s the option to not claim it when you don’t need it

Edited
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this month alone we have paid about 4.5k in tax I reckon…I think 280 is a drop in the ocean tbh.

Neveragain3 · 23/03/2026 20:09

Jane143 · 23/03/2026 20:08

Yes you actually can! I think I would. Just look at the posts from those finding it tough to survive

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Do you also pay additional voluntary income tax now and if not why not as it’s easy to do.

Jane143 · 23/03/2026 20:08

Statsquestion1 · 23/03/2026 20:07

Because I am not in the uk! I’m in Ireland where it is NOT means tested, do you want me to ring them up and tell them not to give it to me?

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Yes you actually can! I think I would. Just look at the posts from those finding it tough to survive

Neveragain3 · 23/03/2026 20:07

Jane143 · 23/03/2026 20:02

Well it should be! And given to those less fortunate than you

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Why shouldn’t those who fund all the benefit payments also receive their share back as well?

The same is true with childcare hours. Some people end up facing >100% effective marginal tax rates in part to fund childcare for others that they themselves aren’t eligible for. It’s a broken system.

Statsquestion1 · 23/03/2026 20:07

Jane143 · 23/03/2026 20:06

Unless I’ve got confused (which is possible!🤣) she is the person who says she spends over £7000 a month and still claims child benefit

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Because I am not in the uk! I’m in Ireland where it is NOT means tested, do you want me to ring them up and tell them not to give it to me?

Jane143 · 23/03/2026 20:07

Statsquestion1 · 23/03/2026 20:05

It IS given to everyone here…it’s not my fault it’s not means tested here.

@Jane143 what is your problem? I’m not going to apologise for earning well and being good at managing our finances.

Edited
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There’s the option to not claim it when you don’t need it

Jane143 · 23/03/2026 20:06

Dobequiet · 23/03/2026 20:04

You seem really angry at @Statsquestion1. Why single out one poster?

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Unless I’ve got confused (which is possible!🤣) she is the person who says she spends over £7000 a month and still claims child benefit

Statsquestion1 · 23/03/2026 20:05

Jane143 · 23/03/2026 20:02

Well it should be! And given to those less fortunate than you

Show quote history

It IS given to everyone here…it’s not my fault it’s not means tested here.

@Jane143 what is your problem? I’m not going to apologise for earning well and being good at managing our finances.

Dobequiet · 23/03/2026 20:04

Jane143 · 23/03/2026 20:02

Well it should be! And given to those less fortunate than you

Show quote history

You seem really angry at @Statsquestion1. Why single out one poster?

Jane143 · 23/03/2026 20:02

Statsquestion1 · 23/03/2026 19:53

Yes. I am based in rep of Ireland. It’s not means tested here.

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Well it should be! And given to those less fortunate than you

Neveragain3 · 23/03/2026 19:57

I put 5k into my pension each month and have another 5k spare after all costs have been met. DH has similar.

Mortgage cleared before we had DS so costs are relatively low. We are looking to retire in maybe 5/6 years so filling up pensions and investments while we can.

If you’d asked me the same question 15 years ago the answer would have been a minus figure.

reddaisyandcake · 23/03/2026 19:55

Nothing unfortunately. Single mum. Work full time, masters degree, 'good' job, mortgage but I still do what I can to break even and have had to accept food parcels to get through the month

Statsquestion1 · 23/03/2026 19:53

whatdoyouthink123456 · 23/03/2026 19:51

@Statsquestion1what does CB stand for? Child benefit?

Yes. I am based in rep of Ireland. It’s not means tested here.