Saying they are poor but they are not?

132 replies

Orangesandlemons77 · 29/12/2024 15:18

I keep getting told by elderly MIL how poor she is 'on the breadline' but she really is not.

She owns her own house, gets her state pension and her husbands from when he was employed, then also gets attendance allowance, which adds up to quite a bit.

Bit she keeps going on about every penny and how much things cost, the winter fuel allowance etc - she has quite a bit more than we do and we need to budget for four.

Anyone else got this? What is it about I wonder?

OP posts:

Timeforabiscuit · 29/12/2024 15:32

I'd also say that some older people really do struggle with getting good deals online for things like insurance, and end up getting absolutely fleeced by the rolling annual renewal (which they just accept, and think loyalty still counts).
My usually savvy mum was paying ten times what was needed on house insurance.

Also all the basics HAVE absolutely rocketed, if you're on a fixed income it's scary.

Livinghappy · 29/12/2024 15:31

Old and poor Vs younger and poor.

Older is worse, especially as they can't do anything about earning more.
However I know some relatives who always feel poor and in reality are not. This is because they compare themselves to wealthier friends. Could this be the case?

loropianalover · 29/12/2024 15:31

she has quite a bit more than we do and we need to budget for four.

Why does this mean she’s not poor - surely you’re just poorer? Honestly if she gets ‘quite a bit more’ than you with just pension and entitlements you can’t be making that much and that’s probably clouding your judgement.

It doesn’t sound like she has a lot and I’m sure she worry’s about bills, cost of food etc…

OrangutanDaisies · 29/12/2024 15:28

Is she just complaining for the sake of complaining. Or can you suggest she sells and down sizes?

ByTidyLemonDreamer · 29/12/2024 15:28

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ByTidyLemonDreamer · 29/12/2024 15:27

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SometimesCalmPerson · 29/12/2024 15:24

Owning a house is irrelevant to how well off she is in reality if her income doesn’t match her outgoings. Houses are expensive to maintain and run and it’s not like she has a landlord who is responsible for paying for upkeep.

Everyone is feeling the cost of living is high at the moment, so it’s not unreasonable for an elderly person on a fixed income to be worried about finances.

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