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Struggling with cost of living and overwhelm

3 replies

pollyinpoverty · 20/10/2022 13:06

I just want to sit and cry. It's so too much and so depressing.

Currently out of work, job offered and due to start beginning of next month as I can't afford to travel to work out holiday childcare. Universal credit coming at end of month. Looking at nothing to spend at all, car out of petrol and kids aren't little so do notice and do complain.

It's been bleak for a while and I've accumulated debts. Going back to work will create it's own challenges as it will be hand to mouth living for a good while. This is a decent job but means professional fees to pay, can't believe how much I'll continue to struggle. Put on CMS claim in August but no word on payments, not eligible for budgeting loan or household fund as was in work.

Have been supported by local food bank/community largest but again kids don't really enjoy food and guilt gets to me big time. They all get FSM which they don't like much but have been eating and missing that these holidays will just make stuff worse. Some SEN but also maybe just spoilt? Teen ds is six foot and starving constantly. Feel like I've lost perspective.

This isn't as begging thread, would like to whine with others in similar circumstances. Maybe there will be something I haven't thought of to earn points/cash etc. Signed up for McDonald's app and got free burger no spend required recently which was a massive morale boost!

OP posts:
emmathedilemma · 20/10/2022 13:49

It's so shit, I'm sorry. Do you have any points saved up on a tesco clubcard / nectar type card you could use for food shopping? Ever had a top cashback account?
How old are the teens? Could they earn a bit of cash themselves over the holiday? Any neighbours who'd give them something for walking the dog or cutting the grass etc? Are they old enough for a part time job or paper round? Or could you do something like that? Advertise on local facebook groups or the next door app.....ironing, grass cutting, car washing?
Declutter and car boot sale at weekend?

Dee9409 · 15/11/2022 21:00

So sorry to hear that. It’s easy isn’t it for people to say get a job but then there’s all sorts to consider when you do that. I have nothing really to offer but I am making pasta a lot lately and taking it to work to save money. Petrol I have a Costco membership as it’s cheaper there. Wish you all the best. I have been making curries and rice, Asda is cheapest I’ve found so far and have loads of yellow sticker items as long as there’s no allergies there’s always meat available.

AtleastitsnotMonday · 15/11/2022 21:52

Do you or the kids have stuff that sits unused, cluttering up the house? Listing things on selling sites might earn you or them a little pocket money and give them something to do.

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