What do you spend child benefit on?

[Nonymousnurse]

I’m a nurse, two DC, married and husband is a middle income earner. We qualify for child benefit but do not receive any other public funds.

I’ve been saving the child benefit, never spent a single pence of it, with the idea of passing it to my DC when they are older. I told MIL this and she looked at me like I’m mad, said she always used it for courses, partie, etc. But I reckon I can get by on our wages so have put the CB in a savings pot. I realise I’m fortunate to be able to do this.

Just wondering if others save or spend their CB.

If you make benefits available to only the very poor then it makes it easier for the government to do away with them completely. Child benefits should be a universal benefit.
@EvilGoldfish if you want higher benefits for the most needy in society then all the research shows that you should support universal benefits.
People are also happier to pay higher taxes if they feel like they also benefit from the pot rather than just paying in.

which is odd, because you have young children and you’re a single mother and certainly don’t convey that you are particularly financially comfortable

hey Ho. As you say, have a good day

Bad news @EvilGoldfish

Free school meals to be extended to every school in London. I’ll be squirrelling away the money I used to spend on lunches… in to a savings account for my children (or blowing it on a meal out / manicure)

@3wildones I know there is a sound argument for universal benefits, but it rarely seems to translate into real life.
In my current social circle it is true that some people feel better if they are also entitled to something the poor/disabled get (though they are rarely happy about increased taxation either way). But what it always seems to turn into is a sneering attitude towards the poorest memebrs of society, seen on this thread with some posts, references to 'popping out three kids you can't afford' and smoking/drinking/hair appointments etc. A belief that the majority of poor people are struggling and not able to save it for their dc because of poor money choices.
It just doesn't feel like the current situation is working when middle class professionals are just sticking the benefit into a bank when they don't actually need it.

As some mc people seem to be taking my opinion extremely personally, resorting to personal attacks and trawling through my post history, I'll leave the discussion to become an echo chamber.

Jesus @Gwen82, give it a rest.

I agree with your opinion, but you coming across very badly...

and it would appear… neither can you! 😆

Probably because I already mentioned it earlier on in the thread 😀👍🏻

You're not coming across well, agreeing with a pp, Gwen!

Sorry, in your mind does being a single mother automatically equal poor, as that seems to be what you are implying?

I thought dragging up a posters previous history was thought to be in very bad taste on mumsnet, did that change?

My opinion is that it should be like when a well off person claims PIP/DLA. Having a child comes with additional costs, so if you are entitled to it, claim it. I can also see why that may seem unfair to some, especially if they cannot currently keep their heads above water.

Because I find it quite incredible that a poster has scathingly described many of us on this thread as “morally reprehensible” and quite honestly… someone who places themselves in some kind of god like position bestowing judgement upon us… deserves to be well and truly ridiculed

So where does it say that CB can’t be used for saving for further child needs or in the event of a change in circumstances?!

I’m a single parent btw

but no… another post

Interesting @Guiltycat that you’re on every thread that @EvilGoldfish has posted on?! 🤔 😂

That poster seems to be saying that they personally find it to be a moral stance they don't agree with.

I don't agree, but people are allowed to state a different opinion.

What you are doing however can be seen as reprehensible and has been uncomfortable to read. It definitely read as you taking an opinion very personally and going on the attack. Personal attacks, and dragging up painful memories for posters just because you don't agree with them is not ok.

As a complete aside I was sorry to read your previosu threads@ evilgoldfish, that must have been an awful time, but you handled it so well. I'm glad to hear puppy is doing well now.

I’ll bow out.

Thankfully…. Absolutely bugger all chance of the government and Hmrc and the banking system being able to identify whether anyone receiving CB spends a single penny on anything other than their child… because if they do, well, that money should be spent on their child

Wow. That level of sophisticated argument is it? Report if you want

No they made it more than a moral stance they don’t agree with

they name called dozens of posters as being “morally reprehensible” and “horrified” by us

@Gwen82 I think you need to go and lie down somewhere, you’re embarrassing yourself.

The years we've qualified for it (income goes up and down due to being self employed) I've saved most of it & I've used some here and there for clubs etc. I don't see anything immoral about claiming the one benefit we're entitled to. That's what it's there for.

Those saying if you save it you shouldn't take it. Well I'm one of those people....we pay around £2000 on tax between us. Nursery fees are extortionate and while I "save" it the money I pay out from "my" money outways what I get in CB. So yes I absolutely will continue to take it and give my child a helping hand for his future.

We all pay lots in taxes and have living costs. You're hardly unique there complaining.

I thought it was to help with child costs. If you’re saving it you don’t need it for the intended purpose!!

I thought it was to help with child costs. If you’re saving it you don’t need it for the intended purpose

Why would it be for childcare? Not everyone needs to pay for childcare? TC/UC is to support those who need it for childcare.

Child costs are different to childcare.

Bus fares, food, clothes etc

Ah sorry I misread! Surely that means anyone who is saving any kind of money should be getting CB then by that measure?

I saved it all and gave it to my children when they needed money towards a deposit for a house