Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

What do you spend child benefit on?

249 replies

Nonymousnurse · 18/02/2023 19:36

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.

OP posts:
Gooseysgirl · 19/02/2023 12:57

PipinwasAuntieMabelsdog · 19/02/2023 12:42

Why should tax payers give MC children savings?! The point of CB is to pay for the costs of raising a child, food, clothes, shoes etc. I really feel that if you can afford to save it, you shouldn't claim it. 2 young DCs here btw.

Completely agree

PipinwasAuntieMabelsdog · 19/02/2023 13:08

@MollyRover If people didn't claim CB who didn't really need it, there'd be more in the pot for those who need support for a better quality of life, such as those with disabilities, care leavers, those leaving DV, refugees etc. Those 'other funds' that you console yourself with are inadequate. Not telling you how to 'spend your money' CB is public funds. People on other benefits have financial reviews etc. For direct payments for care for example.

ZeroFucksGivenToday · 19/02/2023 13:15

PipinwasAuntieMabelsdog · 19/02/2023 12:42

Why should tax payers give MC children savings?! The point of CB is to pay for the costs of raising a child, food, clothes, shoes etc. I really feel that if you can afford to save it, you shouldn't claim it. 2 young DCs here btw.

Because I'm entitled to it (although not for much longer!), so I will save it and give my daughter a leg up on a house deposit. And as I'm a separated parent my ex has my DD 50/50, so he may be able to claim it instead and keep saving it for her.

It really winds me up that people judge those in receipt of CB but at the top end of claiming, but then expect us to vote to help those struggling as tories have been horrific for them.

ZeroFucksGivenToday · 19/02/2023 13:17

PipinwasAuntieMabelsdog · 19/02/2023 13:08

@MollyRover If people didn't claim CB who didn't really need it, there'd be more in the pot for those who need support for a better quality of life, such as those with disabilities, care leavers, those leaving DV, refugees etc. Those 'other funds' that you console yourself with are inadequate. Not telling you how to 'spend your money' CB is public funds. People on other benefits have financial reviews etc. For direct payments for care for example.

There wouldn't be more in the pot, and quite frankly I pay shit tons of tax, so the £21 or so I can have, I will do. For as long as I'm able.

MollyRover · 19/02/2023 13:17

@PipinwasAuntieMabelsdog you're very naïve if you think that returned CB would be redistributed to be spent on carers for the disabled or housing for refugees. More than likely would be spent on the NHS money pit or tax breaks for the already super rich. As I said, ours is means tested so I'm not going feel guilty about a meagre €80 per month for 2 DC. Doesn't even cover a week's shopping fgs.

mummyava · 19/02/2023 13:22

@MollyRover Ahh, your CB is means tested and a tiny amount for both of your children - one UK child would receive the same amount, not means tested.

Nobody would begrudge you savings as you're clearly making sacrifices to do so.

MollyRover · 19/02/2023 13:29

@mummyava but where is the cut off? If I was getting double €80 it still wouldn't touch the sides of the cost of raising a child, why should anyone get a say over what I spend a government sanctioned benefit on. Anyone who's entitled to it gets it and after that it's no one else's business imo.

It's a slippery slope. I can take the moral high ground and say that I'm trying to future proof our finances, others can take the stance that I should be in a race to the bottom instead.

UsingChangeofName · 19/02/2023 14:38

MollyRover · 19/02/2023 12:47

I don't save it, it gets spent one way or another. I do save more than it's value for the DC though.

Parents who are struggling are in receipt of other payments which I don't qualify for to try and offset that, Child Benefit is not the only allowance there is. I'm not trying to have a say into what others spend their money on, nor should I. Should you?

Show quote history

You are wrong in thinking that parents who are "struggling", or can't afford to save the same amount as CB or more for their dc each month "are in receipt of other payments".

We've always both worked and we had to use the CB for general living, but always been above the threshold for any other benfits.

MollyRover · 19/02/2023 14:43

@UsingChangeofName I'm sorry about that but what do you want me to say? I don't know what your other circumstances are or how they compare to mine. I'm glad that the CB you receive supports your children and hope that the struggle that you have is temporary.

CandlelightGlow · 19/02/2023 14:45

Food, energy and Christmas presents as it's paid into a separate account.

I factor it into our monthly money but we live wage to wage so there is no saving here...

Original poster
Nonymousnurse · 19/02/2023 14:46

@EvilGoldfish Morally reprehensible? I take it you’re joking? I think the Tories lining their pockets with PPE deals, Rishi’s wife not paying UK taxes, the government who are doing sod all to support the nearly one million children in poverty without enough to eat are morally reprehensible. I’m just part of a small family making average income and accepting the money the government has deemed appropriate for us tohave. Should the people spending the money on swimming lessons also be considered morally reprehensible? That money could also feed others. I’m a sense, saving the CB for uni fees at least means the money will go back to the govt eventually.

Appreciate you trying to shame me, but I’m only able to save the CB because I live quite frugally and we have two incomes that still put us below the upper limit of CB. As mentioned previously, haven’t been to the hairdressers since the children were born, only buy second hand clothing, don’t eat out or have date nights with DH, don’t run a car. We can’t afford those things.

OP posts:
ACJD · 19/02/2023 14:51

I spent every penny on them, for clothing shoes and extra curricular activities. But now we don't claim it because my husband earns slightly over the 50k threshold, and got a letter to say we owe taxman £1800. Pretty annoyed as I actually saved it up and spent it when they needed it.

HistoryFanatic · 19/02/2023 15:21

Slightly off topic but why are people saving a house deposit or something similar for their children? How are they going to learn if they get it handed to them on a plate. Driving lessons I can understand perhaps.

MollyRover · 19/02/2023 15:23

Nonymousnurse · 19/02/2023 14:46

@EvilGoldfish Morally reprehensible? I take it you’re joking? I think the Tories lining their pockets with PPE deals, Rishi’s wife not paying UK taxes, the government who are doing sod all to support the nearly one million children in poverty without enough to eat are morally reprehensible. I’m just part of a small family making average income and accepting the money the government has deemed appropriate for us tohave. Should the people spending the money on swimming lessons also be considered morally reprehensible? That money could also feed others. I’m a sense, saving the CB for uni fees at least means the money will go back to the govt eventually.

Appreciate you trying to shame me, but I’m only able to save the CB because I live quite frugally and we have two incomes that still put us below the upper limit of CB. As mentioned previously, haven’t been to the hairdressers since the children were born, only buy second hand clothing, don’t eat out or have date nights with DH, don’t run a car. We can’t afford those things.

100% this. Morally reprehensible Confused

Gwen82 · 19/02/2023 15:23

ACJD · 19/02/2023 14:51

I spent every penny on them, for clothing shoes and extra curricular activities. But now we don't claim it because my husband earns slightly over the 50k threshold, and got a letter to say we owe taxman £1800. Pretty annoyed as I actually saved it up and spent it when they needed it.

So without CB, you wouldn’t have had the money for these things?

because unless without CB posters wouldn’t be able to or choose for their children to do activities or have new shoes… how on earth can you say you specifically spent CB on shoes and children’s activities

Gwen82 · 19/02/2023 15:27

HistoryFanatic · 19/02/2023 15:21

Slightly off topic but why are people saving a house deposit or something similar for their children? How are they going to learn if they get it handed to them on a plate. Driving lessons I can understand perhaps.

Oh don’t be daft!

You do see how the housing market is very different to when mumsnet here would have bought.

Added to which , I was helped and what didn’t I “learn” ? Single working parent here. Very financial astute!

ZeroFucksGivenToday · 19/02/2023 15:35

HistoryFanatic · 19/02/2023 15:21

Slightly off topic but why are people saving a house deposit or something similar for their children? How are they going to learn if they get it handed to them on a plate. Driving lessons I can understand perhaps.

Because I can. 🤷🏼‍♀️. The housing rental market is awful, why would I not want to give my DD help if I can.
I grew up with absolutely nothing, and I mean nothing, dry bread with vinegar was a staple for tea as there was nothing else in levels of poor.
ive been fortunate and got a fab career, and if I can help her then I will. And the CB will put a chunk in towards that.

NatalieH2220 · 19/02/2023 15:37

Day to day spending. It's part of our
Monthly income so just goes towards all the bills.

ladymacbeth · 19/02/2023 15:42

HistoryFanatic · 19/02/2023 15:21

Slightly off topic but why are people saving a house deposit or something similar for their children? How are they going to learn if they get it handed to them on a plate. Driving lessons I can understand perhaps.

Lol because good parents help their children if they can? Why would you want your children to struggle for security when it comes to a home?

user1483387154 · 19/02/2023 15:43

goes towards our rent

Pssspsss · 19/02/2023 15:44

Honestly that £84 has meant the difference between eating and not some months

Justfolditin · 19/02/2023 15:49

It just goes into the joint account for day to day spending like food, clothes, days out. I want to spend it on them now when they are a child. Not to be saved up for when they are an adult so they can buy a house or a car! That's not what the benefit is for, but understand people can do what they want with it.

UsingChangeofName · 19/02/2023 17:42

MollyRover · 19/02/2023 14:43

@UsingChangeofName I'm sorry about that but what do you want me to say? I don't know what your other circumstances are or how they compare to mine. I'm glad that the CB you receive supports your children and hope that the struggle that you have is temporary.

My dc are grown, so we no longer get CB, and our finances are in a much better place.
It isn't about me, I just needed to correct your comment that "parents who are struggling are in receipt of other payments" as that clearly isn't true.

susiella · 19/02/2023 18:28

Always used mine to pay the farrier!🤣 Sadly, both my horse and my daughter's pony are long deceased.

BashirWithTheGoodBeard · 19/02/2023 18:41

It just goes into the pot. My DC cost a lot more than £145 every 4 weeks so I've never really itemised it.