AIBU - We’re struggling to get by on £200,000 a year

[BreakingDad77]

next.ft.com/content/d6f1e58e-20c9-11e6-aa98-db1e01fabc0c

Just actually gobsmacked by her comments -

“In theory, with our household income, we are in the top 5 per cent of the UK population and yet it does not feel that way,” she says. “If you’re earning millions of pounds, then you’re OK — and at the other end of the spectrum you get everything paid for. We are caught in the middle where we are paying for everything.”

Yeah because you know those on benefits get such a cushy deal...WTAF

Just all feeds into why UK is one of the mist unequal countries in Europe.

Its ironic as with the EU ref Brexiters going on about how all the other EU countries are crap and yet we have some much bigger problems closer to home.

[msmsmanu]

Well, I don't care about politics and not interested in political views, but unfortunately, this is how capitalism works. Obviously, the majority of people are less fortunate and have to scrape by even though they work hard (but at least they work, which is admirable!). What I have a problem with is people thinking the govt is responsible for looking after them while others work hard for a living. Fortunately, I don't need anyone to wipe my ar$e as I'm self-sufficient and have seen how it's possible to build something from nothing from my own family. If you blame the rich/well-off population for your own shortcomings, that's not gonna help you climb up, will it?

@flirtygirl: In the cases you mentioned, I would make sure I have a backup plan like my family helping out and working to support myself and my children (like my single mum did without ANY benefits). I wouldn't expect the government to pick up the pieces of my broken life, as most countries out there don't have a benefit system and people have no option but to work. But the mentality of people in this country is if you can get it for free, why not have it. This is why I teach my kids to rely on themselves and gain skills that are valuable, so later down the line when the economy won't be able to support a benefits system (which I suspect will happen pretty soon) they won't be left struggling to make a living. We have one main holiday a year and I make sure they know it's because we work hard for it and this is the only way to get something in life. Maybe if more people thought that way, a lot more working-class citizens who are struggling would be better off, since they'd have to pay less tax to support the leeches of this country.

[123beanie]

Maybe she should try living 'at the other end of the spectrum' and see how 'easy' it really is. Ridiculous.
She seems massively ungrateful for the life she has. Most people would jump at the chance to have that income.

[CelticPromise]

The vast majority of people who receive working age benefits are in work. These people are not 'leeches'. Thankfully the government will (still, just about) look after us all rather than letting the destitute die in the streets. I'm fine with paying my taxes towards that. I have met a great many people who rely on benefits, and the idea that perfectly capable people are lying around at home watching sky instead of working is a myth. As is the idea that if you are well off, you deserve it.

I sincerely hope that when you do get decrepit enough to need help wiping your arse you pay your help a good wage.

[user1464519881]

If the state would simplify and lower upper tax rates thrre would be a lot more money coming in to fund the less well off but we are getting slightly off topic with that issue.

If this lady wants more money she should consider taking on a second job or weekend work like many of the rest of us do and make sure she and her husband both work full time (which they may well already do). They could also let out a room in their house to help with money too.

[AllThePrettySeahorses]

Things like this just highlight the myth of the 'feckless poor.'

When you're poor, you have to watch every penny and you don't have much to waste anyway, even if you decide to fritter it all away. People like this woman are appallingly bad with money yet are cushioned from any 'feckless' accusations, even though she clearly is, as well as many like her. Seems it's the feckless rich that are the problem.

[NotRealityHere]

bibbity don't take the word 'middle' too literally... same as 'middle' class, it means those in between lower and upper/poor and rich - not necessarily the average, IYSWIM.

[bibbitybobbityyhat]

NotReality - their income puts them in the top 1% (according to the Institute of Fiscal Studies calculator) so they really are very much NOT in the middle. Unless, for the sake of your argument, you would say only the top 0.5% or something should count as higher earners.

[user1464519881]

I suppose the difference if someone on her income is feckless with money (and in my view buying a home and paying for childcare and keeping up your career and putting a child through private school is the opposite of feckless anyway) if she is short of money she isn't expecting the tax payer to pick up the tab. So she can spend her money on what she likes.

[bibbitybobbityyhat]

I think your point is lost in there somewhere!

[AllThePrettySeahorses]

Thing is, user, she has complained that she has to pay for everything: reading between the lines, I would argue that although she may not directly articulate that she wants others to pay towards her costs, the subtext is clearly there.

People who are on low incomes will doubtless struggle no matter how well they manage their money and may well go into debt. How well can anyone manage on £74 (?) a week JSA or minimum wage circa £12k a year? No, there aren't better paid jobs for everyone; even the most talented and intelligent person can be stuck on £7.20 an hour. You can't gamble with that, you see. If you lose once you are down for good.

Anyway, feckless is as feckless does - the fact that she complains she is short of money on £200k is pathetic. She doesn't have to cut her cloth too carefully - her cloth is the whole mill. She is no less accountable for her appalling money management than anyone else and is a member of a group that cheerfully criticises poor people trying to make £1 do the work of £10 but hasn't the foggiest idea how to make £1000 do the work of £5.

[exbloomer1]

I had to check the date wasn't April 1st .......this woman must be seeking attention or trying to win a bet with her comments ....get out there lady and do a reality check !

[Greengager]

See this www.telegraph.co.uk/men/thinking-man/pity-me--im-part-of-britains-middle-class-and-its-rubbish/ is what I think this article is about and this guy sums it up really well.

[AddictedToCoYo]

That's a really good article. It overeggs it a bit in places but the sentiment is bang on.

[user1464519881]

That's a good article which sums up the point. when you received child benefit and free university education you felt part of the state, you bought into the system, you played your part. Now all that is stripped away the core middle class don't feel they get back anything like what they used to.

I don't agree with this however
"If you disdain materialism these days, people look at you like you’re some mad socialist. "
I think a lot of us still disdain materialism. Just as well as we don't have the cash to spend on things anyway.

[Gklak]

My girls were brought up on benefits and some very generous help from my father, since 8 months and 3 years. Their dad didn't made any effort to help. Wasn't a single parent by choice! They both have honor degrees and very successful lives.

[Gklak]

I did go back to work, however, as soon as I could

[AddictedToCoYo]

Glak you've just contradicted yourself there. How could they have been brought up on benefits if you went back to work as soon as you could?