To just be really fucking fucked off with being so broke all the time!

[SharkiraSharkira]

I will admit, this is really just a rant as there isn't much anyone can do about it.

But I am SO SICK of being SO fucking poor! It's SO humiliating having to admit to my boss and co workers that I am so broke I can't afford to pay my rent, that I am so broke I have to raid my penny jar for money for the fucking bus to work, just generally playing catch up ALL THE FUCKING TIME and never being able to actually get there.

Aibu to just be fucking fed up? To make matters worse I had to get an advance last month because otherwise I would have only had 2 weeks worth of money to live on for a month, so now I am going to get about £500 for this month. A whole month of working so hard, virtually full time hours and that is all I've got to show for it? Feel like just fucking giving up. So I know it's not going to get better any time soon.

Also doesn't help that a member of staff turned up today showing off their shiny new car that they just bought on a credit card. Makes me want to scream!

I know that isn't fair as my finances are not their problem but everyone was rushing out to look at the lovely new car and I just wanted them to fuck off because I'm stuck relying on free lifts and the bus because I can't even afford to fix my fucked bike. Just want to cry

If you're over 25 and working over 30 hours a week you may well get tax credit.

extra job? better paid job ? lodger?

Talk about stating the obvious. It's not always that simple.

Does your Uni offer hardship grants? I remember having to get one of those back in the day (although granted this was way back when Adam was a lad) Your Student Union Welfare team should be able to help in some way x

Can't add anything constructive, but fell free to rant and rave all you want

*feel

I have no useful advice to offer, as I'm in a similar situation and can't see any way out of it either.
Once the direct debits go out of my bank on Monday I'll have only £20 left to feed me and the DCs this coming week. It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't school holidays so I have to send them with a packed lunch to the holiday club.

So sorry, OP, being constantly broke sucks. It feels relentless. Been there during my own student days (scared to put the heating on and lived on instant noodles - still can't stand them to this day!) But things change and they will get better. You are working towards something better for your future. 💐

OP are you at a normal uni or something like OU? (checking to try to work out if there's any benefits you might be able to get)

I am over 25 and work 32hrs a week usually but it isn't consistent, and since my contract is zero hrs I can't really prove I worn that many hours. But I have been told that because I'm a student I can't get it anyway

I get a maintenance loan but pretty much all of that will be taken up paying back my overdraft and paying off a payday loan (stupid move I know!)

OP cleaning (self employed- not agency) pays quite well per hour. Are you in a town? Walk to clients and use their products.

My advice would be to really look at what you are spending. Write down everything you spend and that way you can see if you are spending on things you don't need.

Look at cost of mobile phone, TV package, broadband etc and make cuts where you can.

Also set a budget for food shopping, make a meal plan and stick to it.

It is hard when you struggle to make ends meet. :(

Where does your DP come into this? Does he share all the expenses? How many years into your degree are you? Students are 'supposed' to be broke though.... it's an investment in your future though. New car colleague will still be on minimum wage most likely in years to come when you can buy your own shiny new car without a credit card.

wonders what kind of credit card limit you'd have on min wage? to buy a car?

It does suck, OP. The people who would most benefit from cheap credit to give them a helping hand are the people least likely to get it.

Maybe talk to CAB about the payday loan? I was eventually able to build up a decent enough credit record to be able to get 0% credit cards. Even if you can only get a few months credit free at first, it helps build up your credit record. At the moment I chip away at my debt, moving it between credit cards just before the interest free period runs out.

Apologies if I'm stating the obvious but have you tried freecycle for a beat up old bike that still works? When I lived in Exeter I gave my old bike to a scheme that gave free bikes to people. My bike was in a bit of a state but they fixed it up and gave it to someone who needed it more than I did. Anything like that where you are?

It is shit and depressing when you know that a relatively small sum of money would make such a big difference to you but you know that that money is well beyond your reach.

For tax credits it doesn't matter about zero hours, it's whatever hours you do as long as it's consistent. Worth applying anyway, just in case? Have a look on MSE forum as they have great tips, there's an "up your income" board that has loads of ideas.

several options for you:

move
change jobs
take out a loan
get a student discount card
use topcashback for shopping
use my voucher code for discounts
change mobile contracts, gas/electricity suppliers etc if applicable to you
sell stuff you don't need eg old textbooks

Is there no chance of moving in with DP or parents just while you're a student?

I just want to wake up one day in the future when I'm financially stable and have a decent job. Feel so far behind my peers it's not even funny! At my age most people have a mortgage and a proper career and I'm still working crappy minimum wage jobs, feel like a total failure

Do you have a credit union locally? Some require you to save before borrowing, but some will lend around £300 to new members (depending on your circs). They may also lend you the money to pay off your payday loan, so you can get out of that hole. Worth an ask. More open than banks, and ethically based.

I hear You! My hours have just been cut to 8 hours a week. I'm shit scared about it all tbh as this was supposed to be a full time well paid job. I've been really shafted. It Will cost me £15 bus fare to come out with £40. Rant all you like.

Unfortunately being a student means getting into debt

Sorry things are so bleak for you at the moment

What a shame OP. It's a tough time for you but you will get through it. It there a possibility you can try and get a waitressing job in a good restaurant instead if your current cafe job? I used to do that as a student and getting fri/Saturday night shifts in a busy restaurant can earn a massive amount in tips.

I hear you. It is awful.
I'm sure you will have investigated every possibility already.
Keep on keeping on, OP.
- wish I could send you a real one.

Already live with dp curly

Parents live hundreds of miles away so not doable!

Sounds rough but at least you are working towards a better future. Channel your frustration into your studies. Hopefully knowing things should improve in future helps a little.

SharkiraSharkira Have you applied for housing benefit? l got that when l worked 32 hours at M & S. lf not, please do! lt could make a huge difference. x