Financial frustration

[asac]

Just being a bit of a ranter.

We aren't as worse off as some people, I get that. We can pay rent and bills and have food in and afford playgroups and a car etc.

Sometimes I just wish we could do more than that. At the minute it feels like after we've paid all the bills and got food in and fuel for the month and been to a few playgroups etc, there's nothing left.

I had a cry last night (pathetic, I know!) because there's so much stuff I've seen in Asda (George) that I want to buy for my DS (2.5) but we just can't afford to even put in a £20/£30 order ever.

Again, I don't want to sound ungrateful because we're able to pay bills, my toddler doesn't go without he's clothed and fed and has (too many) toys.

Am I being pathetic? I'm sorry for the Friday night whinge

Not pathetic but have you ever gone through your account to see where your money actually goes, you’d be surprised where you could cut back. Do you have unnecessary subscriptions etc? But also you do sound like you are in a good position (all main bills paid) but just that you would fancy more disposable income?? Could you do a little side “hustle” from home?

Can you up your hours or DH to cover the extras or are you both working full time already?

I'm fairly happy with our finances as long as we know our priorities. We only eat out occasionally, so it's quite a treat. We love going away but stay in basic hotels to make our travel fund go further. Do you feel like you're spending money on things you value and are there other areas where you can cut back?

I don't necessarily agree with always cutting back. Can you make more money??

No, there's no areas we could cut back unfortunately.

DP works full time (plus a few extra nights a month) and I'm on maternity leave receiving maternity pay.

I just feel like a brat when I complain, bills are paid, babies have everything they need and more, it is literally that we don't have much (some months none) disposable income - we're yet to go on a holiday, we've ate out once in the past year etc.

I do think we could budget a bit more to even have an extra £40 a month though so I am going to take time this weekend to plan more. For example we could be more careful with food shops (batch cooking) etc, so I'll sit and do that tonight instead of feeling sorry for myself

Will you go back to work after maternity leave? I found there was nil left whilst on SMP but went back to work after 12 months. Rubbish leaving the children but worth it to be able to ‘enjoy’ nice things again

Good luck OP. Can you start a fund for treats? I save odd bits (both cash and online - e.g. by rounding purchases up to a pound) and it really adds up. With all due respect, if your children are babies and have too much, maybe you're not really spending on them but on you... They won't have a clue.