To feel so down

[Snowflakesgivewishes]

My wage only just covers my bills and a very budget shop.

As to not be a disappointment I have spent money I shouldn't have on Christmas presents. Nothing too expensive, but combined I'm about £300 down on my bills.

And the kids have now gone to their fathers for a few days so I'm sat at home, alone, with no Xmas Dinner, nothing to do but dwell on how shit I feel.

I'm not going to need a miracle to get through January and need to find something to cheer me up other than going back to bed to sleep the depressing Christmas holiday away.

Please be gentle. Feeling a bit broken right now. And I know bills should always come first but I just couldn't see their little disappointed faces to having nothing to open. I feel such a failure anyway as a parent I didn't want to add to that.

I’m sorry that you are feeling like this. You are not a failure as a parent.

Is there a local church/community event you could go to? Sorry if that’s unhelpful advice, I don’t know your circumstances but I hate to think of anyone being lonely.

So sorry to read you are feeling like this. Do you have anyone you can invite round later or meet up with?? If not try to make the most of the down time and do something you really enjoy??
As a practical solution when you feel up to it take a look at the £10 a day threads over on money matters section on here. A very supportive group that will help you increase your income in the comfort of your own home. No mlm, no scams just genuine opportunities to make a difference to your life. I made an extra £1200 last month it has made such a difference. i know I sound like I m selling a scammy get rich quick scheme but I m not though, take a look when you feel up to it!!

That was me 12 years ago. The following day, I had a message from a stranger, which led to a meeting, which led to a relationship, and a wedding 3 years later.

Wishing you the same future. Don't lose hope xx

Can you sell or pawn whatever you’re writing this on? It’s easy to get carried away with Christmas.

Just wanted to say thinking of you

You did your best! Can you get a food bank voucher?

Ah, OP. Be kind to yourself. Please don't beat yourself up 💟

Don't beat yourself up OP When are your DC home? Can you have a mini Christmas day with them? Games and Christmas films etc.?

I know it seems impossible now, but you will get through it.
The little faces that got their presents, also need their Mum.

Thank you everyone. They are back at weekend. We got our Xmas evening and morning to be magical I just feel sick about the rest of the month.
I wouldn't go to a food bank knowing I've put myself in this situation.

I've had a nap yet now I'm awake I feel even worse. I work full time but never have anything spare for anything other than bills. That makes me incredibly sad. I miss a lot of time with my children due to work just to pay the bills.

Just seems wrong somehow. Maybe I'm just an ungrateful cow.

Make a budget. Just putting it down on paper always helps me. Work out what you can cut out and what you can put off until the next pay day. Don't worry about what's done, look forward to how you are going to sort things out and move on.

At present I can't budget because my income won't cover my bills. If I pay my rent in 80 short on childcare. And that's before considering any other priority bill.

I can't get a loan due to bad credit. Wtf do I do?

Go and find a local CAP scheme or similar. They will help you to work out a way forward.

Can you apply for a small crisis loan from the job centre? It can be repaid on a small basis.

You're not ungrateful. You're spinning so many plates that it can be hard to keep up! You sound like a really loving parent.

Reduced items from supermarkets are great. All meats and fish etc can be portioned and frozen. Absolutely use the food bank. Thays what they are there for. This time of year sees an increase of its users.

STOP giving yourself a hard time. Whatever you can afford to do without this month, then do that. Use whatever social support you have for childminding to cut down fees.

I've tried they above because I work they won't help me. My food budget is the lowest it can be most days I barely eat anything because I ensure my kids are fed and then there's nothing left for me.

I'm making myself ill with it all but that's another story.

I've even tried pay day loans this morning but even they won't accept me.