To have cried in asda

[Littlemissdan]

Is it just me that the whole cost of living thing is getting too much for? I actually had a (very small and no one watching!) cry in asda when I saw some reduced bakery goods because I didn’t know if I could afford them alongside my entire smartprice shop. £30 I had for a 2 week shop including nappies, and it just broke me that I actually had to wonder if I could afford a 55p treat for my kids. I can’t believe we’re living like this, 3 years ago we were comfortable and now I’m relying on the free school meals half term vouchers.
Not really looking for advice or budgeting advice here, just a bit of solidarity really :(

[Luxplus]

@CoastalWave

It's hard when you feel you don't have anything to cut back on. I read all these threads about how to cut costs, and think well that's how I've been living for the last 5 or so years. Now what!

My lovely friend gave me £50 for my birthday on the insistence it was spend on myself not on bills etc. I actually cried when I used it for the food shop and then had to lie to her that I'd bought some make up and perfume with it. It helped massively though.

My kids are on pupil premium and we haven't had anything for the school holidays.

That's one of the reasons we often invite dds school friend and her mom for dinner. We know from the child how little they are living on but the mom never ask for help. She is studying after escaping domestic abuse and is doing her best getting life back on. We know she wouldn't accept hand outs but luckily she accepts dinner invites and we always pack leftovers without her knowing.
It's not like we are rich by any means but we are able to help so we think we ought to.
If I had given money for birthday I would be sad that it was spent on food because I think it's sad society is like that but I would be "proud" to know my friend would put food before non essential. Hope it makes sense

[WhydoesthesunalwaysshineonTV]

www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-10681541/People-reveal-desperate-methods-theyre-using-feed-families.html

[EmbarrassingHadrosaurus]

Martin Lewis: Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis warns 'civil unrest isn't far away' as cost of living crisis grips Britain and demands Rishi Sunak does more to 'keep people fed and warm'

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10704763/Martin-Lewis-warns-civil-unrest-isnt-far-away-cost-living-crisis-grips-Britain.html

[bunchofdaffs]

Hi, so sorry to hear that things are so tough for you. I don't know where you are but close to me there are several 'Social Supermarkets'. They are not for profit 'shops' run in community centres and some schools to serve the local community, they stock everything that a supermarket has, including nappies, baby wipes and cleaning products, but at around half the shop price.

There is usually a choice of fresh fruit and veg, fresh milk and fresh bread at 50p for a large loaf. They also have lots of tinned and frozen food that has passed the best before date which they sell very cheaply or give away for free.

They are open to everyone, free to use with no subscription, and no referral is needed.

Hopefully, there may be something similar close to you x

[NCTDN]

@Littlemissdan where in the country are you? I've got an offer for a supermarket where you need to join and I can invite a friend for membership. It depends if there's one near you though.
PM if you'd prefer x