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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To feel angry, bitter and resentful

566 replies

StillAtDusk · 15/02/2024 19:08

I admit I'm feeling really sorry for myself.
But I can't help it.
DH and I are really struggling financially. We live in a tiny semi-detached house with our 2 DC. Our house has no hallway, front door goes straight into lounge, kitchen 7ft x 10ft, 3rd bedroom (DD room) 6 ft x 9ft. Bought an old 2nd hand car last year after my other 2nd hand car died. Now this one has failed it's MOT miserably and we haven't got the money to pay for the amount of work it needs. Probably can't afford to go on holiday this year. Our kitchen unit doors are broken, our oven is broken, our bath is broken with a hole in it, we need new radiators, we need new carpets because they're all old and threadbare, but we can't afford to replace any of these things and our house is an embarrassing state. We both work, DH 50 hours a week, me 30hrs a week, we are both in professional occupations that we spent years training for after both going to Uni.
Every week I worry about money. And our fixed term mortgage expires later this year and I actually feel physically sick at the thought of how much it's going to go up by as we have no money left at the end of each month as it is, and our mortgage term is up to the age of 70 so we won't be able to extend it as a way of keeping repayments manageable.
I'm angry and bitter and resentful because our life didn't need to be like this.
When I was a teenager, my grandmother repeatedly stated to me, to my DF and DM, and to her sisters, that when she died, I was to be given a quarter of the sale of her house. I so clearly remember her telling me I would inherit a quarter, and I remember family meetings round the table with her stipulating this to my DF (her son) and telling him he must ensure I received a quarter of the sale upon her death. My grandmother adored me all my life. But she never left a will. And after she died, her house was sold and my DF ploughed all of the inheritance into buying a new kitchen, new bathroom and a loft conversion in his girlfriend's house and spent the rest on holidays with her. They're not married and her house is in her name as she bought it before they met. So DF effectively ploughed hundreds of thousands of pounds into her house, he lives there with her, has done for 30 years, but he'll never have any financial claim on it and I never, ever saw a penny of the quarter my grandmother asked him to give me.
I'm angry with my beloved grandmother for trusting that her wishes would be carried out and not leaving an actual will.
I'm beyond angry with my DF and I no longer speak to him as a result. And as a result of me not speaking to him, my DC have never even met him, which I'm also angry and bitter about.
When I was 6, after my parents divorced because my DF had a affair, my DM got engaged and we moved to a new home with my stepfather. They had a baby. Within a year, my stepfather was dead. My DM was unable to financially maintain the mortgage, so we lost our new home and went into rented accommodation. My DM has remained single and in a rented home ever since, as she's never been able to afford to buy a home by herself.
My DH's mother died and DH's father inherited the house. His DM owned her house outright in her own name before she met and married DH's father. Within months of her death, DH's father sold the house, their beautiful family home, banked the money (no mortgage so got all of the sale) moved in with a new woman into her home, married her, then a year later he died and his new wife inherited all of his money from the sale of the family home. The naivity in me thought, surely she'll give DH some money, in recognition of the fact this money she's inherited has come from the sale of his family home which his mother owned outright. But no. She used the whole lot to buy a lovely new home for her and her children. DH never saw a penny of any inheritance. If he had, we wouldn't be living in the tremendously hard up circumstances we are now.
So DH and I are where we are. Struggling to death financially and finding life really hard.
And I'm so angry, it's eating me up.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
14
Macaronichee · 17/02/2024 21:47

Sorry to hear that things are so tough.
Inheritance should only ever be looked at as an unearned bonus, however. That is not only because many people, like your grandmother, don’t get round to making a will but also because there are few grounds to oppose a will made by someone of sound mind. It doesn’t sound as if any Inheritance Act provisions apply, like undue influence on the testator or you providing live-in care for your grandmother having been promised a percentage of her estate. That can feel very unfair but what is the point of dwelling on it? Hopefully life will get easier as your children grow older and you can seek a better paid job.

neighboursmustliveon · 17/02/2024 21:50

StillAtDusk · 15/02/2024 19:08

I admit I'm feeling really sorry for myself.
But I can't help it.
DH and I are really struggling financially. We live in a tiny semi-detached house with our 2 DC. Our house has no hallway, front door goes straight into lounge, kitchen 7ft x 10ft, 3rd bedroom (DD room) 6 ft x 9ft. Bought an old 2nd hand car last year after my other 2nd hand car died. Now this one has failed it's MOT miserably and we haven't got the money to pay for the amount of work it needs. Probably can't afford to go on holiday this year. Our kitchen unit doors are broken, our oven is broken, our bath is broken with a hole in it, we need new radiators, we need new carpets because they're all old and threadbare, but we can't afford to replace any of these things and our house is an embarrassing state. We both work, DH 50 hours a week, me 30hrs a week, we are both in professional occupations that we spent years training for after both going to Uni.
Every week I worry about money. And our fixed term mortgage expires later this year and I actually feel physically sick at the thought of how much it's going to go up by as we have no money left at the end of each month as it is, and our mortgage term is up to the age of 70 so we won't be able to extend it as a way of keeping repayments manageable.
I'm angry and bitter and resentful because our life didn't need to be like this.
When I was a teenager, my grandmother repeatedly stated to me, to my DF and DM, and to her sisters, that when she died, I was to be given a quarter of the sale of her house. I so clearly remember her telling me I would inherit a quarter, and I remember family meetings round the table with her stipulating this to my DF (her son) and telling him he must ensure I received a quarter of the sale upon her death. My grandmother adored me all my life. But she never left a will. And after she died, her house was sold and my DF ploughed all of the inheritance into buying a new kitchen, new bathroom and a loft conversion in his girlfriend's house and spent the rest on holidays with her. They're not married and her house is in her name as she bought it before they met. So DF effectively ploughed hundreds of thousands of pounds into her house, he lives there with her, has done for 30 years, but he'll never have any financial claim on it and I never, ever saw a penny of the quarter my grandmother asked him to give me.
I'm angry with my beloved grandmother for trusting that her wishes would be carried out and not leaving an actual will.
I'm beyond angry with my DF and I no longer speak to him as a result. And as a result of me not speaking to him, my DC have never even met him, which I'm also angry and bitter about.
When I was 6, after my parents divorced because my DF had a affair, my DM got engaged and we moved to a new home with my stepfather. They had a baby. Within a year, my stepfather was dead. My DM was unable to financially maintain the mortgage, so we lost our new home and went into rented accommodation. My DM has remained single and in a rented home ever since, as she's never been able to afford to buy a home by herself.
My DH's mother died and DH's father inherited the house. His DM owned her house outright in her own name before she met and married DH's father. Within months of her death, DH's father sold the house, their beautiful family home, banked the money (no mortgage so got all of the sale) moved in with a new woman into her home, married her, then a year later he died and his new wife inherited all of his money from the sale of the family home. The naivity in me thought, surely she'll give DH some money, in recognition of the fact this money she's inherited has come from the sale of his family home which his mother owned outright. But no. She used the whole lot to buy a lovely new home for her and her children. DH never saw a penny of any inheritance. If he had, we wouldn't be living in the tremendously hard up circumstances we are now.
So DH and I are where we are. Struggling to death financially and finding life really hard.
And I'm so angry, it's eating me up.

I did choose YANBU as I do think those inheritance stories are awful and worry me for my children’s future.

However, I’ve never had an any inheritance and mother had my husband. We both work in middle management, I have a poor degree , he never passed his. We have two children and own our own home (mortgaged). Neither of us came from money. His parents gave us £5,000 when we bought our current home which helped bit wasn’t essential.

You can make it on your own without money from the previous generation. So stop blaming them for not protecting their money - or being more generous with what they inherited.

BeCoolDenimScroller · 17/02/2024 22:24

So sorry OP… I know how rubbish this is… We have had similar happen to us on both mine and DH’s sides of the family. My Grandfather changed his will in last stages of dementia last year and all his money has gone to his second wife and her family, our family were left stocks which turned out to be worth nothing. My DH’s mother never got round to writing a will, then got Alzheimer’s and it was too late, she had planned to leave money to our kids but now all of that has gone to her care and DH’s step father will get the house and he is not planning to write a will at all!! It has been a real eye opener for us about inheritance and how things can go wrong… I am worried for my sister as her situation is similar to yours and I think she is relying on something from my parents but I don’t think there will be much left ☹️

Mybossisasod · 17/02/2024 22:35

Many SEN issues are hereditary especially ASD and the OP is giving me some very heavy ASD vibes. The complete failure to understand other family members emotions and needs is very telling of this. I wonder perhaps money hasn't trickled down because of this lack of understanding.

TheWorldisGoingMad · 17/02/2024 23:21

I can't help wonder, how many people responded flippantly to you post, without taking a moment to think... 'If this all happened to me, or my children when I died, how would I feel.'

You have every right to feel as you do. Especially is you have no idea how to contest a will.

The moral of you story is MAKE A WILL NOW! Words and promises mean NOTHING, if there is now will.

Lyracappul · 17/02/2024 23:34

can you keep an eye on Facebook marketplace for kitchens? Lots of people chuck out good stuff .. at least if it’s a solid wood one you could paint it.. and you might get lucky with a bath too.. I’m proud of all your efforts, you’ve done so well to keep a roof over your head, food on the table and your children loved and cared for. Ask your community for help on the freecycle pages and give n takery.. Let go of what’s gone, it’ll take your eye off the hope for your future.. it’s a bit like forgiveness, it doesn’t bother them much but it helps you the most..

Rainbowsandmiracles · 18/02/2024 00:02

If you contact www.littlemiraclescharity.org.uk they will help with the DLA - it is for any child (up to 16) that has an additional need, disability or life limiting condition - it does not matter what your family income is or if they are in mainstream. What matters is being able to word the form correctly to demonstrate their needs and show that they need extra care to another child of the same age without needs. This is also a gateway benefit which might mean you can access additional support. (Some financial which is means tested but depending on your local authority also things like after school and holiday clubs.) There is also additional support support available from most councils but please contact Little Miracles they will help. They may not be local to you but will provide free online family support - ask for Michelle.

I’m sorry that you have had such a crappy run of things but try and concentrate on the things that you can control xx

HOME

http://www.littlemiraclescharity.org.uk

usernamealreadytaken · 18/02/2024 00:08

BeCoolDenimScroller · 17/02/2024 22:24

So sorry OP… I know how rubbish this is… We have had similar happen to us on both mine and DH’s sides of the family. My Grandfather changed his will in last stages of dementia last year and all his money has gone to his second wife and her family, our family were left stocks which turned out to be worth nothing. My DH’s mother never got round to writing a will, then got Alzheimer’s and it was too late, she had planned to leave money to our kids but now all of that has gone to her care and DH’s step father will get the house and he is not planning to write a will at all!! It has been a real eye opener for us about inheritance and how things can go wrong… I am worried for my sister as her situation is similar to yours and I think she is relying on something from my parents but I don’t think there will be much left ☹️

If the dementia was diagnosed you would have a strong case to challenge the will and revert to the last one made when he was of sound mind x

Hodge12 · 18/02/2024 08:33

StillAtDusk · 15/02/2024 22:35

Just looked at DLA and looks like it doesn't apply to kids who are in mainstream school.

My son is in mainstream school and has SEN, my husband and I both work and we qualify for DLA. I know many others in same situation. There are SEN charities that can help you apply and your local SENDIAS can advise. Sorry if this has already been mentioned I haven’t rtft just wanted to help if it does ☺️

Angrywife · 18/02/2024 10:02

You cut your cloth to the money you've got, not the money you expect to get.
You've clearly overspent in the expectation of inheritance and learnt the hard way.
Sell up, get a cheaper house you can afford, a small 2 up 2 down, and start again.

Dotdashdottinghell · 18/02/2024 10:38

It sounds really hard, but I think for a lot of people the prospect of inheritance is being eroded with second marriages, blended families and care home fees. The bitterness will eat you up in the end if you don't find a way to let it go.
Can you and DH increase your earnings? Join the staff bank, or even Thornbry? If you took it in turns to do a Saturday night shift each that would bring in upwards of 1k a month. If you're not HCP's, even a few evenings a week working behind the counter of your local take away or something would help.

Barney60 · 18/02/2024 10:54

So sorry but your post comes across bitter and poor me.
You should not of lived your life waititng for some one else to die to get money. Sounds like you were relying on this money.
You both have good jobs, you did not say what they are, can either of you move company's for better pay or take in home working, eg if either do accounts can you help local services in the evenings working from home?
Can either of you do night school courses to learn how to mend some things in your home, can you advertise an offer of exchange skills eg what you do in exchange for some one helping you?
Go onto e bay or local face book pages, lots of people are getting rid of baths for free now?
Lose the anger it will make you ill, forget whats happened it wasnt your money if no will was left.
You are the only two who can help you get out of your own circumstances, work on it theres always a way its just finding it, believe me ive been there. Good luck,

NotQuiteNorma · 18/02/2024 13:31

TheWorldisGoingMad · 17/02/2024 23:21

I can't help wonder, how many people responded flippantly to you post, without taking a moment to think... 'If this all happened to me, or my children when I died, how would I feel.'

You have every right to feel as you do. Especially is you have no idea how to contest a will.

The moral of you story is MAKE A WILL NOW! Words and promises mean NOTHING, if there is now will.

The moral of the story is nobody is entitled to an inheritance.

ruhroh · 18/02/2024 15:37

The timeline is weird. I think you're putting too much weight on your grandma's words in front of you.

You say you've been living in poverty and rented accommodation since you were 6. Yet, your rich GM adored you all your life and when you were a teenager, GM said you would have 1/4 of her fortune.

From when you were a 6 year old in poverty to a teen, where was your GM? No offer for you to stay in her £1m home? No cash gift to help your poor DM afford to take care of you?

If you've been poor your whole life, from when you were 6 till now (can't afford a coat!), I can see why you're waiting around for an imaginary windfall... But your GM never bailed you out when she was alive and you were young. Why did you think she would when she was dead?

Despair1 · 18/02/2024 18:24

As hard as it is, you need to find a strategy to let go of these feelings of anger and resentment. Your shared story describes some very unfair scenarios but they are all out of your control. Life is unfair ( I talk from experience) but your feelings of anger are hurting you and your family only. Time to reframe your thought processes and celebrate what you have

Londonbabyland · 19/02/2024 23:05

@StillAtDusk re bath- for 20 quid you buy an acrylic bath sealer, apply it and 24 hours later it's like new. Kit has all the tools needed in the pack.

Re cupboard doors - take doors and hinges down, a 10 quid filler and touch of paint later will leave you with neat open shelves.

That's 2 problems solved.

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