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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
Nowvoyager99 · 15/02/2024 21:31

It sounds as though you couldn’t really afford to buy your house? If you’re already stretched on an incredibly low interest rate, it is going to be very difficult as interest rates are levelling up to a figure nearer the historical norm.

It doesn’t seem like you are very fond of your home either, so it is all making you miserable.

The inheritance stuff is very annoying but for some reason you have both been let down by relatives who failed to write wills that left anything to you.

Can you sit down with DH and go through finances and make a plan? Could you move to a cheaper area maybe?

Newchapterbeckons · 15/02/2024 21:33

The only way to improve your situation is to work op. Most of us have to work, I think you are bitter because you are expecting someone else to step up and pay bur most of us just have to get on with it. My dh works 80 hours a week - I start at 6am. Needs must.

StillAtDusk · 15/02/2024 21:34

Lots of people asking why we can't afford to repair our house and car.
Because we have no savings, and what we get paid each month goes straight back out again. There's no money left over.
The cost of living crisis has hammered us.
Even the cost of food each month is extortionate.
We live frugally.
We don't dine out.
No takeaways.
No coffees.
No cinema trips.
Half term this week and we haven't been able to afford to take DC to anywhere that costs money.
No way to earn more as both at top spine point of pay bracket in our professions.
I've been walking around in a coat all winter that has a broken zip. At first I thought oh well, I'll just do it up with the poppers instead, as it had poppers over the top of the zip. But then the poppers broke too. So for the past 3 months I haven't been able to do my coat up, and I've been really cold at times.
This is how hard up we are.

OP posts:
WillYouPutYourCoatOn · 15/02/2024 21:36

@StillAtDusk

I'd be pissed off too. Your life could have been easier.

But, it wouldn't have made your life completely different. You need to look at the real picture and address what's going wrong.

Why, are two professionals, in a "tiny" house so utterly strapped for cash all the time? Why can't you afford a bath? You can get a new one from eBay for not a lot. You need to look at your life, your choices, your lifestyle. Because you should, on paper, be comfortable without any extra money from anywhere.

Member869894 · 15/02/2024 21:37

Why don't you tell us more op about your situation so we can try to help. What are your income/ outgoings

Newchapterbeckons · 15/02/2024 21:37

StillAtDusk · 15/02/2024 21:34

Lots of people asking why we can't afford to repair our house and car.
Because we have no savings, and what we get paid each month goes straight back out again. There's no money left over.
The cost of living crisis has hammered us.
Even the cost of food each month is extortionate.
We live frugally.
We don't dine out.
No takeaways.
No coffees.
No cinema trips.
Half term this week and we haven't been able to afford to take DC to anywhere that costs money.
No way to earn more as both at top spine point of pay bracket in our professions.
I've been walking around in a coat all winter that has a broken zip. At first I thought oh well, I'll just do it up with the poppers instead, as it had poppers over the top of the zip. But then the poppers broke too. So for the past 3 months I haven't been able to do my coat up, and I've been really cold at times.
This is how hard up we are.

Then either work full time or take a second job. If you choose to work part time then what do you expect?
Charity shops have lots of coats. Why are you choosing to walk around with a broken coat 🤷🏼‍♀️

Lindjam · 15/02/2024 21:38

I think you need to get a second part time job and work evenings and/or weekends or when the DC can be with their dad.

How long ago did you buy the house? Has it been a struggle from the start if you have never been able to fix the hole in the bath? How did you pass affordability checks?

I hope things improve soon.

Mum2jenny · 15/02/2024 21:40

Charity shops for a new coat? Food banks to help
with feeding the kids? Either you or your partner needs to find a second job. Unfortunately lots of ppl are struggling just now, so you need to be proactive. Sitting on your butt, whinging, isn’t the way forward. Sorry, if you feel my feedback is harsh, but I’d very similar issues many years ago, but I just had to get on with it.

PutMyFootIn · 15/02/2024 21:40

countdowntonap · 15/02/2024 20:15

Can you increase your work hours? I’d see working 39 hours per week as luxury!

Really?🙄

StillAtDusk · 15/02/2024 21:41

Newchapterbeckons · 15/02/2024 21:29

I think you could use after school care if they are both in primary school SEN shouldn’t prevent you working if they are in main stream school. Or dh and you take it in turns - get a weekend job? 30 hours isn’t that much if you are as hard up as you are.

You know nothing about my DC and their needs.
They are both really struggling in mainstream school. Have you heard of children with SEN struggling at mainstream school, or has your head been under a rock?
Don't lecture me on what my DC can cope with. You've never even met them.

OP posts:
Mum2jenny · 15/02/2024 21:41

Many ppl work 40+ hours per week, what is your point?

MidnightSerenader · 15/02/2024 21:42

.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.

What do you both earn, as a result of this study and training?

WillYouPutYourCoatOn · 15/02/2024 21:43

Newchapterbeckons · 15/02/2024 21:37

Then either work full time or take a second job. If you choose to work part time then what do you expect?
Charity shops have lots of coats. Why are you choosing to walk around with a broken coat 🤷🏼‍♀️

This.

You sound determined to wallow in your misery. Why not just go and get a coat from a charity shop. We don't need to use charity shops, we choose too. It's the smart way to clothe DTwins who seem to put the knees out of their clothes weekly. I save thousands on their clothes.

Yet you "had" to shiver in a broken coat for 3 months. You need to take ownership of this situation and not be determined to remain a victim who can't change anything.

Why don't you get DLA for both DC?

MidnightSerenader · 15/02/2024 21:43

StillAtDusk · 15/02/2024 21:41

You know nothing about my DC and their needs.
They are both really struggling in mainstream school. Have you heard of children with SEN struggling at mainstream school, or has your head been under a rock?
Don't lecture me on what my DC can cope with. You've never even met them.

Edited

OP, there’s no point getting angry with people.

You’ve posted and shared your situation (with some detail very limited) and invited people’s thoughts.

You may find the suggestions ridiculous, but getting angry with people is pointless.

Talkwhilstyouwalk · 15/02/2024 21:44

I think you need to let the bitterness go as well. No one should rely on inheritance. You can't blame your lack of inheritance for the situation you are in. Could you look to move to a more affordable area perhaps?

Justfinking · 15/02/2024 21:45

SecretSquare · 15/02/2024 19:16

I'm sorry you're experiencing financial difficulties and struggling. BUT, no-one should ever rely on inheritance in terms of their own financial planning. For a number of reasons, including the ones you've described. You're responsible for yourself.

Sorry, but this. Most people don't get an inheritance from grandparents.

Newchapterbeckons · 15/02/2024 21:45

StillAtDusk · 15/02/2024 21:41

You know nothing about my DC and their needs.
They are both really struggling in mainstream school. Have you heard of children with SEN struggling at mainstream school, or has your head been under a rock?
Don't lecture me on what my DC can cope with. You've never even met them.

Edited

So you don’t want to work more hours, because if you did you could get a second job working around dh’s hours.

You would just prefer an inheritance so that you don’t need to work as hard as everyone else. Well wouldn’t we all! It’s like a victim complex issue. It’s your life op - you need to work out how to fix it. Being bitter really won’t help you -it’s very harmful to you and your family.

HellonHeels · 15/02/2024 21:47

To prevent this inheritance situation being passed on to your children, do you and your DH both have wills that ensure your half share of your property will be inherited by your children?

Otherwise, if you happen to go before your DH, he could well take all the money and blow it.

Mum2jenny · 15/02/2024 21:47

I’d love an inheritance. I’ll give all my details to anyone you wants to give me their money ( obviously very touch in cheek!)

Mylovelygreendress · 15/02/2024 21:48

Do you receive DLA for your DC ?

TwoBlueFish · 15/02/2024 21:50

Can you share a little more about your income and outgoings?

do you receive DLA for your kids? If not have you applied? Have you checked in you are entitled to Universal Credit? You’d be surprised at the amount people can earn and still be entitled to some help, especially if you have children in DLA. You can do a manual check at https://www.uceplus.co.uk/how-much-will-my-payment-be

it is shit that yo’ve been let down but there’s nothing you can really do about it now apart from try and move forward.

Calculate your Universal Credit | UC Essentials

Learn how to calculate your Universal Credit entitlement, spot any errors in your claim and how future changes will impact finances.

https://www.uceplus.co.uk/how-much-will-my-payment-be

Noideawwhatsoccuring · 15/02/2024 21:50

StillAtDusk · 15/02/2024 21:34

Lots of people asking why we can't afford to repair our house and car.
Because we have no savings, and what we get paid each month goes straight back out again. There's no money left over.
The cost of living crisis has hammered us.
Even the cost of food each month is extortionate.
We live frugally.
We don't dine out.
No takeaways.
No coffees.
No cinema trips.
Half term this week and we haven't been able to afford to take DC to anywhere that costs money.
No way to earn more as both at top spine point of pay bracket in our professions.
I've been walking around in a coat all winter that has a broken zip. At first I thought oh well, I'll just do it up with the poppers instead, as it had poppers over the top of the zip. But then the poppers broke too. So for the past 3 months I haven't been able to do my coat up, and I've been really cold at times.
This is how hard up we are.

Something isn’t right.

Professional jobs. One working full time and one working almost full time. 2 kids in school. No childcare costs.

You don’t live in London, but you must live in an expensive area to not be able to afford any extras or to keep up to your house. A very small house that’s seemingly not big enough.

Are you In debt? Do you get CB and/or DLA for your kids?

ruhroh · 15/02/2024 21:50

telestrations · 15/02/2024 19:19

Sorry this is shit OP.

The inheritance thing is a bit of a red herring, you shouldn't need one to live comfortably with two adults working let alone professional uni educated ones.

But also understand being rather f*** off about it.

I also agree about the inheritance being a red herring.

OP and family sound more like council house tenants from OP's description of their poverty. I don't want to gaslight or dismiss anyone but my mum and DH are a bit like that – if you heard them speak you'd think we were living in a shithole. I think some people are more attuned to their physical surroundings and genuinely require a higher standard of living.

The truth is that the economy and COL is utter shit for most people. My family (all graduates from RG unis in relatively prestigious industries) is putting off essential work around the house, car is sputtering, etc. I think the house is cosy in size and comfortably run-down, but again my DH's descriptions nitpicking on issues around the house sound like your descriptions!! Also, groceries are so expensive, but we (and I'm guessing same for OP's family) aren't in actual danger of starvation, though sometimes it feels like it.

It's even worse if you overextended yourself with an expensive mortgage when the economy was doing well. Not blaming OP, as many people did that.

We're quite financially prudent, but when the economy was doing well over the past decade, a lot of our middle class safety net was eroded unknowingly... The 60k or 1/4 of an average house sale, amounting to maybe 1 year joint salary for you and DH (graduates in professional careers), would be so welcome now. But, before times got bad for everyone, would you have ploughed it into a more expensive mortgage or renovation work around the house? Or lived in a higher COL area/city? Or you quitting work instead of just working part-time? Etc... You might still be in the same state now. It's not a million pounds or even hundreds of thousands. So I would stop fixating on this grievance.

Overthebow · 15/02/2024 21:51

@StillAtDusk lots of us don’t get inheritances. You have to make your own lives and not rely on it. If you can’t afford your current lifestyle you need to make changes. Up your hours and go for promotions at work. Do you need a 3 bed house, with 2 DC they could share so you could downsize to a 2 bed instead. Shop in charity shops and on Vinted for everyone’s clothes and shoes. Second hand bathroom and do it yourself, same for the kitchen cupboards.

ssd · 15/02/2024 21:51

This is awful, no wonder you are so angry op.