To think it is insane I have no financial security?

[Mnoccju]

I earn 4,100 after tax and including child benefit.

Monthly costs:

my mortgage on a two bed is 1,100. Nursery is 1,700. Travel costs 300. utilities, 400. Food 250. Car finance 200. Tax and insurance 80.

I can’t afford new clothes or shoes, the cinema, a night out, a meal etc etc. I can just about afford to treat dd from time to time with a small toy.

what is the fucking point? My job is horrendously stressful and I have absolutely nothing to show for what I am doing. Are there other countries where life isn’t like this?

Your utilities seem high at 400 for a 2 bed? Does that include council tax?

Have you checked you're on the best deal? Or if you are eligible for a grant for better insulation, new windows etc to improve heat efficiency?

Oh come off it.

£250 is pretty reasonable, that is roughly £60 per week, so less than £10 per day for all her food and household groceries.

That's hardly Waitrose standards. It would barely keep her in olives and prosciutto.

I think it's pretty normal for young parents to be living hand-to-mouth. Kids are expensive.

I have the opposite problem - I keep trying to stop my DD being reduced, but Octopus are determined we should pay less.

Could you change your car?
The ones you pay monthly for are extortionate what with you paying £300 in travel as well - how far away do you work?

The really outrageous part is that the child’s father is not required to pay half of nursery costs. That current calculation is not fit for purpose.

You should be on single person council tax!!

Hang in there - are you eligible for the 15 hours from September?

I'm on single person council tax and it's more than £140. How much do you think it should be?!

Op loads of people will tell you you should get rid of the car, get a bike, eat nothing but gruel and be fucking grateful for it. But it's shit. I found myself pregnant a few years ago, looked at the maths and thought nah. I couldn't do it. Good luck to you. I'll send you a message if I've won the euro millions tonight.

Also 'get a lodger'. With a full time job and a baby. Absolutely nuts. You should have a good standard of living. Housing and childcare should be cheaper.

It’s shit, wages are shit in this country, housing is expensive unless you got on the ladder yrs ago & childcare is ridiculous.

Yanbu OP.

The nursery years are hard and harder still since you're a single parent footing the nursery bill.

I have no advice different to what PP have posted but it does get easier.

When my 3 year old got her funding our nursery fees went down from £880 to £110.

And with the 15 hours it should make a difference for you. That's two days a week where hopefully all you'll have to pay is for food.

Sending hugs OP. The years of paying extortionate childcare costs are hard, particularly when you're a single mother. Take a step back and breathe. Your bills are covered at least and it will get better. Be proud of what you're achieving - no, it doesn't look like there are funds for extras, but the CMS payment should help and you're doing brilliantly navigating this. You'll look back in a few years' time and be both relieved and proud that you conquered it.

Op loads of people will tell you you should get rid of the car, get a bike, eat nothing but gruel and be fucking grateful for it. But it's shit.

I hate the race to the bottom.

lol and I’m here laughing that your wage is over £4000 a month and mine is 1700£ a month 😂 if I had your money I’d be rich

lol and I’m here laughing that your wage is over £4000 a month and mine is 1700£ a month 😂 if I had your money I’d be rich

🙄

We all should be having a good standard of living, you’re not saying anything new or helpful. But sometimes, needs must.

How many children do you have in nursery if it's just one that is expensive

Yes it is expensive isn't it. That. Is. Her. Point

Let's ignore the goady posts - otherwise they take over the thread.

OP I'm sorry you feel so down about money but I can only echo what the others have said, it's not for much longer that you'll have such a big childcare bill.

The good thing is that small children don't need lots of money spent on them like teenagers do.

Be glad you have something left, many people don't even have that and there is an end is sight for you. Many people on a fraction of what you are have no hope of dropping out a bill soon.

Could you look at the cost of maybe a childminder instead of a nursery? Might work out cheaper 🤷‍♀️

How do you claim child benefit on that wage ? You must earn 70?
Sorry if I’m being stupid .