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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder why everyone else on benefits appears to be living the high life...

107 replies

dizietsma · 15/04/2008 17:03

and we're literally emptying the penny tin to pay for groceries on a weekly basis.

It's not even like we're on full benefits, either. DH works, but we still qualify for some housing/council tax benefit + tax credits because his income is so low. Every month it's a struggle. We budget harshly, but it's never enough. Today is DH's birthday and I don't even have all the ingredients to make him a bloody cake, never mind buy him a present!

I see all these stories on MN by jealous neighbours about people on benefits with shiny new cars, expensive TV's, holidays 3x a year... what the hell? WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?

The answer is simple, isn't it? These people are fictional, made up by nasty, bitter people with nothing better to do than fantasise about what a good time everyone else is having at their expense.

So I'm going to let this out, it's been brewing for a long time-

IF YOU THINK THAT PEOPLE ON BENEFITS HAVE IT SO EASY THEN WHY DON'T YOU QUIT WHINING, QUIT YOUR JOB OR LEAVE YOUR RICH HUSBAND, SIGN ON AND SEE HOW FUCKING GREAT IT REALLY IS.

I hope you really enjoy toasting your husbands birthday with an empty larder, empty bank account and no presents. That's the best bit.

OP posts:
allgonebellyup · 15/04/2008 17:05

why dont you work too then?

ScoobyDoo · 15/04/2008 17:06

these thread are truly boring now, it's just going round in circles....

CrackerOfNuts · 15/04/2008 17:07

People on benefits who are living the high life, are not just on benefits, they are supplemtenting their income somehow.

southeastastra · 15/04/2008 17:07

don't think everyone on here thinks that dizietsma, is they do sod them.

we struggle too, don't get any benefits at all and both work.

there is just such a big divide between the have and have nots in this country at the moment.

hope you can both try and enjoy his birthday.

mankymummy · 15/04/2008 17:07

I heartily agree dizi and can I direct that rant also at my ex who thinks I am living in the lap of luxury whilst actually I go to bed every single night worried sick about money and feeling guilty that I can't give DS everything I'd like to, or even that he needs.

lulumama · 15/04/2008 17:08

i thikn 99.99 % of mumsnetters , of which there are a fair few on benefits, know it is not the easy option, or that it is a passport to the high life.

Chequers · 15/04/2008 17:08

Message withdrawn

Original poster
dizietsma · 15/04/2008 17:09

Please do Manky Mummy

OP posts:
Original poster
dizietsma · 15/04/2008 17:10

Nope, Chequers, I was having a cathartic rant.

OP posts:
Original poster
dizietsma · 15/04/2008 17:10

I assume that those who don't hold that opinion will not feel it is directed at them... is that weird?

OP posts:
Chequers · 15/04/2008 17:11

Message withdrawn

NorthernLurker · 15/04/2008 17:13

I'm sorry to hear of your situation and do hope that your dh's next birthday finds your circumstances much improved.

Chequers · 15/04/2008 17:14

Message withdrawn

Original poster
dizietsma · 15/04/2008 17:14

Funny, I thought AIBU was ALL rants

OP posts:
Original poster
dizietsma · 15/04/2008 17:14

Thanks guys

OP posts:
WorzselMummage · 15/04/2008 17:16

big deal

i work, df has 2 jobs and we're still skint.

thats life, deal with it.

mankymummy · 15/04/2008 17:16

Blimey, does it really matter where the rant was posted when dizi is obviously having a shit day and just wanted a bit of support?

Greyriverside · 15/04/2008 17:17

I do see an awful lot of posts claiming that people on benefit are evil spongers who have LOADS of money. I guess it's a very vocal .01%

Chequers · 15/04/2008 17:18

Message withdrawn

Rubyrubyruby · 15/04/2008 17:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Chequers · 15/04/2008 17:19

Message withdrawn

CarGirl · 15/04/2008 17:20

I hope you manage to have a lovely evening together. Have you looked at moneysavingexpert.com really good for saving money, budgeting etc etc etc. It's so hard to be in that situation hopefully this time next year you'll be able to make a cake and get a bottle of wine in.

Youcannotbeserious · 15/04/2008 17:22

Agree with Lulumama - very few people actually believe that a life on benefits is anything to aspire to - and understand that it's bl**dy hard work making ends meet...

But, also agre with Crackerofnuts, there is a significant minority of people who somehow screw the system....

NorthernLurker · 15/04/2008 17:22

practical suggestion - what ingredients do you have? We might be able to muster a recipe?

Flamestar · 15/04/2008 17:22

That was a bit bloody harsh worzsel!!!!

"Deal with it"

Don't you ever have a shit day when you just feel crap about a lack of money and want support.

Plus being made to feel shit about being a "sponger" and taking other MNer's tax

Sometimes you just want a place to let off steam, to stamp your feet and say that it doesn't feel fair.

It doesn't matter if life IS fair or not, or if other people are worse off than you, what matters is how YOU feel in your own little world.

Diz just wants some support