Got to the point of just thinking what's the point anymore? Life is unaffordable.

[user1630101]

Just as the title says really. Been in a financial shit show for the past god knows how long. Every time we think we're getting on top of things something else crops up and we end up right back where we started. Both spend all hours working but end up not being able to go out or do anything with the dc ever because we have no money left after bills and debts. Got to the point the last few weeks I can barely be bothered to get out of bed most mornings because I just can't see the light at the end of the tunnel anymore. Not even looking for advice as we've tried everything, on debt management plans etc but nothing is working and nothing is getting easier. Just needed to say it out loud really because DH moans about it but won't actually look at the finances or go through it with me as it stresses him too much. Just needed to moan.

It is hard for so many people, that has always been the case though, and nothing changes. All you can do is look over your finances, see where any cost cutting can be made. The usual advice such as looking at improving your finances via work, is not viable for everybody!

Same, it’s just work to pay bills and nothing else. It’s shit!

Head over to MSE debt free wannabe forum post a statement of affairs, and they will help you. But be warned, they are pretty brutal!

We are in the exact same position and this week I have really struggled with my mental health. I just want to disapear 😪 or win the lottery.. Which is never gonna happen. I can't cope with it anymore

How is it fair that for my family to be just about financially stable, I'd have to die, so the life insurance pays out. WTH is all that about... its so depressing.

Moaning won't get you anywhere if you're in debt crisis, worst case scenario is that you'll tread water for years and still be in debt in 5/10 years time having paid little off and thousands in interest.

Get professional advice or at least post details of your incomings and outgoings on the MSE debt free wannabe forum.

My husband and I sought debt advice from the citizens advice and ended up finding out we are entitled to UC (due to having kids that get disability benefits). Maybe try them they might be able to find some solution for you

A DMP should make your situation substantially easier op. If it hasn't, it's indicative that the problem wasn't the debt to start with.

How much are you paying towards your DMP vs how much before? When was it last revisited? If your income has gone down, a DMP should be able to flex around this.

God this, sometimes I hope I die before it expires so my kids have a better life.

I hear you op. What's the point in it all? I rent, I'm self employed, and all my wages go on rent, bills, petrol etc. I'm 54 and I just feel like checking out as there's no light at the end of the tunnel. It's so depressing 😞

I get that you’re fed up.
Try adding a degenerative condition in too! 62 mid stage Parkinson’s, yes I’m ok money wise, don’t work , single, cat and I .
Nothing really helps tho
Try getting real money help.

I think the problem is there is only so much you can do to change your situation when you can't control the wider financial context.

Our bills have risen to ridiculous levels (a lot of it due to companies' greed and government unwillingness to do anything about it) with utilities, rents, transport and council tax raising all the time in a way that is completely detached to what most people on average or low salaries make every month.

So yes it is an incredibly discouraging that you can do everything right (have a job, save a bit and be careful with your spending) and still end up struggling.

And I really don't think this Labour government gets it either or is doing anything to improve the situation.

I know the feeling of working just to put a roof over your head and having no disposable income, but like a pp said, moaning won’t get you anywhere when you’re in debt. You say you can’t change anything but you can. One of you can increase your household income, maybe both of you. Those debts are holding you back much more than the cost of living.

It's depressing when all you do is work to pay bills. Not that long ago (before covid and just after) life was good, I had money to go out, buy stuff every so often.

Everything has gone up, but my salary hasn't gone up by the same amount(4.4%). The extra 3% on my mortgage doesn't seem that bad but then add on the extra 9.4%from the housing association for the share i don't own and that's over 12% just on my flat, then there's the yearly council tax increase, the increase in electricity has been astronomical (a month used to be £50, maybe 60 in winter, it's now £120 in winter).

Not forgetting food. A loaf of Hovis bread used to less than a pound, now it's £1.47, cat food used to be £3.75 now it's £5.

I don't think it's as easy as earning more money, taking on extra hours or a second job.

I worked my arse off to get all the debts my ex H left me with paid off only for everything to jump up in price straight after. So I was no better off. I know I am lucky in many ways, I have a secure HA tenancy, I keep my children fed and warm but I have to work every hour I can to keep things ticking over. I saw a thread earlier asking how much people have in savings - I’m in my forties and have £0, no pension either, except state, most months I am overdrawn. Is this really what life is about, work, work, work then die in poverty?

It's shitty. I have done some qualifications and am seeing roles for my job at minimum wage!

Wages need to go up.

@Adamante why no pension? Have you opted out of employer scheme(s) or are you self employed?

Self employed and it’s fairly recent as I was a carer for my disabled child prior to that.

Same situation as Boris. Not only that, but also feel like checking out. I can't do this for another 10/20 years

Feel exactly the same! Husband and I both work full time hours, plus overtime. I took Feb half-term as annual leave to spend with the kids, and made a nice little list in my phone of everything we'd like to do (London on a train etc!).

instead we haven't been able to do anything on my 'list of plans' and I've felt unbelievably low all week. Raiding the last pennies to buy food for decent meals.

The little one has been happy with park visits which cost nothing, and the teenagers go out and do their own thing. But I just wish I could have used this time to have taken us all out for a pub lunch, or given the older kids cash to go on activity with their mates.

A warm house with food on the table, and mum not at work, has been a nice half-term in many ways. But bloody hell, we've both got good jobs - surely we should be able to do more.

Also the same for me and I am exhausted and burnt out. I work hard and I have a degree but I still can’t afford to do pretty much anything once bills etc have been paid

@CottonCandyCrank @BeGoldHedgehog
My life insurance paid out yesterday, I am 52. Be careful what you wish for.

I'm sorry to hear that.

@BeGoldHedgehog Me too 😥

I am so sorry to hear that.