To be so sick of being broke?

[PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock]

This is pretty much just a moan really. I'm already doing everything I can to try and improve our situation financially. Although nothing's working atm. 😑

Both DH and I work full-time, on minimum wage. Me 45 hours per week, him between 40-50 depending on the week. And we still can't make ends meet. I'm talking having about £50 left in the bank 2 days after payday because all the bills have come out.

Not entitled to any benefits as earn too much for UC (on MW? 😐). Kids are grown up (22 and 18) but still living at home. DD1 is in college and on UC and waiting to see if she's entitled to PIP for her autism. DD2 is starting uni next month and works part-time herself.

I'm just so fucking sick of the cost of everything. To the point I'm questioning whether I can afford to buy a £6 pack of Benadryl for my fucking hayfever! 😡

Applying for multiple better-paying jobs every week and getting bloody nowhere! Urgh.

Have you ever tasted Tesco's Free From bread? It tastes like powder! I get Schar because it's actually edible!

I'm waiting for two new hips. On two sticks now. Streaming programmes keep me sane. That and my kindle. My car sits unused on the drive, so I'm saving on petrol.

Yes, I did thanks. We are both actively applying for other jobs daily. I'm not the only one in my workplace who has this problem. Unfortunately, I've been there less than 2 years, so complaining and rocking the boat will just mean getting sacked. (Seen it happen).

Can your kids not pay their own phone bills now they’re adults? They can get pay as you go if they don’t want to be tied into expensive monthly contracts.

also, your food bill is insanely high. Can you cut it down at all?

I get wanting Netflix etc so you can enjoy winding down and I also do get mounjaro but could you potentially pause the treatment for a few months to save a few hundred pound to go towards essentials?

Yes, I hear you on the gluten free bread. Morrisons do a £2 loaf, which I buy when I’m running out of money, but, while eatable, I think it tastes like cardboard.

Another trick is to buy all the yellow sticker gluten free that comes up, then freeze it. The defrosted rolls still make good sandwiches and the defrosted slices make good toast.

Another recommendation for Dave Ramsey. He’d suggest that you work on building your emergency fund back up first (while keeping up your current payments) so that you don’t go deeper into debt when the next inevitable crisis happens. Then tackle debts in order of size, smallest first.

There's a round brown loaf in Lidl Bakery section that's edible. Gluten free pasta has been such a help.

What about OH? Speak to acas and find out what his (and your) rights are

I'm on a higher dose, with the exception of headaches and exhaustion (which I get anyway with peri), I don't have any side effects.

But he isn't working 50 hours a week, you said he's paid for 35. If he's going to work 50 hours a week, he needs a job that pays 50 hours a week. There's plenty of jobs out there that pay overtime.

Thank you, I will. I'll take a look at their website too.

Can you work for DWP proper and become a civil servant, using your experience as a way in?

Is your dd going away to Uni - if so then she will get student loans and it will be one less mouth to feed.
If she is going to a Uni close to home and living at home she can contribute towards board from her student loan money.
The eldest's UC is money given by the government to live off - she should be contributing. If she is too unwell to look for work has she been through the UC capability for work process? If not then it would be worth doing this as could increase her UC. Get onto that soon as next April the extra health element is halving for new claims.

Gosh you’re rude!

and you only ‘shit out fat’ if you’ve put fat in!

Yes, I know! Which is why like I've said several times we're both applying for other jobs daily!

Thanks! 😊

Move area!

Minimum wage x2 was never going to be enough to fund the lives & household of 4 adults.

You’re living beyond your means, things in your budget which could go but can see by your replies you don’t actually want to change anything so crack on winging

@PrincessC0nsuelaBananaHammock id be intrested in a breakdown of the food budget section and all the brands your buying etc.

Best case scenario - they pay you properly
Second best - they try to force you/him out and get landed with a constructive dismissal payout (which would pay a debt or two in full😂)
Stressful and scary for you, granted. But rolling over and letting companies treat us like shit gets wearing in itself, doesn’t it? It costs nothing to find out at least!

She's staying at home, no way we could afford the extra cost of her going elsewhere. DD1 is in college, she's training to be a Joiner. She couldn't work and go to college, she'd become overstimulated and burn out. I'd rather she train in something where she can actually have a career and earn decent money in the future.

If he’s that knackered, there are other MW jobs he can do for less effort?

I am trying! 😃

I don't understand how she gets UC whilst at college ? Has she been awarded the LCWRA element on UC? Or is it a very part time course?

Yep! I was on it for 6 months after gaining weight on medication for my autoimmune disease. It’s not that bad! You can wear pads if worried.

Thank you! I'll have a look at their stuff. I've never been much of a fan of the gluten free pasta, is Lidl's better than Tesco?