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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask how people afford plumbers or new fridges?

317 replies

coldinside · 16/10/2025 01:03

I need a plumber to look at a drain blockage in my bathroom (have already tried to clear it myself to no avail) and my fridge has broken so needs replaced. But I’m wondering how I can even afford these things. I earn £1979 per month and my bills are as follows:

Mortgage £620.48
Council tax £125
Income protection insurance £17.48
Car tax £16.62
Gas £20
Electricity £40
Broadband £23.99
Mobile phone £10.50
TV licence £29.08
Counselling £100
Petrol £150
Parking £80
Dentist £20
House management fee £20
Car insurance £45
Home insurance £43.25
Credit card £200

This leaves me with a total of £417 per month to feed myself and a dog, to buy clothes, shoes and toiletries. I can’t save any money each month and I have no idea how I will pay for a fridge (£530) and plumber. AIBU?

OP posts:
JHound · 17/10/2025 09:27

coldinside · 16/10/2025 01:03

I need a plumber to look at a drain blockage in my bathroom (have already tried to clear it myself to no avail) and my fridge has broken so needs replaced. But I’m wondering how I can even afford these things. I earn £1979 per month and my bills are as follows:

Mortgage £620.48
Council tax £125
Income protection insurance £17.48
Car tax £16.62
Gas £20
Electricity £40
Broadband £23.99
Mobile phone £10.50
TV licence £29.08
Counselling £100
Petrol £150
Parking £80
Dentist £20
House management fee £20
Car insurance £45
Home insurance £43.25
Credit card £200

This leaves me with a total of £417 per month to feed myself and a dog, to buy clothes, shoes and toiletries. I can’t save any money each month and I have no idea how I will pay for a fridge (£530) and plumber. AIBU?

  1. You don’t need to £530 for a fridge. Not even for a brand new one
  2. You cannot afford. You had additional income above your fixed expenses which means you can afford to save. I made the mistake of telling myself I “cannot afford to save on a bit less than you. Do not follow my mistake. Just pay yourself first. Save before, not after spending. Even if it’s just 5% of your income a month
  3. Can you find ways to earn more money.
HairsprayBabe · 17/10/2025 10:35

@Blondeshavemorefun

After tax NMW is around £1,600 pm assuming 40hrs per week

With take home pay of just under £2k a month OP is earning closer to £30k. Average pre tax salary in the UK is £37,430 - she isn't a particularly low earner and certainly not on NMW.

Tryingtokeepgoing · 17/10/2025 12:31

Catsknowbest · 17/10/2025 07:33

I think I made it crystal clear what I was clarifying up post and why, and that it was not applied to the OPs specific circumstances, but to incorrect information posted by others non relevant to OPs circumstances 🙄 None of it was misleading or incorrect. And there is a lot of contradiction in your latest. "Technically correct....but misleading at best...wrong at worst" What?! 😅 Whilst it must have taken you ages to put that together it was an embarrassing waste of time. The benefits system "is unhelpful if one is single and has no children" is also wrong, as a blanket statement, particularly if they have health conditions. However, I'm definitely not going to waste my time putting you straight on that one, as you are obviously right no matter what facts someone offers you. And in future, read everything, not just the parts that send you dashing gleefully to your keyboard for a generalised fact light speech👍

Edited
Show quote history

Don’t worry, it took no time - I appreciate your concern though :)

Apologies if I’ve upset you with facts - I was just interested in making sure the OP wasn’t misled, not scoring points against other posters ;)

Cosyblankets · 17/10/2025 13:09

coldinside · 16/10/2025 19:50

Hi everyone, thanks for your replies. As @GinSwiggers deduced, I've been at work all day and unable to post until now.

To clear a few things up:

The TV licence is £29.08 because for the first six months the payments are higher. They reduce to the standard £14.50ish per month after six months, and I haven't reached that yet. It's also categorically not an option for me that I would just watch TV without paying my TV licence - that would go against all my values and own sense of integrity.

I always use comparison sites to secure the best deals. For the home insurance, I live in NI which unfortunately has the highest home insurance prices in the UK. This news article from earlier this year states that the median home insurance price in Northern Ireland is £427, which means that my policy isn't excessively out of that range.

I can't go without the counselling because, as some posters have pointed out, I wouldn't be able to work or function without it. There is a long waiting list for the 6 CBT sessions that the NHS offers in my area and personally I don't believe it would meet my needs anyway because I've experienced a lot of trauma in the past that I'm working through.

The car parking costs £3.70 per day for a car park that is 15 minutes' walk already outside the city centre where I work. A monthly train ticket would be £113 per month so actually costs more and I would still need the car to drive to my local train station. I may have overestimated slightly the £150 per month on petrol but it is at least £100 because it costs £50 to fill my tank and I'd be doing very well to make it to two weeks before I need to fill up.

The fridge I need to replace is an integrated fridge/freezer because that's what was in the house when I bought it. There isn't really space for a separate freestanding fridge. I've been quoted £460 for the replacement fridge and then £70 for removal and installation. I want to look myself for a cheaper fridge but from a quick look online already I get the impression that it's going to be several hundred pounds at least.

Those who stated that I can't really afford to have a dog are right, but unfortunately I had to take him on because he was originally my mum's dog and there was nowhere else for him to go. It's such a shame because he's a lovely wee dog but I've been on waiting lists for various rescues and shelters since June. I've been told that because there is such a demand for spaces, they won't be able to offer me a space until next year at the earliest.

The clothes and shoes - I haven't bought any for at least six months but the one pair of trainers I own and wear most days are getting really worn out. I have three outfits for work that I rotate and I need jumpers now that we're coming into winter. I'm definitely not a shopaholic and I don't care about brands, supermarket clothes are great because you get clubcard points too.

Pay someone to remove the fridge and the unit and get a free standing one for the space. That's what i did. I would never have integrated again. So little choice

Roobarbtwo · 17/10/2025 13:09

canningqueen · 17/10/2025 06:34

Only £60 a month for fuel. Wow! I live alone and pay £120. I hardly have the heating on

I don't pay much in fuel costs - around 40 pounds a month in the summer. Most being the standing charge. More in the winter. I was with octopus and then changed my electric to tomato energy now I'm with British gas. They do savings sessions once a week where you get half of what you use credited back to you. Octopus also did free hours of electricity - but those weren't at set times and you were told the day before.

Catsknowbest · 17/10/2025 13:11

Tryingtokeepgoing · 17/10/2025 12:31

Don’t worry, it took no time - I appreciate your concern though :)

Apologies if I’ve upset you with facts - I was just interested in making sure the OP wasn’t misled, not scoring points against other posters ;)

Show quote history

No, I'm definitely not upset- although your idea of facts is basically, you're quite clueless; and we're done 😊 go and annoy someone else (but do your research first)

Roobarbtwo · 17/10/2025 13:15

coldinside · 16/10/2025 19:50

Hi everyone, thanks for your replies. As @GinSwiggers deduced, I've been at work all day and unable to post until now.

To clear a few things up:

The TV licence is £29.08 because for the first six months the payments are higher. They reduce to the standard £14.50ish per month after six months, and I haven't reached that yet. It's also categorically not an option for me that I would just watch TV without paying my TV licence - that would go against all my values and own sense of integrity.

I always use comparison sites to secure the best deals. For the home insurance, I live in NI which unfortunately has the highest home insurance prices in the UK. This news article from earlier this year states that the median home insurance price in Northern Ireland is £427, which means that my policy isn't excessively out of that range.

I can't go without the counselling because, as some posters have pointed out, I wouldn't be able to work or function without it. There is a long waiting list for the 6 CBT sessions that the NHS offers in my area and personally I don't believe it would meet my needs anyway because I've experienced a lot of trauma in the past that I'm working through.

The car parking costs £3.70 per day for a car park that is 15 minutes' walk already outside the city centre where I work. A monthly train ticket would be £113 per month so actually costs more and I would still need the car to drive to my local train station. I may have overestimated slightly the £150 per month on petrol but it is at least £100 because it costs £50 to fill my tank and I'd be doing very well to make it to two weeks before I need to fill up.

The fridge I need to replace is an integrated fridge/freezer because that's what was in the house when I bought it. There isn't really space for a separate freestanding fridge. I've been quoted £460 for the replacement fridge and then £70 for removal and installation. I want to look myself for a cheaper fridge but from a quick look online already I get the impression that it's going to be several hundred pounds at least.

Those who stated that I can't really afford to have a dog are right, but unfortunately I had to take him on because he was originally my mum's dog and there was nowhere else for him to go. It's such a shame because he's a lovely wee dog but I've been on waiting lists for various rescues and shelters since June. I've been told that because there is such a demand for spaces, they won't be able to offer me a space until next year at the earliest.

The clothes and shoes - I haven't bought any for at least six months but the one pair of trainers I own and wear most days are getting really worn out. I have three outfits for work that I rotate and I need jumpers now that we're coming into winter. I'm definitely not a shopaholic and I don't care about brands, supermarket clothes are great because you get clubcard points too.

I personally don't think it's anyone's business whether you have a pet or not. I live below the poverty line and I have pets (cats). One dog isn't going to cost you a fortune to feed unless you are buying really expensive food or the dog has health issues.

It's obviously your decision about rehoming the dog - but you're talking about not being able to afford to keep a dog - and looking to spend over 500 quid on a fridge.

You don't need to pay for a TV licence to watch catch up TV unless you are watching the BBC.

Roobarbtwo · 17/10/2025 13:19

GinSwiggers · 16/10/2025 16:51

@Roobarbtwo If you are watching catch up on iPlayer (BBC) you do need a licence.

Show quote history

I don't watch the Bbc. Sorry if my post was worded wrongly.

Roobarbtwo · 17/10/2025 13:29

Your credit card debt seems like one of the biggest issues - it's not clear whether that's the minimum payment you are paying or whether you are paying more trying to clear it off. If you got a zero per cent credit card you could shift the balance over there and make smaller payments to the outstanding balance and free up some money.

As for counselling, I'm aware everyones situation is different - I waited 8 months to see an NHS psychologist and I was pretty unwell at the time of the referral - but there was nothing I could do but wait. I didn't have the money to pay for the support I needed.

If you have your name down for CBT on the NHS at least that's something that could come up in the future.

Roobarbtwo · 17/10/2025 13:35

soupyspoon · 16/10/2025 19:51

Some of these replies about her current outgoings, utterly crazy

Counselling/therapy is usually around £75ph at least here, havent seen many for less than that. Its not recommended just to go as and when, no one knows where in the therapy stages OP is, so just saying skip it for a month or two shows you know nothing. Ditto the advice to use the welbeing services at work, in my job, which is touchy feely frontline public services, you get 6 sessions of a 20 min phone call, that is not therapy. Ditto advice smugly posted about accessing NHS psychotherapy. Where is that then?

A third of your income on a mortgage is not 'high', its not low either but largely a lot of people are paying about a third.

Insurance could well be linked to the service charges, house management fees suggest a leasehold, buildings insurance and ground rent/service charge isnt negotiable in that case. Equally if its not linked to any leasehold, she might have made a claim in the past, which is why I avoid trying to make a claim and certainly its poor advice given on this thread to claim on the insurances for a blocked drain which would probably only cost about 50 quid if a handyman comes out

Many posters suggesting to get the FF on credit and equally posters are criticising that she has a credit card, we dont know what she bought on it for what reason.

Running a car is often people's only option if they live where there is no public transport or routes to work cant be made by that. Equally many employers charge for parking permits.

Lastly the lovely smug 'why dont you move closer to your job or get a new job'

Yeah just like that. Incur thousands in stamp duty, solicitors costs, estate agents fees, stress of moving. Just like that.

Jobs are ten a penny arent they, just get a new one

I've just posted about this. I'm aware that psychologists and psychiatrists involve a wait on the NHS but it was my GP who referred me to a psychologist. They also have other mental health services that people can use as well that a GP can make a referral to

autienotnaughty · 17/10/2025 13:49

ok so is the credit card debt? Is the dentist £20 necessary? It’s around £30 for a yearly check up . Do you shop around for your utilities/insurance?
could u drop the tv license and watch free view (but not bbc)

if £417 is what you have to work with I would shop at Lidl and aim for £70 per week including toiletries and dog food. That leaves £137 I’d save £100 per month and leave the £37 for incidentals.
See if you can sell anything on Vinted and buy on Vinted too.
i have a free budget app called spending I can put my out goings in and track what I spend.

Roobarbtwo · 17/10/2025 15:01

You could potentially look into applying for PIP. I know the process isn't particularly easy but there are places that could help you fill the forms in.

Im in Scotland and the application process is much simpler although they use the same descriptors - if you are suffering from trauma as you have described and you meet the conditions - there is no reason why you couldn't apply. It is there to help people both in work and out of work. The award I got was for a specific time period - but it's made a huge difference to my life.

soupyspoon · 17/10/2025 17:18

Roobarbtwo · 17/10/2025 13:35

I've just posted about this. I'm aware that psychologists and psychiatrists involve a wait on the NHS but it was my GP who referred me to a psychologist. They also have other mental health services that people can use as well that a GP can make a referral to

Show quote history

Firstly there is no guarantee the GP will agree that you need formal MH involvement from the NHS, not everyone in therapy privately would meet the criteria for that

Secondly there will be a very long waiting list and in my experience, and I know this differs, you get a piss poor offering of CBT, 6 session, only really 4 are done because the first session is getting to know each other and the issues, and the final session is finalising it and endings. Useless. And if you need more and if the gP agrees to re refer you, you're waiting another 6 months to carry on where you left off except with someone new and with another load of stress and poor MH because it didnt meet your needs.

If OP already has a working relationship there is no way unless she really had no choice she should drop out of her own therapy.

Roobarbtwo · 17/10/2025 17:26

soupyspoon · 17/10/2025 17:18

Firstly there is no guarantee the GP will agree that you need formal MH involvement from the NHS, not everyone in therapy privately would meet the criteria for that

Secondly there will be a very long waiting list and in my experience, and I know this differs, you get a piss poor offering of CBT, 6 session, only really 4 are done because the first session is getting to know each other and the issues, and the final session is finalising it and endings. Useless. And if you need more and if the gP agrees to re refer you, you're waiting another 6 months to carry on where you left off except with someone new and with another load of stress and poor MH because it didnt meet your needs.

If OP already has a working relationship there is no way unless she really had no choice she should drop out of her own therapy.

Show quote history

I got more than 6 sessions on the NHS. I'm in Scotland. I suffer from ptsd. I saw the psychologist for around 8 months. I did say there was a waiting list in my case in an earlier post and at no point did I suggest she dropped out of therapy - just that she could ask her GP to make a referral to psychological services.

The OP said she was working through trauma - it was just a suggestion. I wasn't suggesting she drops out of her counselling.

Tigerbalmshark · 17/10/2025 23:14

Roobarbtwo · 17/10/2025 17:26

I got more than 6 sessions on the NHS. I'm in Scotland. I suffer from ptsd. I saw the psychologist for around 8 months. I did say there was a waiting list in my case in an earlier post and at no point did I suggest she dropped out of therapy - just that she could ask her GP to make a referral to psychological services.

The OP said she was working through trauma - it was just a suggestion. I wasn't suggesting she drops out of her counselling.

Edited
Show quote history

That wasn’t my experience, or my husband’s, in London either (two different boroughs, one of us had PTSD and one has generalised anxiety).

Augustus40 · 18/10/2025 06:39

If I was ever unlucky enough to not have a working fridge I wd just put my fridge food in the porch as it is freezing in there. Especially in the colder months like now. Then I wd buy a reconditioned fridge.

buffybots · 18/10/2025 06:44

autienotnaughty · 17/10/2025 13:49

ok so is the credit card debt? Is the dentist £20 necessary? It’s around £30 for a yearly check up . Do you shop around for your utilities/insurance?
could u drop the tv license and watch free view (but not bbc)

if £417 is what you have to work with I would shop at Lidl and aim for £70 per week including toiletries and dog food. That leaves £137 I’d save £100 per month and leave the £37 for incidentals.
See if you can sell anything on Vinted and buy on Vinted too.
i have a free budget app called spending I can put my out goings in and track what I spend.

Edited

It’s probably a dental plan which is often worth it
i pay £27pm for all work excluding lab fees
£30 a check up?! More like £90 and I’m in the NW

autienotnaughty · 18/10/2025 07:16

buffybots · 18/10/2025 06:44

It’s probably a dental plan which is often worth it
i pay £27pm for all work excluding lab fees
£30 a check up?! More like £90 and I’m in the NW

Show quote history

You must be private I’m quoting NHS fees. It’s about £28 for a check up.

GinSwiggers · 18/10/2025 07:35

I understand that you may want to stay with the same counsellor @coldinside but many I know offer lower rates for clients on low incomes. They have a sliding scale of afford ability.
Have you mentioned you're struggling?

GinSwiggers · 18/10/2025 07:38

You should also be able to get cheaper counselling via your GP.

I'd be wary of comparison sites for insurance etc. Many are paid for adverts by the companies.

You get better quotes by ringing around or getting a quote online.

buffybots · 18/10/2025 07:47

autienotnaughty · 18/10/2025 07:16

You must be private I’m quoting NHS fees. It’s about £28 for a check up.

Show quote history

I don’t think many people have an NHS dentist now which is probably why OP pays monthly

AllyCart · 18/10/2025 08:01

CoralOP · 16/10/2025 08:38

I'm suggesting she watches her TV and doesn't pay a TV licence like the millions of other people who have stopped paying.
If anyone ever does come to her house to check (which is very unlikely because they are now millions of people they need to 'check on') she can tell them they aren't coming in. They have no rights and all they can do is send letters.

Show quote history

She could cut down her shopping bill by shoplifting, too.

GinSwiggers · 18/10/2025 10:12

Just to reiterate @coldinside whether your counsellor knows about your financial struggles.

I'd assume they do as it's part of your life. BUT if they don't please do tell them. They may offer a lower rate or come to some other agreement because £100 a month is a lot to spend on therapy.

I'd also suggest (kindly) that you look at how you've got to where you are as a (I assume) a woman in middle age but with no savings.

Can you increase your salary in any way?

Do you need to consider changing your car? I get over 50mpg with mine and over 60 on motorway trips.

iamnotalemon · 18/10/2025 15:11

GinSwiggers · 18/10/2025 10:12

Just to reiterate @coldinside whether your counsellor knows about your financial struggles.

I'd assume they do as it's part of your life. BUT if they don't please do tell them. They may offer a lower rate or come to some other agreement because £100 a month is a lot to spend on therapy.

I'd also suggest (kindly) that you look at how you've got to where you are as a (I assume) a woman in middle age but with no savings.

Can you increase your salary in any way?

Do you need to consider changing your car? I get over 50mpg with mine and over 60 on motorway trips.

I think your comment about getting to be a middle aged woman with no savings is extremely judgmental. But it’s ok, you add ‘kindly’ to it.