Money

[Cuppa123]

Is anyone else just really really tired of trying to keep their heads above the water with money problems? Money has been a problem for the last few years, but the last while has been relentless with increasing costs, fuel prices and the money is not lasting until the end of the month. Everything in life is now measured by how much it will cost. Kids off half term and want to go places (have to be free entry) and it is depending on how much it will cost in diesel to get there. It is basically living day to day. I have tried to budget, but there is never enough. The lack of money just pervades all of life and inhibits so much. It is also embarrassing when you cannot do things others are doing and constantly have to say no. I have tried to increase my incomings by working more jobs, but there are only so many hours in the day. No prospect of any type of holiday this year again and not much to plan or look forward to. Have felt so tired and low for what seems like ages now.

It's awful for so many people. Then you read the news how British Gas owners have record profits of £3.3 billion. Shell made record profits of $40 billion and we are all still struggling to pay energy and fuel costs.
Sorry you're struggling op but this shouldn't be happening and we shouldn't be standing for it.

We aren’t in as bad a situation as many people are, but we have definitely seen a big change in our outgoings and this has impacted on how we spend. I’m also on maternity leave at the moment which makes things tighter. I realised today we haven’t even went to softplay or anything for months and felt a bit guilty. I have 5 children so days out are never cheap as it is. We had grand plans to do loads this year while I was off but our bills have shot up exponentially and it’s looking like we will probably just go on the one trip to a caravan park that we booked and paid for away back last June.

It’s been half term here for us too and I noticed a lot of people just aren’t going days out and things as much they normally do. I think many of us are in the same boat. So try not to be too hard on yourself.

Yep. Selling the car end of March. I work from home. Asda home delivery weekly anyway. Ds soon 18 goes public transport or his bike everywhere and I too will be buying a bike but am already walking and getting fitter ie acting as if I have no car. Fresh air and exercise plus money saving thrown in. Cannot go wrong. I have had a car most of my adulthood so it is a big change for me (now 59) but better for the budget plus health.

We are really feeling the pinch, partner works and I’ve been a stay at home mum to our toddler as we’re entitled to Universal credit. Didn’t have family to help with childcare which is completely fine but,
I’ve struggled to find work that would pay me more as soon as I work I lose UC (it’s not a lot equivalent to part time minimum wage work) and to fit around partners work times which can be anywhere from 6am to 6pm mon - fri.

i asked partner at his current job and asked if they’d be willing to let us tag team so I work evenings. It’s well paid and in a couple of months I’ll be able to go full time and send my son to a local nursery half days and partner can pick him up and use working tax credits to help with the cost and then counting down the days until he’s 3 and he gets free hours 😂

we’re gonna be combining 50k a year pre tax instead of around 35 currently which is such a blessing as I’ve been so stressed feeling like we go to the same old places and I’m always worried about money.

still going to do my meal plans, take my toddler to church run groups (our local one is great value for money £3.50 for 2 hours and little ones get treats and we get teas/coffees) and places like nature reserves, a local free goat sanctuary and then days out will be a treat.

Also around august I will have been driving for a year so hoping my insurance will go down, currently £100 a month, and last year we moved mid year so council tax worked out £20 more expensive so that also saves some pennies. Not gonna start having coffee out again it’s extortionate and never worth the £20 for a couple of sandwiches and coffees.
we were also planning to go abroad this year but thinking maybe just a weekend away

Yes. It’s bloody relentless.

I have a relative in a senior position in Centrica who will get a £150,000 bonus ( after tax) this year
This is on top of a very generous basic

Sucks really!