Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Cost of living

Stretching your budget? Share tips and advice to discuss budgeting and energy saving here. For the latest deals and discounts, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Sick of having plenty of money on paper but not enough to actually live!

427 replies

MrsMop2026 · 31/03/2026 17:31

We get around £3,000 a month on paper that is loads.
Shouldn’t be struggling at all but why am I always struggling to put clubcard vouchers & pennies together at the end of the month.

Rent - £1,200
gas & elec - £300 (paying back some debt)
council tax - £150
water - £35 (on a special tarfif)
petrol - £200 (but obviously that’s now going up and god knows what that will come too - and yes I use my free bus pass where I can and no I can’t use less)
cats - £200 (i have four so it’s expensive Im trailing the cheaper supermarkets litter at £2.99 for 10 litres atm so hoping to get this down and next I will try cheaper cat food)
Food - £600 (cant get this cheaper ones diabetic other has AFRID)

leaving me with £260 a month but that just seems to go so quickly with school uniform, school trips, the occasional day out. :(

I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t do expensive days out, takeaways are a luxury in this house.
It is so stressful isn’t it? How does everyone else manage?

OP posts:
Blueshoey484 · 07/04/2026 15:14

Statsquestion1 · 07/04/2026 15:07

I didn’t say that I just said the other poster wasn’t wrong, it’s a fact… you are paying off debts and you have a silly amount of pets.

Show quote history

They stated why they ended up with four cats. A relative died. They couldn't get rescue to take them in. I have three cats and I have much less disposable income than the Op. My cats don't cost me anywhere near 200 pounds a month though

It's not easy to rehome cats in this economic climate. Shelters are full. I rescued my last two when the baby of a family was allergic and she couldn't find anyone to take them - and they were going to end up on Gumtree

That was 9 years ago - and it will be much worse now

Original poster
MrsMop2026 · 07/04/2026 15:39

Statsquestion1 · 07/04/2026 15:07

I didn’t say that I just said the other poster wasn’t wrong, it’s a fact… you are paying off debts and you have a silly amount of pets.

Show quote history

Yeah I couldn’t help that, what was I supposed to do tell my relative they wasn’t allowed to die because I didn’t want their cat?
Y’know fuck the cancer, you’re just going to have to keep living for another 16 years till the cats gone? It was a choice between their horse and their cat… the cats a hell of a lot cheaper!!

OP posts:
Statsquestion1 · 07/04/2026 15:45

MrsMop2026 · 07/04/2026 15:39

Yeah I couldn’t help that, what was I supposed to do tell my relative they wasn’t allowed to die because I didn’t want their cat?
Y’know fuck the cancer, you’re just going to have to keep living for another 16 years till the cats gone? It was a choice between their horse and their cat… the cats a hell of a lot cheaper!!

Edited
Show quote history

Stop being ridiculous! You didnt HAVE to take the cats no. You simply didn’t. Some landlords don’t allow pets so what would you have done if that was the case for you??

Original poster
MrsMop2026 · 07/04/2026 15:55

Statsquestion1 · 07/04/2026 15:45

Stop being ridiculous! You didnt HAVE to take the cats no. You simply didn’t. Some landlords don’t allow pets so what would you have done if that was the case for you??

Show quote history

Who was going to take the cat then?! Unlike you I actually have a Conscience wasn’t going to leave the cat outdoors to fend for itself as already stated NO rescues and I contacted over TWENTY had spaces!! God all you people so quick to judge but don’t actually have anything useful to say.

OP posts:
Statsquestion1 · 07/04/2026 16:00

MrsMop2026 · 07/04/2026 15:55

Who was going to take the cat then?! Unlike you I actually have a Conscience wasn’t going to leave the cat outdoors to fend for itself as already stated NO rescues and I contacted over TWENTY had spaces!! God all you people so quick to judge but don’t actually have anything useful to say.

Edited
Show quote history

I do have a conscience actually yes, but I’m asking you what you would do in the situation where you could not take the cats. The answer is, you simply would have found another solution, but what that solution is doesn’t matter. The fact is you did have a choice and you chose to keep the cats there. There’s no two ways about that. Because if you didn’t have a choice, you would’ve had to make other arrangements. And I hear you, you rang all the Cat rescues, but there would’ve been next steps, such as to reach out to other family members, or reach out to other friends, or advertise them somewhere. Call the local veterinary practices and ask them do they know anyone who takes cats in? Call the rescues in the next biggest town or a city. Whatever you have to do to make it so that they are not going home with you because we have to imagine that you’re not allowed to have them. But you did take them because you chose to take them… it’s very simple really.

Blueshoey484 · 07/04/2026 16:04

Op. I don't know what brand of cat food you currently feed your cats. My mum bought cat food in bulk for hers from Amazon - (all cats gone now sadly).

Two of my cats pretty much eat anything but my old boy is a bit fussier. But he's OK on the shop branded stuff mostly. A 2kg bag of Morrison cat food is around 3.55. Tescos is cheaper

I tend to buy them the small gourmet tins from Morrison too - 5 for 2.50

Blueshoey484 · 07/04/2026 16:09

Statsquestion1 · 07/04/2026 16:00

I do have a conscience actually yes, but I’m asking you what you would do in the situation where you could not take the cats. The answer is, you simply would have found another solution, but what that solution is doesn’t matter. The fact is you did have a choice and you chose to keep the cats there. There’s no two ways about that. Because if you didn’t have a choice, you would’ve had to make other arrangements. And I hear you, you rang all the Cat rescues, but there would’ve been next steps, such as to reach out to other family members, or reach out to other friends, or advertise them somewhere. Call the local veterinary practices and ask them do they know anyone who takes cats in? Call the rescues in the next biggest town or a city. Whatever you have to do to make it so that they are not going home with you because we have to imagine that you’re not allowed to have them. But you did take them because you chose to take them… it’s very simple really.

Show quote history

I'm not sure how this has got to a conversation about whether the OP is allowed to have them or not
Advertising them on social media really isn't advised - for safety reasons

Two of my cats (both gone now). I got when my mum saw an advert in the vets. I was the only person who responded.

Some people don't have lots of family - I don't. There's not always an obvious solution just when you want one

Her grocery bill is 600 quid and she's said that can't go any lower - but I'm sure it could if she made a few tweaks even though she has reasons why it's more expensive

Statsquestion1 · 07/04/2026 16:11

Blueshoey484 · 07/04/2026 16:09

I'm not sure how this has got to a conversation about whether the OP is allowed to have them or not
Advertising them on social media really isn't advised - for safety reasons

Two of my cats (both gone now). I got when my mum saw an advert in the vets. I was the only person who responded.

Some people don't have lots of family - I don't. There's not always an obvious solution just when you want one

Her grocery bill is 600 quid and she's said that can't go any lower - but I'm sure it could if she made a few tweaks even though she has reasons why it's more expensive

Show quote history

The point I’m simply trying to make here is that OP needs to stop saying that she didn’t have a choice in taking the cats. At the end of the day, she did have a choice. She chose to take them because she could and that’s great, but if it was a situation where she couldn’t take them, my question is. What would she have done?

Whattodo1610 · 07/04/2026 16:15

Statsquestion1 · 07/04/2026 16:11

The point I’m simply trying to make here is that OP needs to stop saying that she didn’t have a choice in taking the cats. At the end of the day, she did have a choice. She chose to take them because she could and that’s great, but if it was a situation where she couldn’t take them, my question is. What would she have done?

Show quote history

But that didn’t happen so your question is irrelevant 🤷‍♀️
OP would like advice on her current situation.

Statsquestion1 · 07/04/2026 16:17

Whattodo1610 · 07/04/2026 16:15

But that didn’t happen so your question is irrelevant 🤷‍♀️
OP would like advice on her current situation.

Edited
Show quote history

No, you’re right. It didn’t happen because she chose to take them. So she needs to stop acting like a victim to the situation, like she didn’t choose it because she did. So now she has them,because she chose them and now she’s choosing to spend 200 a month on keeping them.

Original poster
MrsMop2026 · 07/04/2026 16:24

Statsquestion1 · 07/04/2026 16:00

I do have a conscience actually yes, but I’m asking you what you would do in the situation where you could not take the cats. The answer is, you simply would have found another solution, but what that solution is doesn’t matter. The fact is you did have a choice and you chose to keep the cats there. There’s no two ways about that. Because if you didn’t have a choice, you would’ve had to make other arrangements. And I hear you, you rang all the Cat rescues, but there would’ve been next steps, such as to reach out to other family members, or reach out to other friends, or advertise them somewhere. Call the local veterinary practices and ask them do they know anyone who takes cats in? Call the rescues in the next biggest town or a city. Whatever you have to do to make it so that they are not going home with you because we have to imagine that you’re not allowed to have them. But you did take them because you chose to take them… it’s very simple really.

Show quote history

You imagine I am not allowed to have them?

actually my landlord let my relative come here before they went to a hospice and I explained about the cat and they agreed. I didn’t ask for advice on that so you’re completely off topic.

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsMop2026 · 07/04/2026 16:26

Statsquestion1 · 07/04/2026 16:11

The point I’m simply trying to make here is that OP needs to stop saying that she didn’t have a choice in taking the cats. At the end of the day, she did have a choice. She chose to take them because she could and that’s great, but if it was a situation where she couldn’t take them, my question is. What would she have done?

Show quote history

But why? Why do we need to talk about something that doesn’t effect my life? What is the point? Do you just want to waste time? I am happy to chat if your lonely but please make it interesting.
As it happens I got cat food from aldis and there slowly going onto that it takes a few weeks as I don’t want to upset their stomachs, and the insurance is cancelled so they are costing me around £60 a month now if they take to the food.

OP posts:
Statsquestion1 · 07/04/2026 16:27

MrsMop2026 · 07/04/2026 16:24

You imagine I am not allowed to have them?

actually my landlord let my relative come here before they went to a hospice and I explained about the cat and they agreed. I didn’t ask for advice on that so you’re completely off topic.

Show quote history

My point is… what if they hadn’t agreed?!!

you’re right, you didn’t ask for advice on that you asked for advice on how you could budget better or something to that effect. Some people suggest that you were spending too much money on the cats your response was what do you want me to do? I can’t get rid of them. I have no choice. I’m simply trying to say to you that you do have a choice. You’ve made your choice… you chose to take the cats and you choose to spend 200 a month on them.

Blueshoey484 · 07/04/2026 16:29

Statsquestion1 · 07/04/2026 16:27

My point is… what if they hadn’t agreed?!!

you’re right, you didn’t ask for advice on that you asked for advice on how you could budget better or something to that effect. Some people suggest that you were spending too much money on the cats your response was what do you want me to do? I can’t get rid of them. I have no choice. I’m simply trying to say to you that you do have a choice. You’ve made your choice… you chose to take the cats and you choose to spend 200 a month on them.

Edited
Show quote history

She isn't now. She's cancelled their insurance and she's spending on cheaper cat food

Original poster
MrsMop2026 · 07/04/2026 16:50

Statsquestion1 · 07/04/2026 16:27

My point is… what if they hadn’t agreed?!!

you’re right, you didn’t ask for advice on that you asked for advice on how you could budget better or something to that effect. Some people suggest that you were spending too much money on the cats your response was what do you want me to do? I can’t get rid of them. I have no choice. I’m simply trying to say to you that you do have a choice. You’ve made your choice… you chose to take the cats and you choose to spend 200 a month on them.

Edited
Show quote history

But I did listen 😂 i actually listened to people’s advice about cancelling the insurance and spoke about it and about the food or did you just skip that?

OP posts:
Statsquestion1 · 07/04/2026 16:51

MrsMop2026 · 07/04/2026 16:50

But I did listen 😂 i actually listened to people’s advice about cancelling the insurance and spoke about it and about the food or did you just skip that?

Show quote history

Jesus wept…yes I see that…I’m talking about actually taking the cats in the first place. But glad to see you took action, hope it helps.

Original poster
MrsMop2026 · 07/04/2026 16:52

Blueshoey484 · 07/04/2026 16:29

She isn't now. She's cancelled their insurance and she's spending on cheaper cat food

Show quote history

Well trying to. My eldery cat is being a snob over the meat and just eating biscuits out of spite. 😂 Luckily my AFRID child eats tuna daily so if it comes to it she can have what’s left over from the tuna tin.

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsMop2026 · 07/04/2026 16:54

Statsquestion1 · 07/04/2026 16:51

Jesus wept…yes I see that…I’m talking about actually taking the cats in the first place. But glad to see you took action, hope it helps.

Show quote history

Yeah and I already said there was no other option ai tried over twenty rescues, i even asked if they had any fosterers who would take him till another rescue had a spot they wouldn’t do it. i tried 3 countys, unfortunately every rescue is full. It’s a sign of the times.

OP posts:
Kirbert2 · 07/04/2026 16:54

MrsMop2026 · 07/04/2026 16:52

Well trying to. My eldery cat is being a snob over the meat and just eating biscuits out of spite. 😂 Luckily my AFRID child eats tuna daily so if it comes to it she can have what’s left over from the tuna tin.

Show quote history

Maybe the cat really does have AFRID! 😂

Blueshoey484 · 07/04/2026 17:04

Two of my cats would eat biscuits all day - my older boy is more fussy

(you probably already know this but just give them tuna now and then, it doesn't give them much nutrition. My girl who died last year at 19 loved it though).

My ginger boy who died four years ago loved cat sticks - I called them chewy sticks and if you shouted the word chewy sticks he would come running. He once jumped in my mums shopping trolley and pulled out a pack she had bought for her cats because he could smell them (he was as daft as a brush).

Wellthatsitthenisuppose · 07/04/2026 18:36

OP, please ignore the idiots who are saying you shouldn’t have taken the cats. You have done a wonderful compassionate thing and I’m sure it gave your relative peace of mind to know her beloved pets were going to be taken care of.
It’s great news that your DP has found a job and I hope you get the additional benefits you have applied for.

Whattodo1610 · 07/04/2026 18:53

What is your problem @Statsquestion1 ??
Just leave Op and this thread alone. All you’re doing is banging on about the past. That is not where OP needs the help, she can’t time travel fgs.

Original poster
MrsMop2026 · 07/04/2026 19:19

Whattodo1610 · 07/04/2026 18:53

What is your problem @Statsquestion1 ??
Just leave Op and this thread alone. All you’re doing is banging on about the past. That is not where OP needs the help, she can’t time travel fgs.

Maybe stats owns a tardis. Grin

OP posts:
Augustus40 · 08/04/2026 07:14

You can sell pets on gumtree if that helps.

MyLuckyHelper · 08/04/2026 10:19

MrsMop2026 · 07/04/2026 16:54

Yeah and I already said there was no other option ai tried over twenty rescues, i even asked if they had any fosterers who would take him till another rescue had a spot they wouldn’t do it. i tried 3 countys, unfortunately every rescue is full. It’s a sign of the times.

Show quote history

To be honest OP, you really ought to have married a millionaire, or won the lottery. Then you wouldn't be in the situation you are now. It's no use thinking how you can change your current situation - much more practical to fantasise about what ifs from the past😜

Swipe left for the next trending thread