Is this possible? Single mum on 53k struggling?

[aliatalia2]

www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/real-life/single-mum-struggling-pay-childcare-28615097?int_source=amp_continue_reading&int_medium=amp&int_campaign=continue_reading_button#amp-readmore-target

It is more about money management

Surely everyone’s situation is different? Housing costs, commuting costs, food costs (for example a “free from’ diet for allergies can be really expensive) are all variables that can’t always be controlled so just because you, in your own unique circumstances, managed it doesn’t mean every single other person is being feckless if they can’t.

I think we would have to see the rest of her budget before agreeing she is struggling. She gets £10k a year in UC to cover the childcare so that is around £830 a month meaning she has to find £270 from her £43k salary. So 75% of her childcare is covered by benefits.

She may have a large mortgage or unsecured debts or is just not good at managing her money. Childcare fees alone are not the reason she is struggling.

Not everyone has the same bills though. I kept the marital home so old property with big heating bills. Rural so need a car and commute. Life is just more expensive than living in a housing estate somewhere in cycling distance.

I suppose the answer is to sell but I’d not get the mortgage now as though it’s just in my name I had fewer dependants and would now fail affordability checks. I work an extra job when kids are with ex

Oh no. This is sad to read reminds me of my nana but she's much more extreme. Long term it affected her mental health as her eldest granddaughter it bothers me.

I hope you go and treat yourself today, start living for you. You can't take money with you.

have you tried registering for Tax Free Childcare? It sounds like you’re not claiming UC due to your savings, but you might be able to qualify for TFC.

You pay into an account and HMRC top it up by 20% (up to £2000 a year). It’s not actually ‘tax free’ in any way - it’s just a really crap name. And the information about it on gov.uk is really confusing and doesn’t properly tell you how it works.

MSE provide more useful information: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/tax-free-childcare/

Thank you, yes I did do this when my DD was at nursery but it was still really expensive. She’s at school now so much easier and cheaper!

Thank you! I have started treating myself & not saving as much 😃