Coping on Statutory Maternity Pay

[annalou02]

Hi all,
Im really hoping for some advice on coping with the large drop in pay when on maternity leave as currently the whole thing has got me so stressed out I cant stop crying!
My work only offer statutory maternity pay meaning I will be taking a 1k pay drop a month. My boyfriend earns good money on paper but unfortunately our bills/credit commitments are very high and every week he seems to say he is skint but then says he can cover both our bills, mortgage etc. after the baby arrives (bills equate to £2700 including mortgage etc.) which I don't believe he can but he wont admit it.
We are not entitled to any kind of working tax credits and I have tried to re-mortgage with debt consolidation but as I have only owned the house for 6 months its not possible. I have also looked at consolidating debt in other ways (0% CC and loans etc.) but again this isn't possible as my credit score has dropped due to the mortgage and amount of indebtedness, I don't currently have the option of saving any money as I don't earn enough after I've paid bills so really feel like im stuck and I have no idea how we will cope and keep a roof over our heads!
Really hoping there is someone out there who can maybe offer some advice who has been in a similar situation as im desperate and this stress is doing neither myself or the baby any good
Thank you all in advance x

Thanks yorkiebar that's some good advice
YD - I have a tracker showing where the 2700 goes even down to the date it comes out,we are going to try surviving on just his wage next month and see what happens,wish us look!

Good luck

Just to add more I was in a similar position to you, we got through it, I ended up taking 6 months and 2 weeks off! I was really obsessive with saving money and even appeal for baby things on a local Facebook group. I used ask for voucher for treats like haircuts and meals out for treats. I also did extreme vouchering, loads of effort but saved loads. I used an app called secret agent to mystery shop. Babies don't need material things, just a full belly and love.

If your parents are unable to help financially would they instead be able to help with childcare, thereby reducing your bill when you return to work?

I second doing a Statement of Affairs and posting it on the Debt Free Wannabe board on MSE. They have lots of good ideas about cutting costs and saving money.

In the meantime, living off one salary and saving yours seems the way to go.