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Original poster

cant afford Christmas :-(

48 replies

jameelah0121 · 12/12/2015 11:11

Hi all im just after a bit of advise I am feeling very depressed and low as I have no presents for my children for Christmas and have absolutely no money whatso ever any money I do get goes straight on the rent and bills and food I have nothing left over after,I have posted ads locally offering cleaning and ironing services for just 2 pound an hour but have had no interest I have also put an add on my local facebook page but have had no response does anyone have any ideas?I have 5 children the youngest is 13 months but he doesn't understand whats going on so im not to worried about him but my other four no and are expecting present s I cant bear to see them disappointed they have been through alot this year and I have promised them presents I dont no how I have got into this situation I have tried to save money throughout the year but have always ended spending when iv needed to I went into town the other day and people had bags of toys etc it made me feel so jealous and depressed please has anyone got any suggestions and please dont judge X

OP posts:

Teenagecrisisagain · 12/12/2015 12:09

Sorry have skimmed over this thread as in a rush but didn't want to not reply

Food bank for food and possibly treat items (o think some do this at Xmas)
Do you have any friends or family who could help out?

Do you get all the benefits you are entitled to ? If so try pound shops/primark etc for nice presents that dont cost too much
Do you have a local free cycle group? Often get amazing things come up on there and da snook giving pages

chickenstylepieces · 12/12/2015 12:10

I would charge a bit more than £2 per room hun. You're selling yourself short a bit there.

Teenagecrisisagain · 12/12/2015 12:10

Da snook -facebook (bloody phone!)

Teenagecrisisagain · 12/12/2015 12:11

Yes def more than £2 a room

chickenstylepieces · 12/12/2015 12:11

I agree i wouldn't skip paying rent either. Do you not have family around who will be buying gifts for the children?

Teenagecrisisagain · 12/12/2015 12:13

Also worth contacting ss. This year our local ss is alongside a charity collecting and distributing gifts to underprivileged children maybe they do it in your area too?

NoahVale · 12/12/2015 12:14

i bet they have toys they dont know about ie. have forgotten, you could wrap them up

MusicalFanjo · 12/12/2015 12:15

OP don't skip paying your rent and bills. While I am sure Christmas is undoubtedly very important to your children, it is not as important as them having a roof over their heads come next year.

C8tontherug · 12/12/2015 12:23

Cleaning & ironing is approx £10 per hour

Look at free cycle for people giving away things

Have you been to citizens advice to check if they can help you look at all your bills & check that you are receiving all benefits

Join local church

5 children, is your ex paying you any money ? You need to get this sorted out www.gov.uk/child-maintenance

Pound shops

shartsi · 12/12/2015 13:20

There was someone on mumsnet earlier in the week who was looking to spend £5000 on rent for someone. Can't remember which topic it was in.

fidel1ne · 12/12/2015 13:38

There was someone on mumsnet earlier in the week who was looking to spend £5000 on rent for someone.

That sounds bizarre.

shartsi · 12/12/2015 13:47

I recall the person with the 5k was looking to pay rent deposits for 10 homeless people.

shutupandshop · 12/12/2015 13:48

Charity shops and pound shops. People often have a clear out at this time of year. I hope you manage a little something.

teacher1984 · 12/12/2015 14:05

Please don't miss your rent payment! That is a stupid, immoral and unethical thing to do. I actually see that no better than theft. Your landlord is a person too who may be struggling themselves at Christmas for all you know! Your children would prefer a roof over their heads than a bunch of presents they may not care for come New Year!

blatantplacemark · 12/12/2015 14:17

Where do you live OP?

LittlestLightOnTheTree · 12/12/2015 14:40

No I agree

Don't miss your rent! That's irresponsible.

Original poster

jameelah0121 · 12/12/2015 15:01

Pound is still a room is better then nothing I am still paying full rent but I have applied for dhp life has improved alot since my last post I had some brilliant advise and ideas my children have lovely clothing etc for next to nothing but money is still an issue

OP posts:

Original poster

jameelah0121 · 12/12/2015 15:01

Sorry for the typing errors

OP posts:

Original poster

jameelah0121 · 12/12/2015 15:03

And putting it like that maybe missing the rent is not such a good idea

OP posts:

mouldycheesefan · 12/12/2015 16:02

Have you gone to the child support agency?

wannabestressfree · 12/12/2015 18:16

You are glossing over the important questions. There is no need for you to live like this....

AdoraBell · 12/12/2015 21:15

Definitely don't skip the rent.

As others have said, peruse your ex for child maintenance. Presumably his name is on the birth certificates so he will have a hard time arguing against that, although some men do all they can to weedle their way out of paying for the their children

seasidesally · 17/12/2015 23:22

jesus talk about blunt and nasty response

i always laugh when the response is "your ex needs to pay" if it was only so simple

men like the op's dont and wont pay and use every trick to not pay even when the CSA etc are involvrd

how are things op ?

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