Does anyone else get sick of being money pinching all the time?

[ssd]

we have a joint income of £25k, we have teenagers and a car and try to have a holiday once a year and we have a mortgage

so its tight, all the bloody time

I constantly scrimp and save, I buy things when on special offer, or with a discount code

we get by but its always tight, always

I've got a very big birthday coming up and I'd love to take us all to a nice restaurant and just get what the hell we like...but I'm cautious of being ripped off, not enjoying it when its so expensive....so I'm looking at groupon for a deal, but for once I'd like to live like everyone else I know and just go out and spend money...mind you everyone else I know is on well over £25k a year, so thats why they can do that

it just is so monotonous , money gives you choice and I dont have that

dh is full time, I work 2 part time jobs, its not like we dont try

You've already said it yourself... everyone else you know earns well over £25K pa.

Can you get a full time job? Can your partner look for a better paid job? Not easy I know but the only way to have more money to spend is to earn more.

It's tiring, right enough. Boring at times.

I think I'd maybe take slight exception with your use of the words 'money pinching' though - it's more a total money awareness, I reckon. I've known people in similar situations and they're often the least 'tight' people I know because they know what money can mean.

And imagine where you'd be if you didn't have it? You wouldn't be 'getting by' likely - probably in debt and having sleepless nights through worrying.

On an income of 25k with more than one dc you should be receiving tax credits?

I think you are doing very
Well to have a car and a holiday on £25k. Average UK income was £22k each in 2013 so you are managing on a lot less than that.
Can either of you progress in your jobs, that's how people earn more they take on higher level jobs or increase their skills

You are living within your means that is great. I'm on a similar household income with 2 children so know the struggle. You aren't going without though - you can afford the holiday, can afford to eat out and go out. Just need to keep an eye on the budget that's all.

Surely you can claim WTC?
link to entitledto

Help with prescritions, dental

help with Council Tax

Maybe have a word with your loca CBA. And sympathies to the penny pinching. It is such drudgery.

Income to high for wtc , help with prescriptions etc. However not to high for child tax credits.

we dont get tax credits as dc1 is now 18 and starting uni, he has a p/t job

its just draining I agree

We have joint of 22k and I know exactly how you feel, we have 3 Dd's too.

Mrsderekshepard On £22k with 3 DCs, you are probably entitled to quite a bit in tax credits, are you claiming them?

Is your DS1 staying at home while at uni? If so does he contribute, even if it's only a small amount. He really needs to, because money is so tight - does he also get the maximum loan, bursary, grant or whatever he is entitled to?

£25k pa is not a lot, can you both work more hours - FT on minimum wage is £14k pa so any extra would make a bit of a difference.

I wouldnt take money off ds1 as he hardly earns anything, I figure its not his fault we earn so little, he gets a grant that will help with fares

I'm trying to get a f/t job but its very difficult around here, there seems to be so many p/t jobs or zero hrs contracts

So in terms of the big birthday... Sometimes groupons end up being not that great a deal. You could get menus online /emailed to you for the restaurants you fancy and budget /plan for it - some do a tasting or set menu that looks expensive but is all in. Is there anything discretionary you or the family could temporarily stop to build up a fund for the meal?

I totally understand the monotony aspect, but remember you're doing a great job to budget on the funds you have coming in, so feel good about that and go plan that fabulous meal. X