Would u describe me as poor?

[dingdongmer]

As the title suggests and here's some info. I don't work as looking after toddler and pregnant also. Hubby works. Household income is approx £1600 after tax. £1,340 is rent and bills and we try to save £100 then the rest is weekly money so approx £50 a week Altho I do get weekly child benefit of £20

Would u class this as poor and could u live like that with a family of 3 soon to be 4

We are careful with money and buy own brand stuff like toilet rolls and food etc and toiletries I always get on offer.

I would describe that as on the brink unless you have a lot in that savings account. It just sounds like it wouldnt take much to tip the balance as everything is so tight.

Why do you ask, OP?

I couldn't live like that, but I've made different choices.

In terms of birthday presents etc I just don't save the full £100 that month and then use whatever I need for birthdays

We are going to sit down soon and go through bills

No, you have a home, heating and food. Plus you have made the financial decision to have one adult not working and are adding another child so you obviously don’t feel you are based on those decisions.

Yes that to me is a struggle

If you need a new hairbrush and can’t afford it you keep using the old one, or buy a cheap comb. It’s not like it’s an essential life saving object!

I’m impressed you are saving so hopefully that would cover any emergencies. Can you cut the savings to £50 for now and put the rest to living to help ease things? I have live on this sort of income and its hard and horrible, but doable. Good luck op

I couldn't live on that now but I guess you make do with the money you have.. well done for still managing to save £100 a month OP

Yes to be honest, we we struggle on that with our two dc if we had rent/mortgage to pay. How much have you managed to save so far OP? Or does it get spent quite often??!

Babies are cheap, especially second babies - nappies are perhaps the biggest expense! But babies and toddlers get bigger and then start to cost a lot more. I think you’re on a very tight budget.

Yes. I don't know how you survive. It must st be v difficult and somewhat stressful

You have a lot more money than me and my husband. So to me you aren’t poor.

Shows the way we all love doesn’t it.

We would really struggle on that.

Sounds lowish to me, I think your bills sound very high. Whereabouts in the country are you?

Could you not find a part-time job to fit round about your DHs job to avoid childcare? Once your baby is born of course.

Your rent and bills seem very high to me, but you're obviously managing on your budget.
Yes, I could live like that and have done (suppose I still do, though my circumstances are different). You have to be organised and not buy stuff for the sake of it, but it's possible.

No it's not poor. You're managing to pay bills, for housing and save money.

Yes, poor but you are managing brilliant, so well done! Once you baby arrives and you feel ready could you get a couple of evenings a week as a carer or pub or office work? Another 100 per week would be easy for you to earn but will make a big difference. Don't forget you will get a little extra child benefit with your second. Have you got any maternity pay?

Compared to the rest of the UK, it is probably a little below average. Compared to the rest of the world, you are quite rich.

Does that include UC / housing benefit/ tax credit or whatever you are entitled to.

I don't think poor is the the right way to describe, but certainly not comfortable. It is a low income to support a family of four.

Yes

To answer a few questions

Yes I deffo will be looking into a part time job once baby is here

I prob could cut down to just saving £50 a month yes but Cos we are renting I want to be able to one day (long way off I know) try to buy

We have a grand and a half saved. Sometimes I need to dip into it during the month but I do try hard not to and I always put it back if I do. I don't use much of it tho anyway

My mum helps out by often randomly buying clothes for my toddler, not that I ask but she loves spoiling her grandchildren and my dad was generous with money for Xmas just gone

I never really go out to see friends or evenings out and if I do it's extremely rare like once every couple of months. I mainly just take toddler to softplay about twice a week and then we go for walks or stay at home or look round the shops etc

I can't remember the last time I bought new clothes for myself but I'm not bothered as the stuff I have I'm happy with sooooo

Oh and I'm in London so renting not exactly cheap

Do you not claim tax credits

Yes I would. Especially with another baby on the way omg

We would really struggle on that and I would describe myself as relatively poor. Do you have any debts?

Based off your income you are entitled to child tax credits and working tax credits