Nearly single mum

[Holldollydoo]

I’m a first time mum to a 5 month old baby, and it’s looking likely his father and I will be splitting soon (we split just before I found I was pregnant).
He’s not very reliable and I don’t think will support us financially.
I’m also being made redundant at work, leaving in July.
I have a mortgage, chickens, dogs, all the bills etc to think of and I’m just so stressed with it all.
I have to find a new job but how will I balance it all when I have no people around that can help?
x

Don’t panic- speak to citizens advice and see what help you can get. You are entitled to maternity pay and support financially until the baby is a year old. Don’t panic there is lots of help for your situation to help you get back on your feet.

In the following order...

1. Consider how long you can pay the mortgage for with savings.
2. Call the mortgage company, let them know what is happening and see if a mortgage holiday or an interest only period is an option.
3. Start looking for a new job. Indeed, LinkedIn, Totaljobs, networking with ex colleagues, local recruitment agencies etc.
4. Think carefully about the income you need to survive. When I left ex, I found a lot of savings, not buying his wine, endless expensive meat, things he regarded as essential to life that really weren't.
5. Get the council list of registered child minders near you. They tend to be more flexible than nurseries, less expensive and more likely to have a place.
6. Talk to the benefits office. Find out what you are entitled to. Maternity support is available until baby is 9 months I think.
7. Put in a CMS claim against the father, even if he isn't working.

I managed to be a full time working single mum with a mortgage for 16 years. It can be done OP. Good luck.

Thank you so much. That’s great advice from both of you.
the bit about buying things for him that are ‘essential’ made me think because I could live off £30 a week easily with what I eat so that’s put it into perspective a bit more.
Appreciate your help x