So, not so much a teenager question - more of a step-family situation question. Am going to be honest and will completely take pies thrown at my head and being put in the right if i am in the wrong!
I have been with my partner now for 11years, lived together for 6. He bought the property we live in from his parents - i wasn't allowed to be on the mortgage as it was a family purchase (scarred from being 'rinsed' in his divorce)
My two- now teenagers live with us - son 18 and daughter 16. My OH step children visit us whenever they want to.
My problem is money. I work full time - in all probably about 42 hours a week (4-6 hours for my partners business - unpaid)..
We both have one joint account to which my partner puts in £500 per month towards bills and food. I pay in £600. (he pays his mortgage separately)... I also then pay for everything my children and I need -so a car and related costs for me, phones for 3 of us, food for our dogs, pet insurance, other related costs - i/e odds and sods that the children need.
My partner pays for holidays (and doesn't let me forget it!) and does chip in if I am struggling.. (and doesn't let me forget it!!) He is self employed and does do quite well financially.
So - here is where i duck the pies. Each month, around this time of the month, despite earning a fairly good wage... I am totally broke. I literally have nothing. Each month I have nothing spare for any life insurance or pension for my future and am unable to save. I don't have enough to buy myself luxuries and have to scrabble around for every penny.
My partner on the other hand - does whatever he wants, buys whatever he wants etc... always wears nice clothes. He pays his Ex a large sum for his children each month so I get that he shouldn't also be supporting mine - (my 2's father doesn't now pay a bean!)
My question is - this doesn't seem right? I seem to be working flat out every single month and not earning bad money - but its gone in a flash - and I don't waste it or blow it on anything - i don't have enough to do that? Is this normal? Is this a normal financial 'blended' family situation?
Any advice hugely appreciated.
Thank you.