I only have one income - mine. I'm a single Mumma to two boys, and have them effectively fulltime. I don't get Child SUpport from the XH. Until this year I had both in fulltime daycare.
How did I get through - by making sacrifices, just like you guys. I lived with my parents until 6 weeks ago. I didn't buy anything I didn't absolutely NEED. I saved every cent that I could. And now, over 3 years since I left XH, I now own my own little unit. Sure, life is difficult and I do worry about finances A LOT, but now that my eldest is in school, I don't have quite the same expenses. And when my youngest starts school, life will be a lot less expensive!
We're getting by with just the one income. Like the rest of we also make sacrifices. I have only had my hair cut once this year. More than half my clothes are from the Op Shop. But we're ok. Next year I am thinking of returning to work... not sure if it will be worth it though. $350 each week in childcare alone... need to buy new work clothes... have to pay for before and aftercare for my 6yo... my teenage DD will have to go unsupervised after school (this worries me the most). Who knows... I think I might decide that 1 income is better than the extra stress of juggling work and caring for the family.
I am a single mumma on one income (obviously lol)
It is TOUGH, every last cent is counted in this house
I can relate to a few of you though being chased by companies for overdue bills etc, Its such a horrible feeling.
Some days you really dont know how you are going to get through.
yeah its hard isn't it, we do the markets each week ( when i can aford the petrol to get there) but i still seem to spend around $120 per fort night on groceries from the supermarket for things like washing powder and dog food. That's where we fall down, the rest is really cheap!
Try to source bulk laundry powder. we only buy a 20kg bucket/bag of OMO every 5 months. it works out to be $2.40 a kilo. this is a major saving for us.
This time of year is tricky hey. For us it's trying to be content with living simply I guess. We (okay DH, I am not great with numbers) budget for everything, put a bit away each week for registration, bills, rates, saving, pocket money, health expenses, clothes, car expenses...we put a bit away each week for everything, and then whatever's left can go on groceries and things for the house. The reason we put aside for pocket money and clothes for ourselves, is because if we don't then I think 'oh I need new jeans' and spend whatever I like on them because I really did need them. But if I have pocket and clothes money, I think 'okay, here's what I like, it's 3 more weeks til I can afford those' - and I'm less likely to be spending money that's not for my personal use.
That's in theory - occasionally we'll borrow from our bills section and then pay the money back...this is where I get confused and DH seems to have a grip on it...
The aim is not to fall behind, because it's so hard to catch up once that happens! Although, this Christmas is tricky, because we've just moved, so a lot of that money in reserves has gone towards all those small things like a letterbox, towel rails...(okay, and some things we totally didn't need, we are not always models of self discipline )
We also have very generous families, and I don't for a second underestimate the difference they make in terms of free babysitting, shouting dinner when they come over, and buying things they know we need.
But I think for us, the putting away as much as we can spare each week makes a big difference. xo
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This time of year is tricky hey. For us it's trying to be content with living simply I guess. We (okay DH, I am not great with numbers) budget for everything, put a bit away each week for registration, bills, rates, saving, pocket money, health expenses, clothes, car expenses...we put a bit away each week for everything, and then whatever's left can go on groceries and things for the house. The reason we put aside for pocket money and clothes for ourselves, is because if we don't then I think 'oh I need new jeans' and spend whatever I like on them because I really did need them. But if I have pocket and clothes money, I think 'okay, here's what I like, it's 3 more weeks til I can afford those' - and I'm less likely to be spending money that's not for my personal use.
)
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