can a single parent surviving solely on CL, pay $250 rent and survive financially?

[*becstar*]

Gigi I want to say Lu would kick your butt for speaking of yourself in such a bad light and considering going back to X just to get out

You CAN do it, you've already done the hardest part, leaving.

PLenty of single mums pay rent (private) and manage, I have a friend who does so and she does fine.

You are clever and smart, if you weren't hun you'd be happy to live there like all the lovely neighbours you have now

Be sure you are getting all you are entitled to and yes you will be eligable for Rent Assistance too. Have you done an estimate on the centrelink website?? that will let you know how much you will get if you are paying $250pw rent.

you are doing brilliantly, I wish I had half your guts.

xxx

[ladybird11]

Gigi - feel free to PM me re your safety concerns / issues anytime hun.

You've done the right thing, and yeah - Lu would kick your butt for thinking otherwise

xoxox

[widdly]

My sister and my friend are both single mums on CL and both pay $230 per week rent. It is doable. Housing trust will pay your bond and first weeks rent for you if you ring them and ask.

Please, please, please stop beating yourself up, you have done the right thing and it will work out and get easier xxxxxxx

[danniellabella]

See what the financial councillor says, but I think with careful planning and budgeting that you could do it from what everyone else has said.
Another thing to consider for saving money is (and you might be doing this already) - op shopping. Some places have some really great stuff, near new in many cases for so much less than brand new.

[bec293]

Gigi.. you can do it. I am in a similar situation, I'm single, I have a baby and I rent privately. I pay $190 rent a week for a 2 bedroom house in a nice area and still have at least $80 left over each week from centrelink payments which I put into savings. I also get the baby bonus which I have not needed to touch, it gets transferred automatically to a savings account.

You just need to save where you can, which I'm sure you do anyway. If you want some tips,here are some of the things I do.. hopefully even one thing will help:
use cloth nappies (mainly terry squares), and cloth wipes. I bought a flannelette sheet from an op-shop and cut it up to use as wipes
use soap nuts in the washing machine to save $$
don't buy expensive cleaners etc, I use vinegar instead
op-shopping as daniellabella above suggests.. I go every week, and buy 4 pieces of baby clothing for $1.. they always have stuff in good condition. Also good for kitchenware, toys etc
don't buy pre-prepared food.. I make everything, biscuits, muffins, it takes time but saves so much money
buy things when they are on special
use the library to borrow dvd's. It's free.
I choose to rent close to shops, doctors, library, everything I need is in walking distance, or a very cheap taxi ride if it's raining. This means I don't need a car, so no petrol, insurance, maintenance costs. No unexpected expenses like flat tyres etc either, and I get lots of exercise.
I don't have a proper backyard, just a small paved area so I grow vegies in containers (yoghurt containers, polystyrene boxes free from the fruit shop etc)
I make toys out of whatever can be used.

There's lots of ways to save, just have to think outside the square a bit. I'm sure you can do it. The only thing I'd think about if I were you is if you can survive without a car. Perhaps try to rent close to town or close to a bus stop, it's amazing how much cars actually cost to run.

I hope things work out for you

[beckoes]

just wanted to say your doing a great job with the situation you are in!!! and your trying to make it better, dont judge yourself so harshly!! your little one will thank you in the long run for all you are doing for her and for your self. things will get better! have confidence and be proud that you were brave enough to make a very hard change rather than just staying put casue it was easier!!! big big hugs.

[leckert]

If you let us Adelaide BB girls know when you move we might be able to help shift stuff for you (or con partners in to help shift some of the heavy stuff somehow)

[AnyDream]

Yeah, Gigi, I have a big hefty man who *loves* to help people, he has an inexhaustible source of physical stamina AND a trailer AND car with a towbar...he will even turn up wearing his kidney-belt from the gym, just so he can lift a few things that are too heavy for everybody else . Seriously hun, whatever we can do to help. Consider this the beginnings of a working-party.

[Gigi]

You're kidding, really? wow. that is so kind of you to offer. far out. i didn't post my post hinting, it was just what i was thinking out aloud. (blocks to me moving).

i find it so hard to trust that things will work out. i find it hard to trust full stop.

very humbling to log on and find these messages.

[leckert]

i didn't post my post hinting, it was just what i was thinking out aloud. (blocks to me moving).

See we're just trying to help you find ways to live well (and Bilby) - and removing unnecessary blocks for you.

[AnyDream]

Gigi, I know, I find it difficult to trust too, but the few times I have opened myself to receiving help it has been amazing.