Current Affairs Cost of living…

[Walken]

My missus is pregnant so we've moved from a shoebox 1 bedroom flat costing a grand a month to a small 2 bedroom house for 1,200 a month and I was over the moon to get it despite the necessary overtime every month it entails



Of course no doubt the rent will be put up every 12mths and I already have no money to save and she will be out of work for a year with the baby so I'll be relentlessly working day and night just trying to keep a roof over our heads.



I've no idea how easy/hard other generations had it. All I know is life is hitting hard. I earn decent money, I grow vegetables, I cook from scratch and buy second hand. I still can't ever see a day when I will own a property. I feel like I'm bringing a child into the world with less than I had and when my Dad went bankrupt and my Mum worked night shift care work minimum wage and myself and partner are both university educated medical professionals it seems like we've a step forward to move two steps back.



Maybe everyone feels this sort of overwhelming financial doom, despite being 43yrs old I haven't tried to be a grown up before and I can't say I'm much good at it.

Congratulation mate, despite the hardships we are being forced to endure I'm sure that will still bring you both a lot of joy.

I'm incredibly fortunate that my parents and almost all aunties/uncles hold no stereotypical boomer traits, not only did it provide me with an upbringing based around empathy and being considerate of those less fortunate in my actions, but they themselves also don't hold back in their disgust at how hard life is being made for future generations by their own generation. Me and my siblings have all done well for ourselves considering the area we grew up (thanks to our parents in no small part) but I know my folks have a fair bit of anxiety still about our future in terms of the eroding social security system, pensions and ability to own land.

 

[peteblue]

Congratulation mate, despite the hardships we are being forced to endure I'm sure that will still bring you both a lot of joy.

I'm incredibly fortunate that my parents and almost all aunties/uncles hold no stereotypical boomer traits, not only did it provide me with an upbringing based around empathy and being considerate of those less fortunate in my actions, but they themselves also don't hold back in their disgust at how hard life is being made for future generations by their own generation. Me and my siblings have all done well for ourselves considering the area we grew up (thanks to our parents in no small part) but I know my folks have a fair bit of anxiety still about our future in terms of the eroding social security system, pensions and ability to own land.

People are correctly raising the disturbing issue of rents and your concern is the ability to own land…sums you up……

 

[Diogenes the Cynic]

People are correctly raising the disturbing issue of rents and your concern is the ability to own land…sums you up……

Come on Pete I was the one who raised the issue of owning property in my post.

Don't let my whining be needless argument ammunition.

 

[peteblue]

My missus is pregnant so we've moved from a shoebox 1 bedroom flat costing a grand a month to a small 2 bedroom house for 1,200 a month and I was over the moon to get it despite the necessary overtime every month it entails

Of course no doubt the rent will be put up every 12mths and I already have no money to save and she will be out of work for a year with the baby so I'll be relentlessly working day and night just trying to keep a roof over our heads.

I've no idea how easy/hard other generations had it. All I know is life is hitting hard. I earn decent money, I grow vegetables, I cook from scratch and buy second hand. I still can't ever see a day when I will own a property. I feel like I'm bringing a child into the world with less than I had and when my Dad went bankrupt and my Mum worked night shift care work minimum wage and myself and partner are both university educated medical professionals it seems like we've a step forward to move two steps back.

Maybe everyone feels this sort of overwhelming financial doom, despite being 43yrs old I haven't tried to be a grown up before and I can't say I'm much good at it.

Congratulations on the family and hope everything goes well. I absolutely despise these landlords …..

 

[peteblue]

Come on Pete I was the one who raised the issue of owning property in my post.

Don't let my whining be needless argument ammunition.

Indeed, but he gives his snarky replies repeatedly, then admits his folks helped him out then goes on about buying bleeding land ffs. Anyway you are right, the joy of a child is the big deal and I truly wish you both the best for the future…..

 

[Diogenes the Cynic]

Congratulations on the family and hope everything goes well. I absolutely despise these landlords …..

I mean I try and see it from their point of view without knowing the details.

My uncle has a 1 bedroom flat he owns in London as he has his own company and that is basically his security as he doesn't have a pension.

I don't know what position the landlords are in but without exception for me and everyone else I know the rent goes up with every renewal which is usually 6/12mths depending on contract.

Last time it went up by 4% which I think I was told was the max they were allowed to put it up. I didn't even realise there was a max so was quite relieved not to be paying more.

 

[Daveysgingerlovechild]

I rented happily for years, wasn't arsed about buying. The difference in rent and mortgage wasn't thst great and at the time I valued not being tied to one location.

Couldn't do it now. For too expensive. And that to me is the big problem. Home ownership is fine, but if the significant driver is because renting is mad expensive and perilously insecure, there's something wrong. Still got older relatives who've happily lived most of their lives in social housing. Not something I think we'll see for younger folk in a hurry.

 

[Diogenes the Cynic]

Indeed, but he gives his snarky replies repeatedly, then admits his folks helped him out then goes on about buying bleeding land ffs. Anyway you are right, the joy of a child is the big deal and I truly wish you both the best for the future…..

Cheers matey. Have the 2nd scan tomorrow and that's the most important thing.

Suppose you got to just keep positive and embrace the good things and hope everything works out.

 

[peteblue]

I mean I try and see it from their point of view without knowing the details.

My uncle has a 1 bedroom flat he owns in London as he has his own company and that is basically his security as he doesn't have a pension.

I don't know what position the landlords are in but without exception for me and everyone else I know the rent goes up with every renewal which is usually 6/12mths depending on contract.

Last time it went up by 4% which I think I was told was the max they were allowed to put it up. I didn't even realise there was a max so was quite relieved not to be paying more.

The argument always goes on about interest rates, market rates etc. When interest rates come down again, will rents…I think we all know the answer….sorry but it bugs the life out of me…..

 

[IrishBlue2022]

My missus is pregnant so we've moved from a shoebox 1 bedroom flat costing a grand a month to a small 2 bedroom house for 1,200 a month and I was over the moon to get it despite the necessary overtime every month it entails

Of course no doubt the rent will be put up every 12mths and I already have no money to save and she will be out of work for a year with the baby so I'll be relentlessly working day and night just trying to keep a roof over our heads.

I've no idea how easy/hard other generations had it. All I know is life is hitting hard. I earn decent money, I grow vegetables, I cook from scratch and buy second hand. I still can't ever see a day when I will own a property. I feel like I'm bringing a child into the world with less than I had and when my Dad went bankrupt and my Mum worked night shift care work minimum wage and myself and partner are both university educated medical professionals it seems like we've a step forward to move two steps back.

Maybe everyone feels this sort of overwhelming financial doom, despite being 43yrs old I haven't tried to be a grown up before and I can't say I'm much good at it.

I mentioned this earlier in the thread mate, I'm at the mid way point with the wife on maternity and definetly feeling the pinch, more so on being able to do much socially.

Few things thats helped me.

Setting a budget and trying to stick strictly too it before she went on maternity. Likelihood is yous wont be going out much at that time so try to use that to get ahead of buying some things for when the little one arrives.

Stack the freezer. I filled the freezer with lots of good reduced grub from m&s. The ready meals were a godsend when we got the little one home and theres not much sleep which reduced the "will we just order something".

Bank switches. I'm always one to harp on about these but literally free money. I have 2 ongoing at the moment and will get £200 from one and £125 from the other if you both do that it will mount up over the year.

Cashback. Got myself a chase card months back. Get 1% cashback on everyday spend. Doesn't sound much but it all adds up.

Bills. Have a look and see if you can reduce outgoings. Compare suppliers for gas/electric and switch if you can save. Also if any contracts are coming for renewal e.g internet. Check out options that can lower the bill cost and also have incentives to switch such as vouchers.

 

[Diogenes the Cynic]

I mentioned this earlier the thread mate, I'm at the mid way point with the wife on maternity and definetly feeling the pinch, more so on being able to do much socially.

Few things thats helped me.

Setting a budget and trying to stick strictly too it before she went on maternity. Likelihood is yous wont be going out much at that time so try to use that to get ahead of buying some things for when the little one arrives.

Stack the freezer. I filled the freezer with lots of good reduced grub from m&s. The ready meals were a godsend when we got the little one home and theres not much sleep which reduced the "will we just order something".

Bank switches. I'm always one to harp on about these but literally free money. I have 2 ongoing at the moment and will get £200 from one and £125 from the other if you both do that it will mount up over the year.

Cashback. Got myself a chase card months back. Get 1% cashback on everyday spend. Doesn't sound much but it all adds up.

Bills. Have a look and see if you can reduce outgoings. Compare suppliers for gas/electric and switch if you can save. Also if any contracts are coming for renewal e.g internet. Check out options that can lower the bill cost and also have incentives to switch such as vouchers.

Thanks mate that's really helpful.

I've always been a payday king making it rain so have never learned to budget properly really.

I'm basically giving all my money to the wife to do all the bills etc and then I buy the food and cook because that's where our strengths lie.

You're absolutely right about the freezer, I batch cook as much as possible and scour the reduced shelves most days for additions.

I also plan most meals to include leftovers from previous meals.

Eg I'll be making a curry tomorrow night, I'll freeze the leftover curry and put the steamed rice in fridge. Tuesday night I'll be making fried rice with either reduced shelf veg or from freezer.

I'm used to cooking like that last week of month, it's just I do it full time now ha.

 

[IrishBlue2022]

Thanks mate that's really helpful.

I've always been a payday king making it rain so have never learned to budget properly really.

I'm basically giving all my money to the wife to do all the bills etc and then I buy the food and cook because that's where our strengths lie.

You're absolutely right about the freezer, I batch cook as much as possible and scour the reduced shelves most days for additions.

I also plan most meals to include leftovers from previous meals.

Eg I'll be making a curry tomorrow night, I'll freeze the leftover curry and put the steamed rice in fridge. Tuesday night I'll be making fried rice with either reduced shelf veg or from freezer.

I'm used to cooking like that last week of month, it's just I do it full time now ha.

I was always the same mate. I have had plenty of practice budgetting as we saved to buy our house, then got engaged, then married, moved to a bigger house and completely renovated it and then having the baby all in 3 years. Perpetual state of budget management but you always find a way and things work out.

Definitely agree on the batch cooking and freezing, something I'm trying to be better at myself so i don't be as wasteful.

 

[Joey66]

It isn’t cheap overall, however if you are selective and primarily buy their deals for main meals (dine in for… two for…) it’s fairly competitive.

We genuinely find we waste less, the quality is better (taste and health wise) and comparable prices. If you did a full shop there, then it’s expensive.

The bread at 75p is good - plus beans at 50p a few things are top value , but you could never do a full shop in M&S...

 

[peteblue]

Cheers matey. Have the 2nd scan tomorrow and that's the most important thing.

Suppose you got to just keep positive and embrace the good things and hope everything works out.

My daughter has a little lad who is one year old and spent an absolute fortune on baby clothes which they seem to grow out of almost immediately. Ditto sleeping cots and all the paraphernalia that comes with a new child. Of course you and the other half will want everything new, but tbh it’s a massive waste of money. If you are up for it, I’ll get her to pack everything away as it’s pretty well brand new, and nearer the time just let me know where and I’ll send you a load of boxes. I know this is difficult because everyone wants new, but my view is that the stuff should always be passed on to others. Anyway, the offer is there, give me a PM if it would work for you…..

 

[Rita_Poon]

My daughter has a little lad who is one year old and spent an absolute fortune on baby clothes which they seem to grow out of almost immediately. Ditto sleeping cots and all the paraphernalia that comes with a new child. Of course you and the other half will want everything new, but tbh it’s a massive waste of money. If you are up for it, I’ll get her to pack everything away as it’s pretty well brand new, and nearer the time just let me know where and I’ll send you a load of boxes. I know this is difficult because everyone wants new, but my view is that the stuff should always be passed on to others. Anyway, the offer is there, give me a PM if it would work for you…..

That is a very kind gesture, whether it is taken up or not.