Do you rely on overtime to get through???

[puddicat]

I am really struggling to get through every month, and have to take on overtime but its never enough,everything has risen apart from my wages, and the overtime is depleting, i can understand how people feel sucidal because they cant pay there way, i think about money all the time, and go to bed constanly worrying , this isnt a life!!!

[Ethel]

It's just as bad for those on a fixed income such as pensioners where there is no option of overtime.

[puddicat]

Ethel you seem a extremely clever lady, did you not put anything by for your future??, thought alot of pensioners like my mum have some savings, i have hardly any, and cant plan my retirement!!!

[Ethel]

I'm still working, puddicat. I wasn't referring to me.

Still work, albeit from home, still pay income tax.

But at lot of pensioners I know really are struggling, especially those who have a small private pension so they get a pound or two above the cut off for benefits.

[sweetpea...!]

Have you sorted out things like free calls at weekends on your landline and if you've got sky or cable - take less packages. Shop daily towards the end of the day when items are reduced - at least you feel like your getting a bargain and that can cheer you up! Have you got a Pound Shop near you - they are very good.

[Ethel]

If you have cable phone you can dispense with the landline altogether and use Skype. That's what I do.

[Postdog]

I'm in the same boat puddi - I actually earnt more years ago because I could do the overtime and it was available. What is available now is a lot less, but at the same time a lot more hard work - I just cannot physically do it on top of my normal duty.

I have very little to spare nowadays

[tiggerblue10]

For 10 years I was working and getting overtime which I stupidly relied on. Then 2 years ago it was banned in my unit and a few of us started struggling. I had to re-asses my finances and budget where I could.

[puddicat]

sweetpea i am the queen of frugalness, i shop in the bargain stores, get reduced items to put in freezer, cook meals ahead, its just the rent goes up, council tax, utilties,i get so angry when i see people across the road from me who havent worked a day, produce another child so my taxes pay for there childrens upbringing, i tell you now that i will not be removed from my house without a fight!!!!

[stonekicker]

i basically tread water with my wages and if i want anything else (like a sofa and fridge freezer at the moment) i have to do overtime to cover it. am fed up at the mo as i am really poor...

[monkeywiener]

when im in the uk overtime doubles my wage!!!!!!!

[zzxxee]

we are all in the same boat at the moment. its just a case of economising buying cheaper brands and giving up little luxuries im afraid

[puddicat]

Sorry for my rant, but i am a decent hardworking person and feel the lifeblood is getting drained out of me, we have a election next month here, and i will have to vote with my heart now, they have to look after people like me and get the lazy buggars out, and make it beneficial for people like me that graft hard!!!

[sweetpea...!]

You are so right Ethel. My parents are both 81 and because they both have small employers' pensions they pay full rent and council tax on their council flat - probably the only ones paying in their block and the only ones who've paid any tax (from age 14 to retirement age for both).

[puddicat]

zzee and others appreciate what you say, but doing that wont be enough for me!!!!

[zzxxee]

hopefully the next government will sort out the economy

[puddicat]

They will have to drag me physically out of my house!!!

[zzxxee]

if you are in debt there are lots of free debt advice organizations about like national debtline

[B00]

Know exactly where you're coming from Puddicat!

I work (albeit part-time) and it really irriates me to see the jobless bums coming in day in, day out stocking up on their booze, cigs and lottery scratchcards. I often wonder where I'm going wrong!

[Ethel]

Yes, sweetpea - I started work at 14, still working, and had nothing from the state except my state pension.

And a new hip. :)

[puddicat]

Ethel have been working since 15, and feel this is the worst i have ever felt, now the credit crunch is going to hit even harder, dont think people realise how hard it will be, i dont have any credit cards,just getting through, meant to be spending a couple of days next month with my sis and her children, even the fare to go down is hard to find!!!