Diary of a Working Mum

It seems everyone today is out to get our cash. How long can this go on for?

Life is expensive, I get that, it always has been. However right now, life is unaffordable for many.

People often now say that going to the supermarket is the most anxiety inducing chore they have to do. Many report that as they pace up and down the aisles, calculator in hand. As they go around, they desperately try to work out what they can cut back on as the amount creeps up, or even what they can do without. Often, the budget they had planned is exceeded with only a handful of items. Some stories report that some women go without sanitary products for this reason, and some families have to opt for lower quality foods. Sadly, if the news programmes are to be believed, increasing numbers of families are becoming more unable to afford basic foods, and are having to utilise food banks.

Shopping with children adds further pressure to buy unecessary items. A lollipop that once cost 50p, now cost £1.05. On my most recent weekly shop, the bread I normally buy for 85p, now costs £1.25. These are small amounts, but these small amounts added onto every item causes the grocery bill to be one of the most expensive in each household.

It’s not just groceries that require a new mortgage. The school wants money for their next fundraiser, the next coffee morning, or they inform us that the after school club fees are being increased again. Not to mention the extravagant school trips that need to be paid for. Oh, and not to forget the fact that children grow faster than my wage disappears from my bank account. One week their school shoes fit them perfectly, the next they can barely get them on and they need new ones.

Then there’s the dog. We didn’t choose a breed of dog that is low mainenance. Of course we didn’t. We chose a Yorkshire Terrier, whose fur needs constant attention otherwise it is becomes a matted, strinking mess. A few years ago a full groom would cost £30. Now it costs £65! Then she needs her yearly health check, and her expensive taste in dog treats means that we have to shell out £30 per month for those! (Yes, we do spoil her, but all dogs deserve to be spoiled, right?)

To add insult to injury, I got an email reminding me that the service is due for my car. This will cost me the measly sum of £318. I just hope and pray everyday that the tyres don’t get a puncture. I don’t think I could face handing over any more money!

That’s enough moaning for one night!

Cheerio

E x