Money money money

LegacyUser

I am 23- not working ATM got let go from my job and on JSA. partner recently got put on a 3 day week. Im so worried about money its unbelievable. we have no kids and no morgage. We have 3 grand in savings and put 30 a week towards it(deposit for a house), and have all our christmas stuff sorted(presents- we got that done around june- im v organised) But in the next 4 months ive my birthday-3 friends and a sisters birthday, an engagment party, a christning and 2 weddings.

Also ATM we are saving for a weekend away for our annivsery next march (800e alltogether inc spending money) and have his parents annivsery party too.

Im so worried about money. if i dont show up for any of these dos ill get ate, and all i can think of is to not go on our weekend, but we have never even been away together in 6 years so why should we.

My partner put in a claim for 2 days and my JSA will go up ive been told, but were told we could be waiting as long as decenber for it

I cant sleep...:(

castle

People who love you won't worry about what you get them,the best present's I ever got in my life is where very little money was spent but alot of thought I know went into the present.
So start thinking of good ideas nice books are always great,you also do not have to drink alcohol at these party's bummer I know but you make the night for yourself .You would save a fortune by having a few drinks drive be the sensible one for a change .
Always remember if others where in your position they might not go to your party and if they explained why I am sure you would understand,so maybe they should to understand your situation .
These are birthday party's and there will be another one next year,
christning just but something like a photo album(check TK Maxx for these)20Euro
The wedding's, don't stay the night and don't give money go seek out a bargain they are everywhere now,remember at the wedding you don't have to buy any food . If you have to have a drink start later.
Don't put yourself in debt for anyone.
Best of luck

LadyJ

Do it all if you think you can but make a few changes in the meantime. Buy store brand stuff, don't buy anything unnecessary and stay in at the weekends. Just look into ways to cut back on spending. It does work even though it's hard.

I'm 23 too. God, I wish I had your kind of social life and the money for my own house!

Sarah W

Ask for vouchers/gift certs for your birthday and recycle them as presents for the other bithdays and events. As you have spare time offer your services as an alternative gift - cleaning, gardening, pet-sitting for the honeymooners, a 'safe-home' service for other guests (very good excuse for not drinking!).

Don't waste money on drinks/outfits/hotels for the parties - show up early, have a good couple of hours and go home - no one will notice or hold it against you. And finally relax - you're not starving or homeless - and make the most of your weekend!

LegacyUser

But you dont know what my family and friends are like. My family think its ok to get loans to go out drinking, and my friends think vouchers are for "Scabs"

I dont want to get loans and i got vouchers for my 21st and was thrilled. I know for the weddings i can drink lemonade(and i cant drive) and get them a vase. But for the family and friend bdays i cant not drink because ill be a "boring arse"(and if i dont go im a bitch) and if i leave early im "ruining everyones fun"

A sister of mine saw my credit union slip a month ago(she was looking in my bag for lip gloss- i told her to) and 2 weeks ago suggested a sisters night out- a meal and going out drinking, i said i couldnt afford it and i got back "You have 3 grand savings stop putting on the poor mouth"

bangersandmash

Money.money. wrote: »

But you dont know what my family and friends are like. My family think its ok to get loans to go out drinking, and my friends think vouchers are for "Scabs"

Not to be blunt, but there is nothing normal or admirable about the above regardless of social status. In fact it smacks of people living a lifestyle far beyond their actual means.

Live within your means. And if that means you cannot afford or attend birthdays or weddings, then so be it. In the next 1-2 years many people will find themselves unable to maintain the lifestyle they have become accustomed to. Seriously anybody who knows you and really cares about you won't expect you to put yourself in debt to satisfy their own insecurities.

LegacyUser

Loads of people are unemployed at the moment & cant have the lifestyle they were used to. Tell your friends & family that you are having to cut back this year on social life & presents due to being unemployed and they can hardly find fault with that. Tell them that you dont expect big presents for your birthday either if that'll make them feel better. In our family we have always given biggish presents for Christmas but we've already agreed on only giving presents of a small value this year due to changed circumstances.

Work out a budget for your day to day expenditure & stick to it. You'd be surprised where the odd €10 and €20 can go every day on rubbish. Also as far as I know, your bf should be able to get 3 days unemployment allowance if his 3 days in work are flexible, because he will get paid for Saturday as well.

LegacyUser

Unregistered wrote: »

Also as far as I know, your bf should be able to get 3 days unemployment allowance if his 3 days in work are flexible, because he will get paid for Saturday as well.

the saturday things gone now he was told at dole office

petes

If any of these people truly are friends tell them you can't afford it and they should be fine with it. Tell your sister that your 3k savings is exactly that....savings!! Not money to piss up against a wall.

jprender

Maybe you should stop making decisions based on what others may think of you.

Do what you believe is right for you in your current circumstances and to hell with what others think.