Sick Of Being Broke

LegacyUser

I'm on the Dole right now and get the full amount of €188 a week. Out of this goes my rent of €80 and repayments of a loan I took so I could quit my job and finish my 4th year of college, which comes to €45.65 a week. So on the Tuesday that I get my Dole, €125.65 gets taken away right away. Out of the remainder gets taken out and bills I might have, which would be NTL (€17ish a month) and ESB (and ours tends to be REALLY high - usually around €70-100 each). Most weeks I'm left on as little as €20 a week to survive on, which would barely cover any groceries.

I've been job hunting a lot - sending off so many CVs and have had 2 phone interviews and 1 face-to-face interview, which will be a 2nd one next week, depending on how a phone interview yesterday went.

My parents do help me out with money; my mum gave me €200 yesterday to put towards my ESB, but I spent most of it on a tattoo that I wanted for a long time. Now I haven't got enough to pay it off as quickly as I wanted, which now will result in me being even more broke, again meaning I probably won't be able to buy proper groceries for a few weeks. It's my own fault though - I should have waited before I got it.

I'm just so fed up of being broke; not being able to go for drinks, buying anything (it's gotten to the point where I feel guilty for spending money on something as small as a bottle of coke, because I feel so broke), or just do anything really.

What's worse is that I'm going to feel so guilty for spending the money that was meant for my ESB on this tattoo- I feel like I lied to my mum and feel really bad.

Just don't know what to do and it's really getting to me. I don't feel like an adult right now as I've pretty much been supporting myself for a long time and throughout college.

LegacyUser

you've come on here looking for ppl to make you feel better about yourself but fact is, you've no money cos you're wasting it on stupid stuff like tatoos.

Your mam gave you money to help you keep your head above water and what did u do? You went straight out and blew it all on something frivalous.....you're lucky your mam is so kind - I would absolutely refuse to lend you more money after such a stunt. I hope to god she does in future as she's just watched good money get poured down the drain - what an insult!!!!

Now, as for the rest of it - work out a budget, find areas you can cut back on and start putting that money away.

What in gods name are you doing wasting money on bottles of coke when you're out?! Little things like that add up to a small fortune - stop buying bottles of drinks/snacks in shops.

Do a shop on the weekend - buy the essentials - avoid processed food, snacks etc, stick to fresh fruit veg, tins of beans, dried rice etc - takes a wee bit longer to cook but saves a fortune. I manage quite well on 20e a week for groceries. If you absolutely must - then buy the bottles of coke etc in tesco's and bring a packed lunch/snacks with you when out.

Look at where ur wasting electricity/gas and fix it - turn off tv's and unplug stuff at night, try to avoid using the oven for small stuff - cook in big batches, leave the heating off and use a jumper/extra blankets instead......it shouldnt be that much for ur ESB bill.

stop throwing cash around on stupid stuff like u have it to burn, go apologise to your mum and don't accept money from her or anyone unless u are genuinely going to use it to survive.

LegacyUser

Your electricity bill sounds ridiculously high.

Why was the tattoo more important to you than food, groceries and living expenses?

LegacyUser

Your electricity bill is so high because you are all using a lot of electricity. Get out a pen, write down meter readings, figure out what is using it up. Sort it out basically.

There are jobs, but only people who really want them get them. Be prepared to get your hands dirty. If I put a gun to your head you'd find 10 jobs tomorrow, metaphorically speaking of course

Yeah there's a recession but its not Zimbabwe.

woodchuck

Sick-of-being-broke wrote: »

My parents do help me out with money; my mum gave me €200 yesterday to put towards my ESB, but I spent most of it on a tattoo that I wanted for a long time.

Are you kidding!? You're talking about being broke and then when somebody tries to give you a helping hand you spend it on a tattoo!? You really need to prioritise your spending and manage your money better.

Cut down on your spending;
- Any reason your ESB is so high?
- Get rid of NTL
- Look for somewhere with cheaper rent if you have to or look into moving back in with your parents since they sound so generous

If you do manage to build up a bit of 'fun' money prioritise what you spend it on... fair enough if a tattoo is how you would choose to spend it, but bare in mind you'll have to sacrifice something else you want to have it.

What about rent allowance, do you not qualify for that?

I know it sucks to be broke, you're not that doing that badly by the sounds of it. Some people don't even qualify for the dole when they're unemployed. Cut down a bit and make smarter choices with your money. And it sounds like your parents are there as a safety net if you're really stuck.

lau1247

op get rid of tv privilege unless it is absolutely necessary. Use the time wisely to expand your skill [self help books etc]. "time doesn't wait for people". Make best of your situation and get yourself out of this rut.

spending money on tatoo will not add any value to your current situation.. Plan how you will spend your money the best way you can next time

like I said to my missus, anytime you want to buy something always ask yourself "do I really need this" and contemplate whether it will be of any additional value to you..

using your example, coke is a luxury item in your kind of situation. You can just as easily drink tap water instead. Better for health too

I hope this advise sink in and let you start having more discipline for self control when it comes to spending money

Pa Dee

Sick-of-being-broke wrote: »

I'm on the Dole right now and get the full amount of €188 a week. Out of this goes my rent of €80 and repayments of a loan I took so I could quit my job and finish my 4th year of college, which comes to €45.65 a week. So on the Tuesday that I get my Dole, €125.65 gets taken away right away. Out of the remainder gets taken out and bills I might have, which would be NTL (€17ish a month) and ESB (and ours tends to be REALLY high - usually around €70-100 each). Most weeks I'm left on as little as €20 a week to survive on, which would barely cover any groceries.

I've been job hunting a lot - sending off so many CVs and have had 2 phone interviews and 1 face-to-face interview, which will be a 2nd one next week, depending on how a phone interview yesterday went.

My parents do help me out with money; my mum gave me €200 yesterday to put towards my ESB, but I spent most of it on a tattoo that I wanted for a long time. Now I haven't got enough to pay it off as quickly as I wanted, which now will result in me being even more broke, again meaning I probably won't be able to buy proper groceries for a few weeks. It's my own fault though - I should have waited before I got it.

I'm just so fed up of being broke; not being able to go for drinks, buying anything (it's gotten to the point where I feel guilty for spending money on something as small as a bottle of coke, because I feel so broke), or just do anything really.

What's worse is that I'm going to feel so guilty for spending the money that was meant for my ESB on this tattoo- I feel like I lied to my mum and feel really bad.

Just don't know what to do and it's really getting to me. I don't feel like an adult right now as I've pretty much been supporting myself for a long time and throughout college.

You were very silly and disrespectful getting a tattoo with money your mother gave you for esb. Every time you look at that tattoo you should feel shame

LegacyUser

It should be said that the €200 my mother gave me is technically my money anyways, as it was from a savings account they opened for me and the rest of my siblings when things were better, so she wasn't giving me the money from her own pocket. If she was, I would never ever have even considered getting the tattoo. It's from this savings account that my parents have been helping me out with from time-to-time.

My mother is a teacher and my father is now self-employed due to his business closing in the early days of the recession, so this time has hit them both hard, but the savings account has been there since I was around 18 and I'm 26 now. If it wasn't for this, I would never dream of even asking either of them for money - they'd give it to me, but I'd feel terrible for even asking. Before the account was open for me, which wasn't until a year or two ago, I would dread asking them for money and would only do it if I knew I couldn't eat properly for another week or two.

And before anyone says, I don't want to go near the savings account any more than I do, as it's already dwindling pretty quickly.

The problem with moving somewhere cheaper is that it just can't afford to pay either deposit or first month's rent out of my own pocket. In this house, I'm the only one that doesn't have a full time job, as the others do and earn relatively good money, so getting rid of the NTL isn't a prospect and I'm unwilling to let my brokeness/being on the Dole make me unable to pay those bills.

edellc

I have to laugh at the suggestions of get rid of the tv, have any of you any idea what it is like to be unemployed and job hunting and applying for this that and the other, and like the OP having feck all money at the end of it all, sometimes you need to switch off and tune out and watching mind numbing tv in the evening is such a help, 17euro a month is hardly going to make a huge difference, however making sure all switches are turned off and energy saving light bulbs will make a difference on 100euro a month esb bill

OP as for you tatoo well need I say any more than what has been said, seriously

why havent you applied for rent allowance also, ask your landlord if they accept it and if not well start looking at moving to somewhere that does, your due your deposit back use this as your months rent in advance and if you havent already received help from the cwo for a deposit go ask for assistance explaining your finances and that the LL wont accept rent allowance

Yes money is tight but you have to help yourself also and cutting esb costs and trying for rent allowance will greatly help your finances, cutting 17euro a month on a tv will not it will however save your sanity when you have nothing to be doing

woodchuck

edellc wrote: »

I have to laugh at the suggestions of get rid of the tv, have any of you any idea what it is like to be unemployed and job hunting and applying for this that and the other, and like the OP having feck all money at the end of it all,

Yes actually, I know what it's like. And nobody suggested getting rid of the tv, just the upc. There would still be some basic channels to watch (sure it's all the same sh*t anyway :P)

I agree that it's not the major issue though. OP if you can get the ESB bills down and possibly get rent allowance then there shouldn't be a need to get rid of the upc. But if it's as bad as you say it is and you've f-all money for food, then personally I'd rather be able to eat than have 100+ channels to watch!

Start cutting the bigger expenses and work your way down the smaller ones if necessary.

Ickle Magoo

Pa Dee, welcome to PI.


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Sick-of-being-broke

Sick-of-being-broke wrote: »

It should be said that the €200 my mother gave me is technically my money anyways, as it was from a savings account they opened for me and the rest of my siblings when things were better, so she wasn't giving me the money from her own pocket. If she was, I would never ever have even considered getting the tattoo. It's from this savings account that my parents have been helping me out with from time-to-time.

My mother is a teacher and my father is now self-employed due to his business closing in the early days of the recession, so this time has hit them both hard, but the savings account has been there since I was around 18 and I'm 26 now. If it wasn't for this, I would never dream of even asking either of them for money - they'd give it to me, but I'd feel terrible for even asking. Before the account was open for me, which wasn't until a year or two ago, I would dread asking them for money and would only do it if I knew I couldn't eat properly for another week or two.

And before anyone says, I don't want to go near the savings account any more than I do, as it's already dwindling pretty quickly.

The problem with moving somewhere cheaper is that it just can't afford to pay either deposit or first month's rent out of my own pocket. In this house, I'm the only one that doesn't have a full time job, as the others do and earn relatively good money, so getting rid of the NTL isn't a prospect and I'm unwilling to let my brokeness/being on the Dole make me unable to pay those bills.

Surely the money from the savings account is still your parents' money? If they paid into it, how is it yours? You sound pretty spoiled, OP. I would be ashamed to have taken money from my parents for an emergency and spent it on a tattoo. It seems like your parents' generosity has been misplaced because you have no idea how to prioritise and spend your money wisely. A tattoo should have been the last thing on your list. I'm 26 and the only money I've asked for from my parents since I left college has been the very occasional 50 quid here or there to get me through a couple of weeks when unexpected medical or dental costs left me short of cash.

Your issue is that you can't manage money. Just stop spending money on useless things like tattoos and bottles of Coke. You can't afford it. 20 quid a week is more than enough for groceries for a single person. Learn how to cook using cheap ingredients, drink tap water and refill a water bottle for when you're out and about. Write down everything you buy and you will quickly see where your money goes. There's an iPhone app for that (which is free) or just use a piece of paper. This works for me because it makes me think about every single purchase. I'm saving up to travel and I can't afford to be frittering away money on drinks and packaged sandwiches. It's usually the small things that eat up your cash.

thefeatheredcat

It's not the end of the world, ok so firstly remember that. You have a regret in getting the tattoo it's not something you can return or get a refund on so you really really need to learn from that mistake and ask yourself if there is an issue with you spending the money unwisely on impulse? Was it something that was impulsive or was it because you're frustrated with not spending money in a more free manner? Yes it was a mistake, but really only all you can do is learn from it.

I'd actually be the sort of person to say that money into the hand with at certain stages of life can be dangerous mainly because say a certain figure for example of €50 to pay a bill can suddenly turn into €20 for the bill, €10 for groceries and €20 for socializing. Regardless of the money being from the savings account or your parents' pockets if you yourself cannot control where the full money goes to then rather than being handed €50 and you being tempted to blow it on something else, then it would be better if the €50 was paid off the bill directly, so there's never even the chance of temptation and you can be sure that the goes to where it is supposed to.

ESB isn't cheap, especially in house shares... are there arrears on the bill? Because arrears get taxed. If no arrears then check if they are estimated or read. Check what the most expense is either the day units (which cost a lot more) or night units. Find out what it is - things like washing machines, tumble dryers, electric heaters, immersion shower water being heated up on during the day really eat electricity. You can change your own behaviour and consumption if it's yourself using them during the day which will impact the bill over time.

You are actively seeking work and you've been getting interviews which is fantastic! This is what should keep you going - if you have to pare down your lifestyle and live on nothing but cheap white pack dunnes beans and toast for a couple of weeks, there's a comfort when you know you are getting somewhere with getting a job and still working hard at it.

Being tough on yourself for a few weeks financially is actually a good exercise; it's not the most pleasant experience knowing you can't afford to go anywhere or do anything, but there's a lot that you can do for free depending on where you live. Make the best and most of the long evenings and concentrate on doing other things to further yourself.

I know what it's like to feel broke and that guilt too. But you have to remember that it's not going to last forever and if you do yourself some justice in sticking with the harsh reality and learning from your mistakes, now having to really scrimp to make ends meet, you won't be tempted to do it again because you'll remember how awful it felt, and that is what will be the benefit to spend that bit more wisely even in the future.

AhInFairness

Sick-of-being-broke wrote: »

It should be said that the €200 my mother gave me is technically my money anyways, as it was from a savings account they opened for me and the rest of my siblings when things were better, so she wasn't giving me the money from her own pocket.

On what planet does that make this money 'technically' yours? It doesn't! That money was paid into that account by your parents, out of their pocket. I am absolutely amazed at your sense of entitlement tbvh.

Sick-of-being-broke wrote: »

If she was, I would never ever have even considered getting the tattoo. It's from this savings account that my parents have been helping me out with from time-to-time.

So you think that because this money is 'technically' yours (it's not) it's ok for you to blow it on whatever you want even though it was given to you for a specific bill that you can't afford to pay? That is just unbelievable.

Sick-of-being-broke wrote: »

My mother is a teacher and my father is now self-employed due to his business closing in the early days of the recession, so this time has hit them both hard, but the savings account has been there since I was around 18 and I'm 26 now. If it wasn't for this, I would never dream of even asking either of them for money - they'd give it to me, but I'd feel terrible for even asking. Before the account was open for me, which wasn't until a year or two ago, I would dread asking them for money and would only do it if I knew I couldn't eat properly for another week or two.

That savings account could help your parents who have, according to you, been hit hard by the recession. It shouldn't be treated as some sort of free money for you to blow on whatever you want instead of paying your bills.
You're 26 years old, time to grow up OP.

Sick-of-being-broke wrote: »

And before anyone says, I don't want to go near the savings account any more than I do, as it's already dwindling pretty quickly.

Well given that you blew the last €200 on a tattoo that is really not surprising.

Sick-of-being-broke wrote: »

The problem with moving somewhere cheaper is that it just can't afford to pay either deposit or first month's rent out of my own pocket. In this house, I'm the only one that doesn't have a full time job, as the others do and earn relatively good money, so getting rid of the NTL isn't a prospect and I'm unwilling to let my brokeness/being on the Dole make me unable to pay those bills.

OP, time to sort yourself out and start acting like a grown up. If you want money go and get yourself a job. There are jobs out there - granted, they may not be your dream job and as another poster said you may have to get your hands dirty, but if you want money you need to earn it. You clearly are completely incapable of managing your money and it's really time you address this. Start budgeting your money properly and stop feeling entitled to luxuries like bottles of coke and tattoos. If you don't have money you make sacrafices. Thats life.

LegacyUser

the tattoo leads me to believe you're in complete denial about your situation. you have an esb bill, loans, and living expenses and you choose to get a tattoo?? i don't know what to say about that tbh.

the esb - how many of you living in the flat/house? when i lived in a flat with storage heaters that never worked right and had the dryer on constantly cause there was no other way i could dry clothes, my esb bill was an average of €90 every two months. i live in a large enough house now where there's lights and dryers and kettles going on all the time and even still our winter bills are no more then €120 every two months. sit down with the bills and your housemates and get that sorted.

your food bill - when i was on the dole i also had about €20 a week to feed myself. and i did it. monday to friday for myself, and myself and my boyfriend for the weekends. quite easily in fact. lidl, aldi for fruit/veg/pasta/other cupboard essientials, tesco reduced to clear aisle for meat, treats and emergency ready meals. trawl google for recipe ideas on a budget. i now feed myself and my husband for an average of €30-€40 per week so €20 for one person is do-able.

the ntl - well i get where you're coming from and if it's in a houseshare i don't suppose you can refuse to pay it and head to your room every time someone put the telly on.... but if you do choose to keep paying it you'll have to make sacrifices elsewhere. my first thought is the esb.

i wish you luck op, but i do think you (a) need to realise how lucky you are in some respects (i'm not eligible for the dole and have zero chance of being funded by the government to go back to college) and (b) go to your mother, take responsibility, and apologise to her for spending her money on something other than what she gave it to you for. i know you say it's your money, but your parents earned it. i'm sure they didn't earn it so you could draw on yourself.

going un-reg

Where are you buying your groceries? Marks and Spencer?

I frequently had that amount to live on in college on a weekly basis and I did grand. Go shopping in Aldi/Lidl and you'll get plenty of veggies and basic foodstuffs with that.

You have no idea how to prioritize your finances. UPC and any other amenity is not a right, it's a privilege. Rent/bills/food will always come first. Make sure you have those covered, then if you have the finances to allow other entertainment elements, by all means get them.

Coming from personal experience, having your parents there provides this feeling of safety and perhaps that's stopping you from really organizing yourself. It's not easy organizing things like this, I know that, but you should make a detailed list of where everything is going and prioritize better. If it means foregoing socializing(regarding drinking/concert tickets etc), let it be.

When you have a proper job, you should have none of these worries.

puffishoes

edellc wrote: »

I have to laugh at the suggestions of get rid of the tv, have any of you any idea what it is like to be unemployed and job hunting and applying for this that and the other, and like the OP having feck all money at the end of it all, sometimes you need to switch off and tune out and watching mind numbing tv in the evening is such a help.
17euro a month is hardly going to make a huge difference.

I'm not sure it's that funny, It's 17e a month, you also have to pay for a TV license which is IIRC 160e+ a year. Here you have over 30e extra in your pocket a month. If used correctly this is many days food shopping which the OP has mentioned have a problem with being able to currently afford. Plus I think the time could be much better spent up skilling or even reading a book which will help keep your mind sharp. Watching Corination street etc isn't really going to have a positive effect on the situation.

To turn off you can go for a walk or do many things that will actually be beneficial.

The Lovely Muffin

I have to agree with others here OP, is there any way you can get out of paying the NTL charge.

When I was house sharing before for our internet we had the option of using the hosue internet which the landlord had in and it was €6 per month or we could get our own internet, but would be caught for the full costs obviouslty.

Our landlord didn't have NTL/Sky/UPC etc in, we just had the basic English/Irish channels, if we wanted any 'luxury' TV channels (Sky etc) we had to pay for them ourselves of course.

I was lucky as my rent included my bills also, like the OP, I was sometimes left with €20-€30 per week for groceries, but always managed.

I mean, if you are only buying for one person, you hardly want a load of food.

You can get a 2KG bag of pasta in Aldi for 94cent, pack of pork chops (6 or 8 chops I think) for €3.99, cheap steaks/mince, so you can make pasta's etc.

You can get a bag of rooster potatoes for less than €4, you could get mince in aldi or wherever and make cottage/shepards pies.

You can bags of mixed frozen vegs for less than €2.

You'd get a lot of meals out of those items.

Dunnes stores often have the campbells mushroom soup on offer for €1 per can, you'd easily get 2-3 meals from it or 4-5 small portions.

Dunnes also have the knorr cuppa soups on offer for the same price.

As for bottles of coke etc, cut them out or if you absolutely must buy them, Dunnes had them on offer not so long ago 6 bottles (in a multipack) for €3 I think it was. Look out for offers.

Instead of buying small bottles that cost nearly €2 each, buy a 2 litre bottle for just over two euro and fill up the smaller bottles as you need them.

As for spending €200 on a tatoo, well it was childlish and frankly stupid. Your mother gave you that money for your bill as she knew you were broke, she did not expect you to flutter it away on something you get zero benefit from. How the hell is a tatoo going to help you pay bills or put food on the table or keep a roof over your head? It won't.

You need to get some serious self control over your money and priroritise your spending. Cut out what you don't need (coke etc).

If your mother (or anyone else) gives you money again - don't waste it on something like a tattoo or whatever, put it towards something useful.

Daisy M

You are living beyond your means plain and simple. You should have used the money your mother gave you towards a deposit for cheaper accomodation. You cant afford upc, or the high esb bills or your rent or indeed the must have tattoo. Your problem is you are been given money too easily from your mother and taxpayers and you have little respect for what you are receiving for doing nothing.

edellc

I think many are loosing the run of themselves, yes the OP is living beyond his means and was stupid to spend money very kindly given by his mother on a tattoo but 17euro a month come on, the esb is the issue and the OP needs to reduce that, also shopping in aldi and lidl help, but seriously how many walks can you really go on, over a 30day month its 1.70 yes folk one euro and and seventy cents a day that is really going to brake the bank, however it will keep a person sane

puffishoes

edellc wrote: »

I think many are loosing the run of themselves, yes the OP is living beyond his means and was stupid to spend money very kindly given by his mother on a tattoo but 17euro a month come on, the esb is the issue and the OP needs to reduce that, also shopping in aldi and lidl help, but seriously how many walks can you really go on, over a 30day month its 1.70 yes folk one euro and and seventy cents a day that is really going to brake the bank, however it will keep a person sane

It's not 17e a month tho.

It's 17e + TV license + Cost of TV + ESB to use the TV + Wasted time watching it.

I can afford to but don't have NTL as I simply couldn't live with myself knowing I sit down watching it for hours every day.

You say there's only so many walks you can do, surley there's only so many hours and days you can spend watching Television one can do?

You can read, You can do a course, you can go to your local library and educate yourself. You could do a small volunteering job to gain experience in something where you have none. The list really is endless. But I don't see any benefit to owning a TV especially when you simply can't afford to.

edellc

puffishoes wrote: »

It's not 17e a month tho.

It's 17e + TV license + Cost of TV + ESB to use the TV + Wasted time watching it.

I can afford to but don't have NTL as I simply couldn't live with myself knowing I sit down watching it for hours every day.

You say there's only so many walks you can do, surley there's only so many hours and days you can spend watching Television one can do?

You can read, You can do a course, you can go to your local library and educate yourself. You could do a small volunteering job to gain experience in something where you have none. The list really is endless. But I don't see any benefit to owning a TV especially when you simply can't afford to.

seriously listen to yourself, the Op obviously owns the tv so no cost involved, the esb is the major problem but 100euro a month and no mention of a gas bill so I presume the heating is run on esb, so sort the esb out its too expensive, the tv licence, if the OP lives with house mates its spilt between them over 12 months so isnt really that much

yes the op can do a whole host of things I really dont see why every one is pushing for the op to get rid of the tv, when its hardly the main issue here

the esb is - as i said before energy saving light bulbs, turn switches off, immersion check its off when your finished, and if the heating is run by it then wear an extra layer, get the 100euro down, 17 euro on the tv is nothing why every one is banging on about getting rid of it is still laughable

oh and least i forget the op is on the dole and not getting rent allowance, if the op applied for this then his rent would be greatly reduced therefore freeing up more cash so be wouldnt be so sick of being broke....the upc is not the issue...rent allowance and reduce esb simples

AhInFairness

Why are people arguing over the tv?

The OP needs to learn to manage his money and get himself a job. If he's so sick of being broke he'll take any job he can get.

LegacyUser

edellc wrote: »

seriously listen to yourself, the Op obviously owns the tv so no cost involved, the esb is the major problem but 100euro a month and no mention of a gas bill so I presume the heating is run on esb, so sort the esb out its too expensive, the tv licence, if the OP lives with house mates its spilt between them over 12 months so isnt really that much

yes the op can do a whole host of things I really dont see why every one is pushing for the op to get rid of the tv, when its hardly the main issue here

the esb is - as i said before energy saving light bulbs, turn switches off, immersion check its off when your finished, and if the heating is run by it then wear an extra layer, get the 100euro down, 17 euro on the tv is nothing why every one is banging on about getting rid of it is still laughable

oh and least i forget the op is on the dole and not getting rent allowance, if the op applied for this then his rent would be greatly reduced therefore freeing up more cash so be wouldnt be so sick of being broke....the upc is not the issue...rent allowance and reduce esb simples

Not so simples, just be because the OP is claiming dole does not mean they will get rent allowance and even if they do the landlord may not accept it. 17 euro might no sound like a lot to some but the OP has already stated they are living on 20euro so 17 would mean nearly doubling that. But the ops issue isn't tv or esb, it is that they are living beyond their means. They can't afford their current place as they are unlikely to be able to make any savings on the esb if the other housemates aren't willing to make the effort and they can't get rid of the TV if the other housemates want it. The op should consider borrowing the money to move to get a cheaper space or moving home for a month or two to save the needed deposit money.

the op also needs to adjust their thinking with regards moneh, they were given the means to pay his share of the esb - 200 coming into summer when the days are longer and warmer usually means much lower esb bills, that 200 could have made a good dent in the OPs bills and the op could have saved some money but they blew it on a luxury. They are living beyond their means and need to accept that. It might suck but it's the reality of the situation. I'm currently living on nearly the same as the OP and have had to make choices on what are musts and what are do withouts.

Wompa1

80 euro a week for rent is pretty high too. If he moved to a place and took a box room he could get down to 50-60 a week.

I was living off around 18 a week for my second year in college. It's not enjoyable.

Like a different poster said cut down the electric bill. 100 is crazy, it's most likely high because you are running stuff during the day while you are there. Go do things out of the house, library, walk, do a course etc.

LegacyUser

Sorry OP and mods if this sounds harsh but come on here.....

While I sympathise with anyone having financial difficulties (I'm not exactly swimming in cash myself) but in your short post it's not hard to figure out where this is going wrong.

Firstly. NTL? Why have you got NTL? I'm out working and I don't even have any cable satellite. I have basic channels and and internet connection. Come to think if it, if you're that tight, why even have internet?

Why is the electricity so high? Thats mad it isn't just high for no reason. In my last APT we used pay through the roof and I had no idea why, when one room-mate moved out it was halved. Do you live with people and how much do you use yourself? You can easily slash electricity bills. Turn off all lights unless when they are not really needed. Only heat the place as much as it needs to be comfortable no more. Dishwashers, washing machines, tumble driers, all very easy to cut down on their use with a bit of thought as they REALLY use a lot of electricity, so cut down on cycles, don't even use a dishwasher at all. Are things plugged in and on all the time? Things charging all day? Take them all out. It's a complete waste, cut all electricity use to a minimum for 1 month as an experiment and you'll see how much you save, trust me.

Do you have a phone? What kind, how much does it cost? Just have a simple pay as you go, minimum use. No smartphones, data plans or anything. You don't "need" these things.

The tatoo? Well my head just exploded reading that. I don't care if it is dole money or money given by your Mum, the fact you spent that on a tattoo and you're on the dole and scrimping by as it is says it all to me.

Yeah, you're low on funds but sounds like it could be a lot easier than you're making it for yourself.

puffishoes

edellc wrote: »

seriously listen to yourself, the Op obviously owns the tv so no cost involved, the esb is the major problem but 100euro a month and no mention of a gas bill so I presume the heating is run on esb, so sort the esb out its too expensive, the tv licence, if the OP lives with house mates its spilt between them over 12 months so isnt really that much

Well maybe she should consider selling the TV and paying back her parents 200e that she spent on a tatoo that was not needed. 200e buys a hell of a lot of food these days.

You keep saying over 12 months it's not that much when you start to add up all the items that we waste money on over 12 months all these items add up and if you're stating you cannot afford to eat and state your paying possibly over 30e+ a month to watch TV well I'm sorry something needs to be done.

I'm yet to hear from you an advantage to owning the TV, how will it help the OP eat? how will it help them find themselves a job?

edellc wrote: »

yes the op can do a whole host of things I really dont see why every one is pushing for the op to get rid of the tv, when its hardly the main issue here

It's not the main issue, it's one of them, but when money is this tight you need to tackle all the issues and not keep stating "sure it's only x a month"

non related to the topic but I remember a friend of mine telling me they couldn't afford a sun holiday one year. They were drinking a 500ml bottle of coke and I asked how many they drank. One a day usually. total cost 427e a year. price of a sun holiday?

Your right, it's not about the small things like upc it's about EVERYTHING. which happens to incliude in this case UPC.

ibarelycare

OP how long are you living in your shared accommodation? You obviously can't afford it so you need to move somewhere else. If you're within a lease, chances are if you give a month's notice the landlord will give you your deposit back. Check your contract. If you don't get your deposit back, well I know you don't want to keep touching your savings, but if you're going to use them on something as frivolous as a tattoo, then surely you can use more of them to help you pay a deposit on new accommodation. Alternatively could you move in with your parents for a while until you find a job? That would surely cut costs.

edellc

OK last post on this one because I think you have all lost the run of yourselves and really are missing the point

upc 17euro a month = 3.92 a week
rent 80 a week
esb 100est a month = 23.07 a week
tv licence 160 per year - this can not be calculated as the op has not said how may house mates they live with - but even if the op pays it all it works out at 3.08 a week

In order to balance the books you cut the most expensive item first ie the rent, the op needs to see if they can get rent allowance or move somewhere cheaper, then the esb, like I have said energy saving lightbulbs, turn switches off, immersion off after use and if the heating is run on the esb only have it on if necessary otherwise ware an extra layer, and then the upc

seriously people no wonder the country is in the **** it is if this is the way people go about balancing their accounts, its basic common sense and you all seem to have thrown yours out the window

I understand that a tv is a luxury item, I understand that there are plenty more things to be doing with your time, however in a house share its unavoidable to not contribute to these things and its also unavoidable to not watch the tv if it is on in the room, what do you all want the op to do every time the tv is on....go for a walk yes that would work at 10/11pm :rolleyes: read a book can be done but op can still hear tv and would be conscious of it on or go to his room, brilliant now he is unemployed, depressed about being broke and an unsociable git aswell just because of 3.92 a week


puffishoes the tv may be in the house who says he owns it, this is all speculation


The OP is living within his means, but is not availing of rent allowance (even if the landlord says no he can still go to the cwo and apply for it), the op needs to reduce esb cost

I think what the op is moaning about is not having spends for the weekend, not being able to get a tattoo if he wants, not being able to go out with his mates and so on, if you read his first post he is able to live on the full amount he is getting but just not have a social life and that in itself is the luxury most people do not have being on the dole, these are the hardships that being unemployed give us and really no matter what the OP does he will never have 200euro to get a tattoo while on the dole

LegacyUser

Edellc,
I think it is you who is missing the point.

We've all said that the Rent and Electricity are the obvious problems. That's a given and plenty advice has been given on how this can be tackled.

But budgetting is about EVERYTHING. There's no point in saving on rent and then deciding, great, I've done my job, lets get another tatoo and the sports package on the TV now!

As you've calculated yourself UPC costs 3.92. Do that Math, that is 19.6% of this persons disposable income. And if you're really in a bind and shop smart then 3.92 can get enough to make a few extra meals.

Nobody said he can't watch TV. But he doesn't need UPC, he can watch the regular channels, is UPC really needed that much? Most of it is ****e anyway. You can watch most things online anyway and basic channels are enough to pass the time if you're that hard up. As I said before, I work a decent job and all I have is basic TV, for the amount I'd watch it, it's a complete waste.

As for going for a walk, it was one suggestion. But yes, why NOT go for a walk at 10pm if you are that bored. I do.

To be honest you are the one missing the point. I had to do some serious budgetting myself this year and it's only when I added up all the tiny items I didn't "need" to buy I am now saving a fortune as opposed to picking pennies before pay day before.

I was terrible for small purchases, I'd get a bottle of coke once or twice a day, grab a burger if I didn't feel like cooking, I'd buy the "good" brand of pizza on a friday night, sure it was only a euro more...
For a complete experiment I cut it out, just drank water and got a large bottle of coke to last the weekend, bought the cheaper pizza or just bought enough pasta and minced beef to make 3/4 days worth of dinner which is probably nicer for less. Started going around the corner if a loaf of bread was 50cent cheaper. I'm not saying every one of those things apply to the OP but since you brought up the principles of budgetting then there you go.

The country isn't in the sh** just because of big expenditure, it's the frivilous and un-necessary stuff that adds up and people just don't take stock of it.

Bottom line, tattoos, high bills, we all have said can be taken care off. That is money that doesn't need to be spent. UPC? FFS sake cop on. If you live on 20euro a week and have UPC you need to cop on.

Ickle Magoo

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LegacyUser

Just a few points -

It seems quite strange that people are calling me spoiled without knowing me at all. All throughout college I worked my ass off, doing double shifts on weekends (24 out of 48 hours every Saturday and Sunday) and even picked up an internship in my 3rd year on Thursdays and Fridays. So I paid my way through life; basically everything I own currently is paid for out of my own back pocket. The tattoo was the only thing I've actually spent frivolously on in the past year or more. All my clothes come from the bargain racks of Penneys or charity shops. And despite the fact that I am the youngest in my family, I was the only one that rarely ever asked for money from my parents - hell, I'd never ask for Christmas presents or birthday presents, because I'd much rather buy things with my own money. So spoiled? Hardly.

And for the record, I've paid my ESB bill by getting the spare change I've built up and selling some things, which I could have just done for my tattoo, but that's not the point.

Yes, my main issue comes from money management, but I think most of this lies from finding it tough to have no money, after coming from working for so long. It's a hard thing to adjust to. Plus it was a deadend job with no career path, so I really don't think I could do that again. As I stated, I've been applying for jobs and have had 2 phone interviews, 1 video interview and 1 face-to-face interview, as well as having sent off countless application forms and CVs.

Right now I'm living within my means - buying food from Lidl/Aldi, freezing them so I can make them last longer; my food shops generally come to maybe €30, but they can potentially last me just under a month.

But it just means I can't do anything as such - I can't drink, go out for lunch, sometimes can't afford to get a bus ticket home. Though my parents know none of this, because while I know they would help me, I would much rather go at it by myself.

As for the NTL;
I live in shared accommodation with 3 others. They all wanted NTL and I couldn't say no. It wouldn't be fair to them if I didn't pay too and the internet is also handy for my job hunting, so I pay.

With regards to ESB-
I genuinely don't know how it's so high. The only light I turn on in my room is my desk lamp and the only things plugged in are my XBox, TV and laptop and the laptop is the only thing that is turned on the most. I only use our washer and dryer once a week, have my charger only in at nighttime and plug it out after, and only turn on the immersion for half an hour every morning. Hell, I'm that guy that turns off lights, the dryer and washing machine after everyone else.

I'm pretty sure my landlord won't allow me to avail of rent allowance.

RandolphEsq

Is it possible OP that you could move back home and pay rent to your parents?

ChubbyHubby

Sick-of-being-broke wrote: »

With regards to ESB-
I genuinely don't know how it's so high. The only light I turn on in my room is my desk lamp and the only things plugged in are my XBox, TV and laptop and the laptop is the only thing that is turned on the most. I only use our washer and dryer once a week, have my charger only in at nighttime and plug it out after, and only turn on the immersion for half an hour every morning. Hell, I'm that guy that turns off lights, the dryer and washing machine after everyone else.

I'm pretty sure my landlord won't allow me to avail of rent allowance.

Do you have individual meters in the house share? If yes then just turn all stuff off and then turn them on one by one to see what's using electricity. Stuff on standby uses electricity too. I'd guess there're no individual meters and the bill is split evenly. There's not much you can do about it unless you can convince housemates to change their habits. You're basically paying for their usage.

It might be worth considering moving back home until your situation improves.

Nothingbetter2d

Sick-of-being-broke wrote: »

I'm on the Dole right now and get the full amount of €188 a week. Out of this goes my rent of €80 and repayments of a loan I took so I could quit my job and finish my 4th year of college, which comes to €45.65 a week. So on the Tuesday that I get my Dole, €125.65 gets taken away right away. Out of the remainder gets taken out and bills I might have, which would be NTL (€17ish a month) and ESB (and ours tends to be REALLY high - usually around €70-100 each). Most weeks I'm left on as little as €20 a week to survive on, which would barely cover any groceries.

I've been job hunting a lot - sending off so many CVs and have had 2 phone interviews and 1 face-to-face interview, which will be a 2nd one next week, depending on how a phone interview yesterday went.

My parents do help me out with money; my mum gave me €200 yesterday to put towards my ESB, but I spent most of it on a tattoo that I wanted for a long time. Now I haven't got enough to pay it off as quickly as I wanted, which now will result in me being even more broke, again meaning I probably won't be able to buy proper groceries for a few weeks. It's my own fault though - I should have waited before I got it.

I'm just so fed up of being broke; not being able to go for drinks, buying anything (it's gotten to the point where I feel guilty for spending money on something as small as a bottle of coke, because I feel so broke), or just do anything really.

What's worse is that I'm going to feel so guilty for spending the money that was meant for my ESB on this tattoo- I feel like I lied to my mum and feel really bad.

Just don't know what to do and it's really getting to me. I don't feel like an adult right now as I've pretty much been supporting myself for a long time and throughout college.

get rent allowance to help pay for the rent... this will give you more than enough to get by on

LegacyUser

Unfortunately living at home just wouldn't be an option for me. My family live on the outskirts of a small town in the countryside, which is about just under an hour walk away from the family home. I don't have a car (just because it's genuinely not financially feasible for me to have one) and no bike. Alongside this, my father has a slight drinking problem, so it's not an atmosphere I'd feel comfortable being around. Plus he and I never saw eye-to-eye; it's likely that a lot of the problems/issues I have now stem from this, so it's something I'd genuinely not want to go back to.

ibarelycare

OP why aren't you looking at cheaper accommodation or somewhere that will accept rent allowance?

LegacyUser

This is the first house I've lived in where I've had no problems; previously I've lived with alcoholics, stoners, people with severe mental illnesses (one of my past housemates was sanctioned. Twice) and scumbags (in the last house, the cops were called out maybe 3 times for different things), so I'm happy in a house.. for the first time in maybe 5 years. Hell, even the landlord is lovely, which is the first time I've ever ever had that, but I know he won't accept rent allowance.

AhInFairness

Sick-of-being-broke wrote: »

Right now I'm living within my means - buying food from Lidl/Aldi, freezing them so I can make them last longer; my food shops generally come to maybe €30, but they can potentially last me just under a month.

But it just means I can't do anything as such - I can't drink, go out for lunch, sometimes can't afford to get a bus ticket home. Though my parents know none of this, because while I know they would help me, I would much rather go at it by myself.

If this is the case then I fail to see what advice people here can give you. You have no money to go drinking but such is life when you're unemployed. You can still have a social life OP, there are no rules that say you must drink alcohol if you go to the pub with your friends. Go out and drink water, it won't kill you.

If you are unwilling to find accommodation that will accept rent allowance and are unwilling to move back home the only advice anyone can give you is to budget your money carefully and accept that if you don't have the money for luxuries like nights out and tattoos then you simply don't get those things.

Good luck on the job hunt.

ncmc

Hi Sick-of-been-broke, I feel really bad for you and your situation, and the sad fact is that there are 10’s of thousands of people in the same boat. I can totally understand how you would feel like you are merely ‘existing’ at the moment rather than ‘living’. It is a very tough transition to make after years of having disposable income.

You just have to look at it as a temporary situation, you sound like you’re really making an effort to get a new job and are making progress – even getting an interview these days is an achievement. You say you have no interest in doing a dead end job again, but you have to be realistic. Wouldn’t a dead end job be better than nothing at this stage? You could always look for a better job, if I were you, I would just want to get back working and bringing in a bit of money. It’s much better for your self esteem to be working, it doesn’t have to be a job for life. You sound like you are a hard worker, so I’m sure if you lower your standards a bit, you will pick up some kind of work.

In the mean time, you seem unwilling to try and move into cheaper accommodation which seems foolish, you are currently paying nearly half your weekly income on rent, that is way too much. I understand you have had some bad experiences in the past, but the fact is, you can’t afford to live there. If you move somewhere cheaper, without UPC and probably with cheaper ESB, you could save over €100 per month. Seems like a no brainer to me. You can use your deposit from your current house to pay the deposit. Also, you’re ESB seems crazy high, does that mean it’s €400 every two months? Why not appoint yourself as the ‘energy person’ in your house. Find out where the spend is going, ring round the suppliers and see if you can get a better deal. Nag your housemates into turning off laptops, playstations etc. Pool your laundry so you’re not putting on half loads, every little helps!

You mention you are paying back a loan, is there any chance you could negotiate with the bank and lower the repayment a little?

You seem reluctant to look at your major areas of expenditure, so there isn’t a lot people here can recommend for you. The only other suggestion I have is if you could squirrel away €5 or €10 a week as your ‘mad money’, build it up for a few weeks and use it for a night out, or a treat for yourself to a new purchase. It isn’t much, but it might give you something to look forward to and lift the monotony.

confuseddotcom

Why are so many going guest for this???? Ye can still mouth off in yere reg-names! :rolleyes: Why do it no-name? :rolleyes: I haven't even read the Thread, but I would treat the tattoo as the first nice thing an other-wise-broke person treated themselves to in quite some time up to the point where it was revealed they spend all their money on luxuries. Other-wise I'd give a person a break and cut them some slack! :rolleyes:

Being broke all the time isn't nice, getting something nice for a person who's broke could mean the world to them. Don't admonish 1 nice thing to a person. We're all entitled to some things are we not?! It's like an instantaneous band-wagon-jump!! So are ye all saying that if yer mum handed ye a sum of money that ye wouldn't even for 1 second in yer constant-continuous sick of being broke state, for even 1 second, consider spending it on yereselves???!! I believe ye ....... So un-necessarily harsh ......... Get off the wrong band-wagon or else jump on the right one .........

O.P. don't know if it would be any help but I think there is some Department help with Bills? E.S.B. I think? Amn't sure on that plus I've a feeling it is only in the Winter-time, doesn't include Summer. But might be worth asking. Am sure you've tried the Community Employment Schemes with FÁS? I know they used to give a little bit more along with the standard weekly Jobseekers, not sure if they still do though. I know there is a gadget ya can get to quantify what uses up the most electricity, interestingly if ya ask Electric Ireland Customer Service if there is any such facility/device/service available they'll tell ya no lol, but that's a story for another day. I must ask my bro. about it actually and can let ya know.

lau1247

confuseddotcom wrote: »

Being broke all the time isn't nice, getting something nice for a person who's broke could mean the world to them. Don't admonish 1 nice thing to a person. We're all entitled to some things are we not?! It's like an instantaneous band-wagon-jump!! So are ye all saying that if yer mum handed ye a sum of money that ye wouldn't even for 1 second in yer constant-continuous sick of being broke state, for even 1 second, consider spending it on yereselves???!! I believe ye ....... So un-necessarily harsh ......... Get off the wrong band-wagon or else jump on the right one .........

It is not about band-wagon-jumping.. we have no connection with OP and we are trying to help based on the information we have at hand..

being broke all the time is not nice, but don't you see by spending the 'Extra' money on tattoo is not really helping OP's own situation?? OP should have self discipline to know, that the money can be spent on something much more useful based on his financial situation..

Mrs Garth Brooks

€188 is loads to live on. Last year I lived of savings and lived on 150 a week. I had 75 for rent, 25 towards bills, 20-30 on food, 10 on bus fare once a week.

Ok I didn't have a loan. If I did I would make it work because I have to. I have no one to help me out. And even if I did, which my mother would offer, I wouldn't feel comfortable taking money off her as she doesn't have much. Not to mention the stress of oweing money back.

As I said €188 is loads to live on if you dont go out.

€80 a week on rent, €45 on the loan, put €25 a week aside for bills which is enough. Over eight weeks, thats 200 for bills (100 for esb, 35 for two months for NTL, 60 for other stuff which im sure there's other bills bins, tv licence etc which might not have to be payed this month or next month but if the money is there, its easier).

Thats already 150. So it leaves at least €30 on food. It can be done.

Ickle Magoo

confuseddotcom, if you have an issue with a post or poster then use the report function - do not drag the thread off-topic admonishing other posters or indulging in back seat moderation.

There has already been a warning in this thread that posters should have acquainted themselves with site/forum rules prior to posting.

mood

Realistically it could be very hard for the OP to move to a cheaper place. Landlords can be very reluctant to accept rent allowance. Take a quick took on Daft and you will see most ads state that rent allowance is not accepted. Also even if landlords agree other tenants often don't want a housemate who is out of work. I guess they think bill might be higher with someone in the house all the time. However, still look for a cheaper place. You could get lucky. It may not be great but would do until you get a job.

Also OP can't not pay NTL as other housemate want it and he/she uses the internet for job hunting which is essential.

However, reducing the ESB is very possible. Don't use the dryer. They uses a lot of ESB. Use a clothes line and/or clothes horse. Only use laptop for essential things relating to job hunting. Read rather than watch TV. Don't leave things on stand by. Chat to house mate about the bills and see if they can help with not leaving things on standby etc.

To be honest I don't know how people feed them selfs on 20 quid a week. I would spend about 40 quid or more (including washing power, shampoo etc). However, I am a skinny person with a big appetite so eating less isn't an option for me!

Stick to a budget. It is not easy but has to be done until you get a job.

PS as others have said approach the bank and see if they will reduce payment until you get a job. Also ASK the landlord if they will accept rent allowance. If they say no at least you tried. Also really try to save a little as when you do get a job you most likely won't get paid for a month. When you do find a job ensure the correct forms are used by the accounts dept to ensure you don't get emergency taxed.

I really hope you find a job soon.

Sala

I feel really bad for you. I am 26 too and can't imagine living on that, I suppose I am too used to having spare cash but I do think we all need our treats so I see why it is getting the OP down. I support the other posters who said move back in with the folks if possible. Aside from the ESB/NTL being too high debate, the stress of living so frugally and worrying about it can bring you down and you need to have a positive frame of mind for your jobhunt.

Edit: I know you are sending CVs etc but have you been going into places in person, calling people in places you want to work etc? Not all jobs are advertised so as well as hunting on the net get creative in your search.

puffishoes

mood wrote: »

Realistically it could be very hard for the OP to move to a cheaper place. Landlords can be very reluctant to accept rent allowance. Take a quick took on Daft and you will see most ads state that rent allowance is not accepted. Also even if landlords agree other tenants often don't want a housemate who is out of work. I guess they think bill might be higher with someone in the house all the time. However, still look for a cheaper place. You could get lucky. It may not be great but would do until you get a job.

I'm not sure how much attention you pay to the rental market but it's in a fairly crisis situation and there is a huge amount of over hang there so more and more land lords are willing to accept it than previously. Even so, you still can look.

[/quote]
Also OP can't not pay NTL as other housemate want it and he/she uses the internet for job hunting which is essential.
[/quote]

He could have a talk with them and offer to pay a % of the basic package you can't pay for what you can't afford.

Also for job hunting the majority of libraries now offer free Internet and a selection of daily news papers, you can also use the Internet at your local FAS office etc if you require it for job hunting.

Essential has become somewhat skewed recently. There's a big difference between NTL/browsing boards and eating/heating/clothing.

wish you all the best in your search for work OP

mood

puffishoes wrote: »

I'm not sure how much attention you pay to the rental market but it's in a fairly crisis situation and there is a huge amount of over hang there so more and more land lords are willing to accept it than previously. Even so, you still can look.

Also OP can't not pay NTL as other housemate want it and he/she uses the internet for job hunting which is essential.
[/quote]

He could have a talk with them and offer to pay a % of the basic package you can't pay for what you can't afford.

Also for job hunting the majority of libraries now offer free Internet and a selection of daily news papers, you can also use the Internet at your local FAS office etc if you require it for job hunting.

Essential has become somewhat skewed recently. There's a big difference between NTL/browsing boards and eating/heating/clothing.

wish you all the best in your search for work OP[/QUOTE]

I had a look on Daft before posting and didn't find one ad where rent allowance was accepted!

If the OP does not live near the local library or FAS office then he/she can't avail of their internet facilities. If I were in the OPs position it would cost me more to travel to a library or FAS office than to pay NTL.

OP did you try to talk to house mate about turning off anything not in use etc?

scamalert

why not to move back in with the ould ones until you finish college,in past couple years there were situations where families had to move back to their parents just to survive as they lost houses to banks and so on,so theres nothing judgmental in that,and put every $ into savings until you do college and find a job.As i imagine it wouldnt be a big burden on the family to feed one more mouth as you are their child.Otherwise its noodles until you sort yourself out.

puffishoes

mood wrote: »

Also OP can't not pay NTL as other housemate want it and he/she uses the internet for job hunting which is essential.

He could have a talk with them and offer to pay a % of the basic package you can't pay for what you can't afford.

Also for job hunting the majority of libraries now offer free Internet and a selection of daily news papers, you can also use the Internet at your local FAS office etc if you require it for job hunting.

Essential has become somewhat skewed recently. There's a big difference between NTL/browsing boards and eating/heating/clothing.

wish you all the best in your search for work OP[/QUOTE]

I had a look on Daft before posting and didn't find one ad where rent allowance was accepted!

If the OP does not live near the local library or FAS office then he/she can't avail of their internet facilities. If I were in the OPs position it would cost me more to travel to a library or FAS office than to pay NTL.

OP did you try to talk to house mate about turning off anything not in use etc?[/QUOTE]

Just because it doesn't specifically state welfare accepted doesn't automatically mean that it isn't.

Your right if they lived on the moon they might have problems availing of this.

But i think the _majority_ of the country are close to one or the other.

So lets assume the OP is in that majority and not find excuses as to why they can't do this or that.

looksee

scamalert wrote: »

why not to move back in with the ould ones until you finish college,in past couple years there were situations where families had to move back to their parents just to survive as they lost houses to banks and so on,so theres nothing judgmental in that,and put every $ into savings until you do college and find a job.As i imagine it wouldnt be a big burden on the family to feed one more mouth as you are their child.

The 'ould ones'/ parents are being referred to here as an automatic back up, but with a good deal less respect than someone coming to sort out your life might expect.

As an 'ould one' I would welcome one of my (well adult) children if they were stuck, and have in the past, but it would be nice to think that people would give it a bit more consideration than 'i imagine it wouldnt be a big burden on the family to feed one more mouth'. Food for three instead of two is an issue, especially if you are on a pension, and electricity for the shower, the washing machine, etc does make a difference.

Usually family is there for you, but lets have a bit of respect for their income, comfort and routine.