Do you ever get embarrased by being broke?

Legacy_user

This really gets to me. Couple of examples, the guys from work are going out for dinner and a few drinks tomorrow night, only person who can't go is myself as per usual can't afford it, Or there is simple things like going to the coffee machine at work, can't even afford a 50p coffee, or the snack machine can't afford that, or they order food from a restaurant weekly for lunch and get it delivered again only person who hasn't partaken in that. Or another one which happened last week, My son got his first school photo taken, £20:eek: He got a little tiny sample photo, what I had to do was scan it and inlarge it as we can't afford £20, The poor child wondered why all the rest of the kiddies got there photos this week and he didn't, we couldn't afford it.

It is all very embarrasing, Even the simple things like a 50p coffee, something that 99% of people would take for granted is a luxury in this house. And the sad thing is, it is never gonna change

Different_Corner

Nirelandguy
Re school photos, I know it's nice to have them as a memory, but I think over the past 12 years I've only ever had one decent school photo of the two of them. I also think the price of them is harsh. I'll bet you've you much better natural photos that mean a lot more to you...and I'm sure at £20 you aren't the only one.
I've kept all the little tiny samples, but they really aren't my favourites.

scattykat

morning, not really. We are not broke but not rich either. Just think when they buy there lunches or go to the restaurant how are they paying for it, i.e credit card so i wouldn't worry.

rigger_john

I understand what you mean but I think embarrasing is the wrong word, sure it's a bit annoying that you can't go out and eat with your work mates, but we are all in it for the long haul mate. Also the money saving habits you are teachung your children now will stand them in very good stead in years to come.

Plus at least on here the beer is free:beer:

Miss_Piggy_2

We've probably all felt like this at some point. But I find honesty is best. I used to make excuses why I couldn't go out with work colleagues. Then one day I explained to them that for he majority of the month I have no money and, you know what? They understood! Now we go out once every couple of months, usually the day after payday and we go somewhere cheap!

As for school photos, they're a waste of money anyway! Why not get your son in his school uniform and take one yourself? Whats the difference?

Yes, it is hard. But gradually you will change the way you look at things so it won't seem so bad. And it won't be forever!

Miss P
xx

Cazzdevil

You have to wonder too, are all those people who frequently go out for meals and drinks completely in the black or are they putting the cost of the meal on their plastic and dealing with it later?...
I'd suspect that a lot of them are up to their eyeballs in debt too but just daren't even contemplate having an LBM. At least you're dealing with your situation and are being very sensible by NOT worsening it with unnecessary drinks & meals out. And just think of the celebratory meal you'll have when you hit your debt free date

But yes, it really pees me off that we've had to cancel our camping trip away this weekend because we just simply don't have enough money left in the bank

rigger_john

Cazzdevil wrote: »

we've had to cancel our camping trip away this weekend because we just simply don't have enough money left in the bank

Sorry to read that, Camping is so much fun and very cheap, but i guess you still need to get there, and pay fees to the site though.

Cazzdevil

Exactly John, it's not the cost of the campsite that's the problem, it's the petrol to get there! Never mind, we've got another bank holiday coming up shortly so we're postponing til then

focus888

It can be awful. I normally dont participate if i dont have enough funds and try and work around things like this. Like some people bring in a flask for coffee. And if you already bring in your lunch you can use that as an excuse for not going to those places with them to eat.

For me i felt i was wasting so much money on lunch and work and we are there to make money, not to spend what we make on the expensive restaurants and drinks near there.

pukkamum

I know exactly what you mean i am a SAHM and i am constantly having to turn down lunch and play centre invites because i just can't afford it.
I eventually confessed this to one of the other mum's who said she was in exactly the same position and so we now just go to the park or each others houses.

It does still get to me though when friends or relatives invite us on meals/days out and we have to turn them down as we are just not willing to get into debt for a pub lunch!!!

Kepp your chin up, why not put a couple of quid aside every week and then you can go for drinks with them maybe once a month, it can be your 'reward' for budgeting so well for the rest of the time.

Little_Chicken

Hi NLG - I do feel for you, but you shouldn't be embarassed. Be proud that you are dealing with your debts, and tell people you're doing this. Amyone with any sense of decency will be impressed.

I was having a conversation with a work colleague this week about how we would rather spend our money on other things that lunch/coffees at work. So you could use this tact if you wanted. Anyway those work coffee machines are ugly.....uuuugh!

Hope the sun cheers you this weekend!