Diary of a single mum desperate to save for a holiday

teddyoops

Hi

Having lurked here for a while I have now decided to post in order to inspire me to save for a much needed holiday..

I am a single mum to three kids, DS 18, DD1 15 and DD2 5, I very carelessly managed to lose both my husband and my job in September :rotfl: so I am currently living on benefits and must admit I have found it very hard to adjust to the drop in income. After all the stress of the last 9 months I really need something to look forward to and to aim for and as I haven't had a holiday for a few years have decided this will be my focus.

I would like to take DD1 and DD2 on a luxury holiday, not necessarily abroad, but just one where we don't have to watch the spending money, and can just have a great time.

I have no idea how much it will cost so I will set a target of £2000. No idea of how long it's going to take me to save that much, but hopefully this site and this diary will keep me focused so I get to go away before the kids have grown up and left home

So, that's me, I hope you will wish me luck, I have a LONG journey ahead of me!

Lokolo

Just be careful because savings can change benefits amounts.

teddyoops

Oh, I never thought of that, I'll have to look into what the limits are.. Mind you by the time I get to any sort of substantial amount, I think I will have retired!

teddyoops

It appears the limit is £6000 (thank you google) if you claim IS, so I think I'm safe! lol

Lokolo

Do you have a budget?

Do you charge your DS rent?

teddyoops

Yes I write down all my weekly outgoings and income, but I always seem to have to "move" things. It's unexpected things that crop up that mess me up, like having to pay for DD2's school trip £14.50!

DS pays £150 pm, which pays his share of the rent and council tax, plus money towards food. He only earns £600 pm, so can't afford to pay any more. The trouble is, he's terrible at budgeting and always ends up asking me to lend him money inbetween paydays!