"16 Kids and Counting" - how do they afford it?

MerlinMags

Wifey and I just watched "16 Kids and Counting" and are wondering if the most mind-boggling aspect is how they afford to feed and clothe them all! Apparently they manage to pay for everything from the salary of the father who owns a local bakery. I don't think it is a massive business.

These people must be money-saving GURUS! If only they could share their secrets with us. I'm struggling to afford luxuries for three kids on two people's wages....

I would genuinely like to know how on earth they afford to live day by day AND have a 10 bedroom house AND have a holiday AND smart clothes for the christenings AND a new buggy for every new child. I am completely astounded.

rocking69

They must get benefits surely

Mankysteve

His business must be doing better than you think.

rocking69

Mankysteve wrote: »

His business must be doing better than you think.

He only owns one local bakery. I dont think he is paying for a 10 bed house and 16 kids and everything.....

MerlinMags

I suppose the mother could be claiming some benefits. I don't think she had a paid job (24 hour a day childcare, ironing and making lunches it seemed).

The footage showed the father making bread rolls, so it created the impression he wasn't the CEO of a large bakery with massive profit margins!

I must be missing a trick though - this couple were having treats that my wife and I deny ourselves in order to get by. Wish someone would interview them about how they afford it all!

Spendless

They've been together since teenagers, bought an ex care home that needed doing up some years ago. Depending on his income they may be entitled to tax credits. The most recent programme mentioned them getting child benefit. It also mentioned that they costed the price of meals,shop daily -so all the food doesn't get eaten in one go! (know that one and that's just with 2 kids) and don't employ anyone in the bakery to save on costs. They must also pass on a lot of clothes to younger siblings.

Shovel_Lad

Depending on how much they earn they could get £221.30 in child benefit per week (for 16 children).

rocking69

So they do get benefits basically...or as OP says, they are gurus

Molly41

They would be eligible for Child Tax credits and even Working Tax Credits as he is self employed so can offset a lot of costs!

Also the environment of their house is not very luxurious and very basic in some of the children's room. I saw a previous programme on them and felt very sad as one morning they picked up one of the children off the stairs fast asleep. They cant possibly keep track of their kids. No individuality in preparing lunch - all had ham sandwiches. The Mum is obviously not used to going out with the children alone - she had no control of the youngsters when out walking.

Ladyhawk

It's no life really, is it?

gunsandbanjos

The other family shown neither of them work do they? The man has multiple degrees apparently (though not sure how much practical use a doctorate in philosophy is?).
Guess the tax payers are footing the bill.