Is my mom charging too much?

Mica98

I've been looking for one bedroom flats in my area but the only thing I can seem to find are house/flatshares as there are not many one bedroom properties

Mica98

That's another thing, the only thing I know is that some of my money is going into her savings as she doesn't have any, as for the rest, I'm not sure what bills she's putting them towards, I hate asking because we end up arguing.

Mica98

I'm studying environmental science, I called the uni but they said the only funding I can get is funding to cover the cost of the modules which goes straight from SFE to the uni.

Exodi

I always thought board typically referred to the eating arrangements (hence half board/full board/etc) and had nothing to do with bills - regardless, the semantics are irrelevant.

If she's considering charging you for utility bills and the like, what are your £200 'personal' bills for? I'm guessing a lease car or something?

As has been said above, it's all subjective. As soon as I got my first part time weekend job (I was still in school at the time), my mother started charging me £25 a week rent. At the time I thought that was absolutely brutal (I believe I was earning around £60 a week at the time) but now I have a mortgage and bills (total cost around £1,500 a month for a 3 bed semi) I can see her perspective.

Assuming you will spend most days at home, I don't think she's outrageous for suggesting you should contribute to the bills. Assuming the £200 'personal bills' are luxuries, you likely have more disposable income than most households at the moment!

asdf1982

Mica98 wrote: »

That's the thing, that extra £250 I have left is not really mine since she's having me pay bills with that. She wants me to cover electricity and do a weekly shop on top of that.

The whole of the electricity bill? that doesn't seem fair you are not the only one using it. Could you say you'll just buy your own food and eat your own food.

KxMx

You probably can't afford rent plus bills for a one bedroom flat, so a houseshare/lodger is what you would be aiming for at this stage.

You could always cost that out and use it as a basis in a negotiation with your Mum.

Mica98

She wants me to top up the electric key when it runs low (I don't use a lot of electricity, I always turn switches off and take the plugs out when not in use) and as for the groceries, we kind of spoke about it last night and she tried to dismiss it, I may have to suck it up and just do the weekly shop if we can't come to an agreement

pearl123

It think it would be worth itemizing what you are getting for you money. Is she cooking and cleaning for you? Perhaps, you could ask her where the money goes bill wise so that you can get an idea of costs.

Mica98

That's a good idea, I know some houseshares include all of the bills, I have had this discussion with my mom and she's tried talking me out of it

Mica98

My bills are my savings, transport (I can't drive as I can't afford lessons anymore) and a big purchase that I'm paying off. My mom really wanted a dyson hoover so I'm struggling to pay it off, but once I have, that'll be some extra money in my pocket. Also, the electricity runs out quite quickly as my mom does a few loads of washing per day and uses the dryer (I don't understand since it's only the two of us). I work 7 days (well evenings) a week and I study during the day. I live right next to my work which is also stressing me since my boss has started to take advantage of this, as for disposable income, as said above, my mom wants me to use my remaining money for a weekly shop