I moved to a well-off area to give my kids a better chance, but now we’re deep in debt | UK cost of living crisis (2024)

Working as a carer on minimum wage, in addition to being a single parent, I simply wouldn’t be able to survive without universal credit. Not everyone has the luxury of family to help them with childcare or spare money lying around to pay for it. With looking after my disabled son and being limited in my hours at work, I worry every single day about money.

I have done everything I can to ensure my kids have the best chances in life, and a good education. I’ve previously lived in some of the most deprived areas in the country, but nine years ago I moved to a really well-off area to give my kids a better life. This was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

They have no idea how bad things are getting right now. I just encourage them to keep working hard at school and hope they will never be in a situation like this. With the country the way it is now, my main worry is how bad it is going to be when my children reach adulthood. Will they earn enough money to live? Will they ever be able to afford their own home? All I can do is hope for them and just keep trying to live as best as I can for their sake.

Most people who live around here have top jobs and generally are well-off. No one wants their kids to feel left out, for other kids to pick on them for not having the newest things. Or them seeing things on social media and setting their own expectations as high as the well-off kids there.

From the latest tech, to designer clothes or even haircuts, I’m under pressure to provide. With their birthdays coming up, it is definitely a worrying time. When I was younger, you got what you were given, but parents are more pressured these days to keep up with the Joneses.

Worries about my children’s future follow me every day. I no longer even consider being able to take them on holiday or treat them to other luxuries. All I think about now is making sure they have hot meals and a roof over their heads.

I have always been able to pay my rent in full and on time. That’s the one bill I have always kept on top of. However, I worry that with rent hikes I’ll end up homeless, stashed away in cramped temporary accommodation somewhere far away, a fate I’ve watched happen to some of my friends.

I dread the day this happens to me and can only hope the country can sort itself out before I ever have to worry about not having a roof over my family’s head.

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