Erik W

This weeks Big question was a wake up call for me as I had completely forgotten the school holidays where fast approaching. This has always been a very difficult time since I became a single parent. Normally when my daughter is at school I turn everything off except the fridge and internet in order to keep the bills down, I eat very little, very basic food that does not require cooking and have not had a hot drink for months. (EXCEPT ON THE LOBBY DAY)

There are obviously additional costs for food etc. when my now 17 year old daughter is home from school but unfortunately during her secondry school years I have been unable to send her on school trips or activities due to the cost, she has sometimes got round this by offering to help out at after school netball club, etc so there is no charge for her to go. I did let her go to the end of year prom last year what was extremely stressful and caused a lot of anxiety as I had not realised what costs would be involved. Thanks to another participant when I mentioned this in one of the Zoom meetings I was told that some local theatre companys often hire out costume dresses at a reasonable cost. I will have to wait until the end of summer to let you know how this year goes as with the rising cost of living I simply do not have any additional money to make even the smallest of changes this summer except skip a few more meals for myself and cut down in other areas as much as possible. I fear there maybe worse yet to come.