Those of you living independently, how do you manage?

[daneuse27]

I'm a lone parent (DDs dad is involved and emotionally/financially supportive) but he lives far so Im on my own raising her.

I've been living with my mom but it looks like Im going to have to move out sooner than expected.

I dont want to pry on everyone's personal finances, but i could really use some advice! I owe a 30 grand student loan (but have no credit card or other debt) have about 10k in savings, and my income is about $500/month (I hope the british ladies know $, sorry I don't know quid very well) I didnt have mny living expenses at my moms, but i obviously will when i move out, and really want to avoid being poor if possible

I plan to get a job and apply for daycare subsidy, but was hoping to raise LO on my own until shes a year old, if possible.

My mom has been my only 'support' network around, but now isnt anymore so the next little while will be difficult for me but im determined to make things work for my little girl.

 

[OnErth&InHvn]

Im going to be a Single mom (divorced) when my name comes up on my apartment. I have no idea how ill manage money wise. My apartment will be free and so will my electric but i wont have a car and no job when i move. I wont be able to get Child Support right away and i dont know if DH will even pay.

 

[Natsku]

I live alone. The only way I manage is with benefits/welfare. What help can you get? (rent support etc.) You're not going to be able to manage on just $500 a month if you have to pay rent, bills and food out of that.

 

[daneuse27]

I live alone. The only way I manage is with benefits/welfare. What help can you get? (rent support etc.) You're not going to be able to manage on just $500 a month if you have to pay rent, bills and food out of that.

I dont receive welfare. If I did, I would be getting a lot more per month. Also I might wait until I'm working to move out. Well see...

 

[Natsku]

I live alone. The only way I manage is with benefits/welfare. What help can you get? (rent support etc.) You're not going to be able to manage on just $500 a month if you have to pay rent, bills and food out of that.

I dont receive welfare. If I did, I would be getting a lot more per month. Also I might wait until I'm working to move out. Well see...

Waiting until you're working is probably the best way to do it. Probably easier to find somewhere to rent as well as I expect most landlords prefer working tenants.

 

[soulvibe]

Hey You're lucky in a lot of ways, I just have to say. You've got an education, money in savings, your mum has helped you out, and even though you might not have much income at least you have some and an ex-partner who is around to help out with baby. Things might be bumpy for a bit, but you've got lots going for you. I'm sure that in time everything will work out wonderfully for you and babe. I do doubt that welfare will accept you (you could always double-check your eligibility) and if they don't probably finding work and getting a subsidy really is your best option even if you'd prefer to stay home. If your mum is giving you the option of letting you continue to stay with her until you are set up with a job, then I suggest you take her up on that as that's an awesome opportunity! You definately do not want to be stuck with rent and no way to pay it or, worse yet, an eviction notice and no place to go!

As for myself, I'm currently pregnant and don't have a partner involved. I stay with friends (and am owing rent to them) and I will likely be living on my own when baby comes. I unfortunately was out of a job when I became pregnant, then was too ill thru my first trimester to work anyway so I was relying on EI until they cut me off. At this point, I don't have any income, so I am hoping to either put a claim into welfare or to be set up with temp work until I can file a new claim with EI and have been dropping in to a pregnancy centre for help figuring out my financial options. That's something you could maybe look into as well if things are difficult for you! They are usually very helpful and can hook you up with resources, provide advice and donations, etc.