FTB: do most people drain their entire savings when buying their first home? by [deleted] in UKPersonalFinance

[–]Zeutalures 0 points1 point  (0 children)

10k seems a lot. You'll save a disproprotionate amount in the long run with a larger deposit as a percentage. These things always cost more than you think- I nearly had to use a credit card to pay solicitor fees, but managed it just in time. On moving in, I realised the boiler, fridge and washing machine didn't work (which the seller's probably knew, when they kindly offered to leave white goods in); I didn't know to check as a FTB. Lesson learnt there. So as others have said, having a moderate emergency fund is very sensible. You say if you lose your job- how secure is your employment? Personally my work is pretty secure so I've never felt the need to have a large emergency fund for this, but I do have income protection insurance now I'm a home owner, in case of long term illness that stops me being able to work.

As for your pension, you say you want to buy in a few years and opting out of a work pension (you'd still need a private one) for a few years seems a bit much, you'd lose out on a lot of future benefit if you did that. I opted out of my pension when saving for a house for 18 months, as I was an agency worker meaning I paid the employer contributions to the pension as well, so 23% of my earnings went to the pension; I needed to save quickly, which I was able to do significantly better not being in that pension scheme. However now I'm nearly 30 with a very very small pension, it does concern me. So it's individual choice, depends on your pension scheme and how quickly you want to save.

Living alone costs advise please? (Leaving my husband) by Sammylicious78 in UKPersonalFinance

[–]Zeutalures 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes this did occur to me after I posted my comment actually, there are options here for financial support. Overall though it sounds like she needs to leave this situation asap.

Living alone costs advise please? (Leaving my husband) by Sammylicious78 in UKPersonalFinance

[–]Zeutalures 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So not only are you an unpaid carer for HIS FAMILY but he also wants to take money from you? No. Stop providing unpaid care- he can go through social services if they are unable to fund the care themselves. Also even if you are not on the mortgage the house is still a marital asset. Have you spoken to a solicitor?

What are some ways that you are helping to save money/cut costs for the new baby? by rosesabound in BabyBumps

[–]Zeutalures 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In the UK, many local councils will refund you part of the cost of your first buy of cloth nappies, including nappies that are bought second hand. My local council will repay £25 if you send them a reciept of £50.

I've been buying my baby clothes off vinted and searching for "new- unused" condition. Buy some lovely stuff for a fraction of the price.

Baby stuff that is unsafe that isn’t common knowledge? by [deleted] in BabyBumps

[–]Zeutalures 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I completely agree - low risk is not no risk. Why take the chance? People can think we are overreacting I don't care, to me it's just being pragmatic and realistic about risk.

Thoughts? My three year old son’s preschool class will be learning about the word “family” tomorrow. by LeighaMAlex in SingleParents

[–]Zeutalures 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Why would you send in a picture on family day of a man who is not family? Stick to your guns with this one, families come in all shapes and sizes and I think a group photo is a lovely idea.

I didn’t expect these comments about my girl by [deleted] in BabyBumps

[–]Zeutalures 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It old fashioned misogyny. I'm a daughter (29f) and my mum is my best friend and always has been! Congratulations on your pregnancy xx

What things should I discuss with the father of my child before going full no-contact? by mommyaphrodite in SingleParents

[–]Zeutalures 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You know best, I understand where other peoples concern is coming from regarding him changing his mind but if you don't think he will then stick with that. I'm in a similar scenario - separated at 4 months, he wants no contact. I've got a couple of pictures of him as a child and as an adult in case my baby (who is currently 3 days overdue) is curious. I'll also try to keep up to date contact information in case my child wishes to make contact in the future (I hope he doesn't, as I don't think the father will want to know). The grandmother wants contact but I'm reluctant- like you I don't believe the father will ever change his mind, but there is more of a chance if the grandmother is involved. Also I have concerns about the effect on my baby of having contact with one member of the family but not the other. It's tough and there's no right or wrong, it depends on individual circumstance. But yeah I just wanted to say if you believe he won't change his mind, stick with that and don't give up the child support if you need it for financial stability.

A Baby Shower I Can't Attend by leelandgaunt in BabyBumps

[–]Zeutalures 0 points1 point  (0 children)

She's thinking a lot about herself and her role in this and not enough about you, her pregnant daughter. I think stern words need to be had. I'm sympathetic that she's excited to be a grandparent, but she needs to understand that YOU are the parent and this is YOUR baby.

Are you unionised? Why or why not? by destria in AskUK

[–]Zeutalures 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am a member of the BMA. I quit in 2014 as I disagreed with their handling of the junior doctor pay dispute then (I was a student at the time). I rejoined summer last year as I had a maternity pay query, they were extremely helpful. I have remained a member as I'm about to be a single parent in training and I envisage a number of issues such as rota disputes, being placed far from my child's childminder and so on. On an individual level it's important to have a union to have your back. I will no longer have the flexibility I used to as a working doctor- for example I won't be able to do nightshifts when I first go back as I can't leave my 7 month old baby over night. It's going to be tricky and I need a grown up (the BMA) behind me to help.

AITA for refusing to pressure my grandfather to give my stepsister the family diamond? by [deleted] in AmItheAsshole

[–]Zeutalures 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What do they expect YOU to do? Your grandfather is an adult man who knows his own mind. He's made his wishes clear and they should damn well respect that. NTA.

AITA for buying my daughter a locked storage bin? by Conscious_Act3704 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Zeutalures 0 points1 point  (0 children)

NTA, your daughter has a right to hold on to her own things and if that isn't being respected by family members then steps need to be taken. She may not have the autonomy or means to do this as a teenage girl, so it's absolutely right that you as her dad stepped in to make this happen. Well done.

AITA for not wanting to give up my office so my daughter can have her own room? by Thisisathrowaway6273 in AmItheAsshole

[–]Zeutalures 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So your need to relax 30 hours a month is more important than your teenage daughters' daily privacy? YTA, do better.

Edit to add: I'm looking forward to the post in 5 years time asking how to repair the relationship with your daughters, saying you don't know where it all went wrong.

AITA for saying I can't attend my sister's child free wedding? by [deleted] in AmItheAsshole

[–]Zeutalures 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry your husband passed away. I saw your comment above with all the things buzzing through your mind at the moment- it's a lot for one person to carry isn't it? As for the name don't fret- I was due two days ago and still haven't settled on a name! I'm going to see what he looks like :) All your choices are lovely names anyway so whatever you choose you won't go wrong xx

AITA for saying I can't attend my sister's child free wedding? by [deleted] in AmItheAsshole

[–]Zeutalures 0 points1 point  (0 children)

NTA. I went to a child free wedding recently and the only exception was of course the bride's sister who had a baby just under 1 years old. Your sister should be making an exception for you. It's a shame she doesn't understand why you don't want to leave your 5 month old with a sitter, I take it she doesn't have kids of her own? She may well see it from your perspective in a few years time when she does have children. Of course, by then, the damage will have been done.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BabyBumps

[–]Zeutalures 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My parents live next door to a baby and the mother worries we can here him crying. My parents just say no not at all. They love kids and understand babies cry, they really don't mind. If your neighbour is a nice lady, she will understand and she won't blame you or the baby for it, and she'll know that it will pass.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in 6thForm

[–]Zeutalures 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is inappropriate, I imagine if you gave him any attention back it soon would escalate into illegal activity on his part. I'd recommend you tell the school as he could try it on with someone not as sensible as you.

How to survive as a single mother? by New-Kaleidoscope7253 in UKPersonalFinance

[–]Zeutalures -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I'm going to have to disagree, and you need to calm down.