Hi Jim,
Thank you so much for your response.
I had to get a new childminder as my previous one, while very cheap, wouldn't take my daughter to school or collect her, meaning I had to do it, getting into trouble with work then as I wasn't doing the hours I should have been doing. However, she charges a lot more weekly but she does all the collections/drop offs and feeds my daughter meaning I can work the hours I'm meant to.
Likewise, my car (2000 Ford Fiesta) has started to give a lot of trouble and the cost of that alone has been unexpected. Car insurance has also doubled. My rent is actually very reasonable for the area I'm in and there are not much rental properties, but anything coming up now has been increased in price hugely. For instance, I'm in a 3 bedroomed house paying €500 monthly, but any exact same properties coming up now are looking for €650 monthly.
My wages, have taken a slight drop but I've also started a Healthcare policy due to ill health for myself and my daughter.
There are no 2 bedroomed houses in my area, and my daughter goes to school there. I did apply for a council house but my salary exceeds the limit and they do not take into account your outgoings.
It is good to know that my pension would be protected. I just want to live a normal life, instead of the constant worry. I'm not concerned about myself but for my daughter. She doesn't want for anything, though I do buy second hand clothes. I don't do anything for myself and I don't mind that.
Regards
Mary