Sunshine today and I attended the local Community hub, it was very welcoming and really friendly. Warm cuppa offered soup but also a toastie. The community hub also had a clothes swap happening for adults and children. I managed to be kindly gifted some trainers (I was wearing my son’s trainers he outgrew but had holes in). At first I felt proud and offended but the volunteer was so kind and compassionate. I bet you never “treat yourself “, so I have a pair gifted trainers for lovely and no wet tiptoes for me xx

That's all the families big events done now, tween all of us in the main family circle (aka my kids, my cat and I) all birthdays are normally finacially resolved by April. Normally I've got everything for April birthdays sorted in March (I try to get everything needed for any birthday or family celebration by the month before), to spread the cost and often take advantage of post Xmas and new year sales - only this year Easter and Eid we're at almost the same time as my birthday and while I'd happy skip celebrating my birthday, my kids refuse to let lol, plus as kids get older and the things they want to Xmas and birthdays gets pricier it's getting more tricky to spread the costs. Plus cost of living stuff means less funds to work with, so I was anxious about costs and if it'd be able to make the birthdays special on a tight budget.

But we managed and kiddos seemed very happy with their celebrations, big grins and no complaints, lots of laughter and taking the toys they got out to play with immediately and played with as a family (that's one thing I've noticed with buynless physical gift/toy items, is that each gift gets more play and you don't end up with a small pile of toys that are left unopened for days cos they're playing with their fav 2 or 3 items. This means less pressure on them to make adult gift givers happy by performing playing with their item before they're ready too, and means less waste long term for us - ili think even if I manage to magically have more funds in the future, I'll stick to my 3 gifts from mummy limit, so I can make sure those 3 items are as special as possible for their interests (and knowing others will gift too).

They both seemed very happy with their cakes too.

I baked for youngest, a fiddly collection of weird shaped cakes the size of cupcakes based on his theme wish - very fiddly and took alot of time (I can't work due to disabilities but that also means that, if I pace myself responsibility, I can save money by investing my time into tasks that would cost more if someone else had done it for me), so worth the extra work out into it to see little man's face. And an opportunity for me to learn new skills, such as how to mold and shape fondant without buying special specific tools, learning what things can be used instead of the specific tools - like a cheese knife is a great frosting spreader for small cakes, and chop sticks can be used for molding facial features, etc. lol. Resourcefulness is a mark of resilience.

But I did buy a shop made cake for my eldest, partly cos I've never baked the specific flavour cake she wanted before and didn't want to waste money and time if I had to redo everything. But mostly cos I was full of infection at the time her cake needed making and didn't want to accidentally miss washing my hands at any point (I normally wash hands at each step of the process) or do something accidentally gross like cough on the cake, so given those those circumstances I thought it'd work out better (safer even) to buy a simple but not dry/basic cake, that I could redecorate to match requested theme (ironically enough, it worked out cheaper to buy a midrange cake and redecorate myself, even using store pre-made icing, than it cost to make a cake from near scratch (even when using home baking cake kit, cos who can afford a collecting all the individual ingredients when I bake so infrequently that the ingredients would probably go bad tween spring n winter when I next, traditionally in our family, bake cakes for Xmas lol) esp when factoring in electric usage such as oven and mixer usage.

But end of the day, kiddos had lovely birthdays, even though I had less funds to work with, we still managed to make it special. And that's what really counts at the end of the day. It's not how much you spend. It's how you use what you've got to make things unique.

There are ways to make your children feel seen and accepted and understood without costing the earth. My main financial trick I use for trying to birthday on a budget is let the kids pick a theme and then I put a lot of my energy into decorations that match that theme. So like banners, bunting things like that because you can easily make them yourself if you've time. Like printing off images at the library (or a friend's printer in my case this year) to make into posters/bunting/etc. Plus most party decorations can be self made, and you can save a lot of money on that particular element of party planning and prep. But because it's a theme that's important to the child, specifically based on the child's individual interests, then helps to celebrate the child, demonstrating how valued and important they are in the family and as individuals, it's very important for child development to feel seen, accepted and validated within the family unit. Showing an interest in your child's interests helps with this.

And while making decorations or baking, you can stick on a podcast, audiobook or video essay based on those interests and learn about it, and then have something to talk about during the party that, again, demonstrates to your child how important they are to you because you took the time to learn about their interests in detail. That's another free way to make a child feel special and important on their birthday (and throughout the year and their life really, but a lot of time kids interests can accidentally be overlooked or seen as unimportant childish nonsense, cos adults are so overwhelmed and overworked trying to survive in this economy). Especially as poverty often leaves people feeling underappreciated and unwanted in society.

That's what I find works for us anyway.

But I also must admit I'm relieved the family birthdays are done now for 2026. I still have extended family and friends to gift for and celebrate (plus one more cake to bake for a friend with allergies who'd not be able to afford a birthday cake otherwise, and doesn't have the time to bake for herself, so I try to surprise her with one when I'm well enough to bake around her birthday lol). But that means I can focus my budgeting energies on prepping for Halloween and Christmas now and really spread the costs as much as possible. And try to save up for at least one special day trip in the summer holidays.

When you live on a budget you can afford really afford to leave anything to the last minute. However, saying that, I'm lucky enough to be able to pre-plan more than most on my level of benefits income, because I get gifted tween £50-75 family for Xmas and my birthday, because they are so close together, which I can put to the electric and gas bill (my biggest bill after my wheelchair rental and insurance costs, but the latter is deducted from my pip automatically so not a bill I have to think about) and I use that gift to get ahead of E&G payments as much as I can, so if I do end up having to skip a payment sometime then it's less likely to leave me with extra bills due to miss payment charges.

The reality is, while I talk a big talk about spreading the costs and financial tips and tricks, I'm mostly able to do so because I've managed to avoid major debts in the past that many in poverty are forced to use and then get trapped in a cycle of loans and debts and living month to month. I've gone without many times to try to save and skimp where possible. And it's because I've gone without to avoid debts and am very careful with my budgeting and planning, that I am in a slightly better place than many of my peers to be able to spread the cost of birthdays and xmas. I don't share my tips and tricks because I don't believe everyone should be managing their budget the way I do, because that would be ignorant of me - as everyone's family and budgeting needs are different. This is something councils that offer "community budgeting courses" need to learn, I've been on those courses (partly to see if I can learn anything and partly cos not working can be very dull so finding stimulation is very important to maintain mental wellbeing, with or without mental health disabilities) and there are often belittling and insulting in many ways.

We've had a better Easter weekend that I'd expected. I thought it'd feel like less than in the past due to funds meaning I couldn't plan as much as I would usually. However, the weather has been delightful for the most part (today kept flip flopping tween blustery warm sunshine and hail the size of BB bullets, bringing back memories my preteens siblings childhood "BB gang" 😂), but was more amusing than distressing. We've been to the park on Friday, yesterday our council had a mario trail in town for kiddos to enjoy, and today a local free entrance museum had a goth market and Easter decorations around. So had a few free activities we could go too, that cost nothing as I took our own drinks n snacks with us, and we had a lot of fun, I always enjoy talking to people (even while hating being perceived by people, mental health is a queer thing lol), but having my ESA cat with us means people approach us, asking to pet her, and asking questions about her training and they often tell us about their pets, or their Easter or even their disabilities as I'm a wheelchair user with a ESA cat, Amazing the things people tell you when they know you're a safe non judgemental ear. That's why I love talking to people, reminds me that no matter how harsh life gets, and how unfair systemic abuses are across the board, people within every community are mostly kind, caring and keen for connection while stressed and scared. I feel very lucky to live in a town where the local businesses work with the council to offer community activities (I'm very fond of their trails they offer for anything from Halloween to new movie releases, it's gets more financially stable families into the town and spending in small businesses but also offers opportunities for low income families to benefit from free activities). And my local museum is becoming such a popular visiting site for us now that we're recognised by face by staff nowadays. It makes a massive difference to live in a town that has free family and disability friendly events and sites like this, I've lived in places that don't do this as often as my current town does and it felt like a dead place, disconnected communities. And as I was able to save money on outings this weekend, I had a spare tenner which can make a massive difference to a grocery shop (not as much of a difference these days than it used to (I still remember in the 90s shopping at netto as a kid to feed my mum n sibling on a tenner a fortnight lol, money definitely doesn't stretch that far anymore lol), but still makes a difference). We've a small Easter party for friends and neighbours tomorrow and that extra tenner meant we could get a little more food to feed them with, as many allergies to cater for. So I'm very grateful for the nicer weather and the free activities that has enabled me to better provide for my guests and get some nice little treats in for neighbours who often don't have family or health or the funds to get themselves treats. It's a luxury of sorts I suppose, but if mental illness has taught me anything, it's that poverty is more depressing [ ... ] it's having regular treats and small luxuries whenever we can that help tackle poverty induced depression, esp if it involves connecting within one's community. Isolation is hell, community is healing.

Wow it's a new month. April started with beautiful sunny spells. The trees are full of beautiful branches and bright flowers. Yesterday my son was so happy jumping from a tree with beautiful pink flowers to the ones with white flowers he was so excited to play in the sun and to see those beautiful trees. Watching that brought hope to my being, it made me realise that even in hopelessness hope can spring forth.

You know what is even more beautiful about this month of April, is that so many kids will be lifted out of poverty due to the lift of the two child benefit cap. What a beautiful April.

I've changed my plans for Easter, still holding an Easter party for my neighbours n friends with egg hunt, but no eggs for me (I'm fine, I've still got Xmas chocolates I was gifted to enjoy lol) and massively cut back on food I'll provide for party. Cos got different allergies to provide for (the gluten n dairy is easy enough, pricier but I'll manage, but onion allergy is harder cos most products have onion power in, or chives or garlic, all onion family - and this guest hates sweets n cakes too, so those aren't even a fall back option lol) so simple sarnies, cheapee cheese board and pizza, with mini cakes cos they'll have Easter eggs so probably wouldn't need puddings anyway lol.

I miss the days I have the strength n energy to cook, then I'd make all from scratch and be fully allergies safe. So cutting where i can, checking every ingredient and praying I don't hurt a guest cos of cost cutting. But it's important to me their needs are accounted for and in a treat type way, especially as low income folk with allergies and sensitivities can seldom afford treats as it is.

But we also won comics con competition we went to recently, using a dress I've had for years that I've mended and re-dyed and whatnot, so perfect for costume events. We won free tickets to next local comic con and are working on a costume using what we've got to hand or can find from friends. Everyone needs a hobby and cosplay doesn't have to cost the earth, you can have a cheap costume and still win. Which was so heartening cos I did feel a little self conscious looking at everyone's costumes being so cool and mine just a throw together something. Yet we won, goes to show cheap isn't always tacky.

Nice weather for a change, want a trip to somewhere nice but go to park often and no funds to go further afield today lol. Oh well, can still enjoy the sun in my garden at least

Got the keys to me and my son’s new housing association house, feeling optimistic. It’s been a lot living in rented for so long when things can be so uncertain

It was so refreshing to learn about the Prime Ministers pledge to reduce household energy bills by up to £300 per year by 2029, because it show's that he is serious about reducing fuel poverty.

For the first time in months I've actually felt happy. I feel like we have turned a corner - particularly in that we managed to get family therapy funded by a charity. I really hope this means we can get my stepchild to turn a corner before their behaviour gets to a point that other services need to be involved. I still feel very overwhelmed with the sheer volume of what I need to do - and having more money to buy in more help would be great but that's not an option right now.

Feeling positive and looking forward to spending easter with the kids. Lots of cheap activities and family time together

Spring is finally here! It's amazing how busy a bit of warmer weather and the sun shining manages to help lift your spirits. Slightly worried about projected rising costs of energy due to the conflict in Iran. Only had it just came down a little and now estimation go back up again this year - possibly substantially! So much more needs to be done to manage this ongoing cost of living. The SNP have pledged to reduce Scotland's energy by a third if they get reelected. Let's hope that pledge is met soon as well the opportunity for an Indyref 2. I honestly think people in my situation would be a lot better off with independence. A fairer and more dignified social security system compared to DWP (I can attest to this) free tuition, prescriptions, bus passes for children. My son is happy to have the day off school so we can vote, he's already keen to get to an age when he too can vote. The Easter holidays are soon upon us and thankfully I've managed to secure some bursary funded places for him including an art club so that will help us a lot during the holiday whilst keeping my son occupied and stimulated.

Waiting on my new flat, but anxious about moving and everything that comes with that. Lucky to have done this a few times now in my life. But I do worry about people without that support, I think if people who are in first homes and maybe not had the best circumstances. I’m feeling positive this week, but my mental health is still up and down, I've recently taken a social media break which I think has helped me this week.