Dibden Purlieu Saint

I agree it is something that could be done, however as mentiomed earlier in the thread we would have to downsize which isn't an option. For us both to be 'handy' for work and family (we are going to need the parents in law to look after for 2 days a week when the missus goes back to work) we need to live within 10 miles, on a fast trainline. It's difficult to do also when you need money to pay for stamp duty, solicitos fees etc. We have also been told that to give your child the best start in life the mother should have 12 months off. We couldn't afford this and thought 9 was the best we could do.

Lol, nope, you still fail to get it. Don't worry your pretty little mind about it then. If you actually knew me you'd know I am far from selfish. As said, this was originally an allowance, not a benefit which you fail to get. There are other means tested child benefits that we're not entitled to. You notice I'm not complaining about those? If I was so selfish surely I'd be complaining about that as well? Or does that not fit in with your agenda on this thread?

I know we can both post pointless incendiary comments...

You have no idea on my situation, yet you feel you can judge me? I will explain this once more. This was an allowance that everyone was entitled to, no matter their situation. I can see why the government have made it means tested, however it's a bit annoying that it's come at a time when we could possibly do with it. Do you get that? I am in a situation where we found out we were pregnant 6 months into the pregnancy. This meant that we are in a situation where we have vastly more going out than we have coming in. Luckily we had some savings, but are still going to come out of a 9 month maternity leave with about £5k of debt. However, not everyone, even those on more than 50k per year are that lucky. If we didn't have savings we would be in pretty serious trouble. People may think that £50k is a lot of money, but it depends massively on your situation, where you live, your outgoings etc.

You notice you're the only one not getting this...perhaps that tells you something.

And the "I'm envious of the more succesful people on this thread" award goes to...

I notice you avoided my question...

Fiddling, in what way? I assume you don't receive any benefits then?

Tragic really...she didn't ask for that call.

And NI! Not sure about student Loan though. My company gives a 4% incentive - better than nothing!!

:lol:

Just found out about Childcare vouchers - they look pretty helpful actually.

How about a Passat CC Diesel? Good engines, looks good, good marque, good car. http://www.cargiant.co.uk/Volkswagen/Passat_CC/details-570212-Volkswagen-Passat_CC.asp?viewtype=0

Oh definitely, and we will cut our cloth accordingly.

I explained my position above. As said, you can be frustrated about something even if you agree with the reasoning. In addition to this, you can vote Tory without having the all the Tory traits. It's not all black and white, there is also a myriad of greys...

Road tax is more in the Volvo (£190 a year more), insurance is about the same (Volvo insured under me, M3 under her), servicing is about the same (had the big service done as part of the sale last year, back to standard service for the next 25000 miles). Tires are a bit more, £60 per tyre). And depreciation, I don't know frankly, Volvo probably more as we cane the miles out on that one. So yes, it is cheaper to run.

The Volvo does about 24mpg, it's an automatic so that makes a big difference, and I average about 26 out of the M3. However, I do need some new rear tyres for it

Actually cheaper to run than our Volvo estate surprisingly, and no more than the old TT either.

I think there are quite a few people misunderstanding the premise of this thread, and the reason for it's existence.

I see Max every week without fail, although I guess that will change this week! If anyone can get his name out of the mud though, it's him.

Blimey, can't really see this one. Great player. Raskitskiy (sp) possibly as well if we're looking over that way.

Such an immature attitude towards the whole situation. I assume you don't have kids, because your attitude would be very different.

You can tell by the language being used he's on a wind up. No one is crying in anyway.

It should be for anyone who can afford to put into a pension. So anyone on more than £15k a year I reckon.