In a heartfelt video that has gone viral on TikTok, Abbie Palmer, a 30-year-old single mother from Wolverhampton, has shed light on the challenges she faces in providing a festive Christmas for her two children on a full-time salary of £23,500.
Abbie, a customer services manager, revealed that despite working hard, she had to abandon her festive food shopping at Aldi due to financial constraints.
With only £600-a-month left after paying all the bills, she expressed her concern that it’s not enough to make ends meet.
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The mother-of-two, who usually allocates £300 per child for Christmas, shared her disappointment as she can only afford £100 for both this year.
Abbie nostalgically recounted how her mother used to fill the cupboards with Christmas treats. She said: “I was in Aldi thinking how normally this time of year my mum would fill the cupboards with Christmas treats. Then I suddenly realised I wouldn’t be able to do that this year. I don’t have Sky or anything like that. Unless I can pay I don’t have it. I live completely within my means – but it’s still not enough.”
Abbie emphasized the disparity between her financial struggles and the benefits and salaries of MPs. She expressed her frustration, stating: “It’s a disgrace that MPs earn as much as they do and get so many benefits, and energy companies continue to make so many billions while so many people are suffering.”
Addressing the government directly, she urged them to reconsider the expenses borne by the British public, calling for a reevaluation of MPs’ allowances and benefits.
Abbie’s predicament extends beyond the holiday season, as she is currently off work due to sickness. Believing she might have anemia, she confessed her fear of seeking medical help due to potential prescription costs. She pleaded: “I can’t even afford to keep myself healthy.”
Despite being in social housing, Abbie faces mounting expenses, including £450 monthly rent, £150 for gas and electricity, and £400 for food.
Additionally, she has to allocate £130 per week for her children’s breakfast and after-school clubs, necessary for her to continue working.
Abbie’s candid video has garnered over four million views on TikTok, sparking a debate among viewers. While some express sympathy for her plight, others argue that £600-a-month post-bills should be sufficient.
The comments section reflects a broader discussion on the challenges many face in making ends meet in today’s economic climate.
