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Mother-of-two breaks down in tears as her $29,688 salary isn't enough to feed her children

Friday, 01/12/2023, 11:20 (GMT+7)

A full-time working mother sobbed as she stated that she struggling to feed her kids due to financial issues.

Abbie Palmer, 30, posted a TikTok video criticizing Rishi Sunak's administration and other MPs for "living a life of luxury" when many in the UK are "living on their knees."

Mother-of-two breaks down in tears as her $29,688 salary isn't enough to feed her children 1
The mother cannot hide her emotional when she barely afford to feed her family. Image Credit: Abbie Palmer/SWNS

The mother of two disclosed that although she works full-time as a customer services manager, her £23,500 pay hardly allows her to feed her two children, who are six and twelve years old.

She said she has anemia and is presently on sick leave from work, but she is too afraid to visit a doctor in case she needs prescription medication, which she doesn't think she can afford. 

As Christmas approaches, Abbie says she was forced to leave Aldi because she was unable to afford to buy holiday food and could not give her children the Christmas they deserve.

Mother-of-two breaks down in tears as her $29,688 salary isn't enough to feed her children 2
The woman sobbed as she said she only had £600 left for other living expenses for herself and her children, after paying mandatory bills. Image Credit: Abbie Palmer/SWNS

After all costs are paid, she has £600 a month left over, which is insufficient for her needs.

The mother of two says that instead of spending £300 on each of her kids for Christmas, she is just spending £100 on them this year.

Abbie said: "I was in Aldi thinking how normally this time of year my mum would fill the cupboards with Christmas treats.

"Then I suddenly realized 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 believes it's a 'disgrace' that MPs have such lavish benefits and earn such high salaries, and that energy firms keep making so many billions 'while so many people struggle.'

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Abbie Palmer criticized Rishi Sunak's government and MPs for living a life of luxury while many in the UK are struggling. Image Credit: Abbie Palmer/SWNS

She said: "My message to the government is let go of these expenses that the British public are paying for.

"I'm not seeing doctors having expenses paid for, lunches paid for, having second homes.

"[MPs] don't need £40-a-day for lunch, they should get a sandwich and bag of crisps like rest of us."

Abbie said in tears: "I can't even afford to keep myself healthy.

"I could end up with antibiotics and vitamin tablets that could cost £30. I simply can't afford that at the moment."

Though Abbie acknowledges that she is privileged in comparison to many, she believes that this only serves to highlight how terrible things have gotten for individuals all throughout the nation.

"I'm not even on minimum wage, but once I've done my food shop and put fuel in my car that's basically it. I can literally only go to the pub I used to work at on the off chance I can get a free drink or someone buys one for me."

Mother-of-two breaks down in tears as her $29,688 salary isn't enough to feed her children 4
Even with her salary of £23,500, she finds it difficult to provide for her kids and other costs. Image Credit: Abbie Palmer/SWNS

Her monthly rent in the social housing is £450; her monthly expenses for gas and electricity are £150; and her monthly food costs are £400. To keep working, she needs to spend £130 a week for breakfast and after-school programs.

Abbie continued: "Then within that you still want to allow them to do activities like football and cheerleading.

"It's completely unsustainable."

Abbie's TikTok video on the nation's current situation has gone viral, with over four million views and thousands of comments.

Some individuals have refuted her claims, arguing that a monthly income of £600 after expenses should suffice for living expenses.

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However, many people think that Abbie's situation with the remaining £600 is still better than theirs. Image Credit: Abbie Palmer/SWNS

£600 a month after bills would be a godsend so I don't understand how your struggling. All I have left is maybe £50 a month, one person commented.

I would recommend getting help with money management if you're still struggling and have £600 left over after bills, the second said.

£600 a month? You're better than others. Please, be grateful for it! someone replied.

Others, however, seem to feel sympathy for Abbie.

It's not a competition; people simply don't have enough to survive. People are missing the point, one person explained.

She has to feed her children, too!What's happening with you guys who are criticizing Abbie for her money management? £600 a month for three people, you know? The second emphasized.

I'm so sorry you're having difficulties and that people are still acting as if there's a competition by saying things like, "I would be well happy with £600." someone comforted Abbie.