A savvy single mum of three young boys works just 16 hours a week but manages to save enough for multiple holidays a year, all while balancing family life, experiences, and her finances
A single mum from Scotland, with three young boys, aged two, four, and five, has shared how she manages to go on multiple holidays every year, despite working just 16 hours a week.
Before you jump to conclusions – don’t – because she doesn’t claim any benefits aside from Child Benefit, which amounts to £200 a month. Within her £1400 budget each month, this thrifty mother, who works in finance, also receives child support from her children’s father. And no, she also doesn’t do OnlyFans.
The mum, known by her TikTok handle ‘3kids3andunder’, believes anyone can achieve this lifestyle by prioritising their spending and managing their finances carefully. Through her social media, she has shared how she balances family life, work, and holidays.
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She explained that she doesn’t stay in a big fancy house or drive a brand new car or wear designer clothes all the time, and emphasised the happiness of her children above all, adding: “When the boys are happy and I’m happy.”
The mum explained that by keeping their living costs low, she is able to afford more experiences for her family, including regular holidays. In a video, she explained to her followers how she budgeted her £1400 a month. In the breakdown down she said these are the bills she has to pay at the end of each month, which include:
- Mortgage £322
- Council tax (which includes Water) £105
- Gas/Electricity £132
- Phone (sim-only on her four-year-old phone) £12.77
- Wi-Fi £22
- Car insurance £23.67 (her car is paid off)
- Road tax £16.62
“The boys are happy, and I’m happy, so we’re making it work right now. It’s about cutting down on unnecessary material things and putting that money towards experiences instead.”
The family enjoys a variety of activities, from swimming lessons to football, gymnastics, scouts, and taekwondo. Her children have embraced this outlook, and she revealed: “If you ask them whether they want a new toy or a day out, they’ll always choose a day out.”
In one video on her page, the savvy money-saving mum shared how she got an entire food shop for £2.50. She’s also shared how she takes advantage of local pantry shops, which aren’t income-assessed, and food shares, which include food that is surplus from supermarkets.
The mum also shared that she feels fortunate to have travelled a lot before having children, and she wants to continue exposing her boys to new experiences. She said: “I want them to see that there’s more to the world than just our hometown. It’s something that’s always been important to me.”
Although she is aware that many people may be in different circumstances, she offered some advice: “If you can cut your expenses, go on more holidays. I 100 per cent recommend it.”
Her videos have sparked much debate. One commenter asked: “Do you live with your parents? There’s no way you can live on 16 hours a 16-hour-a-week wage.” The mum replied: “No, I have my own place.”
Another comment raised questions about potential benefits: “If you work 16 hours with children, you can still get Universal Credit, plus if you’re in a council property, they pay your rent and council tax.” On this point, the mum clarified: “I have my own mortgage and don’t qualify for Universal Credit.”
One more commenter added: “It all comes down to how much you earn. To not qualify for UC, you’re earning a certain amount, and I assume you have a lowish mortgage. Good for you for making it work while working part-time. I’d be curious to know what your job is.”
One commenter in complete denial said, “I know you won’t care if I believe you or not, but I don’t. No way is it possible to do what you’re doing, working 16 hours a week and receiving no other help than child benefit. It’s impossible, in my opinion.”
The mum’s video and comments highlight how, with careful budgeting and prioritisation, she has managed to create a fulfilling lifestyle for herself and her children, balancing work, family, and travel.
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