Re: The 'hidden hunger' in British families
 

And you know this how?

You mean if the vouchers covered the accommodation, and it was self-catering, which means they would be spending the same on food as they do at home?

Now, we don't know if that's the case, but equally, we don't know if it is.

But don't let the old class warfare goggles slip, shall we?

Re: The 'hidden hunger' in British families
 

I have to say that Flyboy does have a point. Ideally, one would make sure that the savings one has are sufficient to tie one over for a reasonable time so you can take action like selling the car and house if needed. The fact they couldn't suggests they were spending a bit more than they should. The fact that they don't smoke or drink is neither here nor there. Perhaps their mortgage was a bit higher than they could really afford.

Re: The 'hidden hunger' in British families
 

Common sense tells us that newspapers don't give away holidays for free. They are typically a ferry to France for a pound, or ten per cent off accommodation. Surely you don't think they actually got holidays for free do you?

Re: The 'hidden hunger' in British families
 

My point is that you seem to be willing to give some people a very well extended benefit of the doubt, with lots of perhaps, maybes, and presumptions, but on the other hand, if it is Mr and Mrs Average-Over-Extended, or Old Bill, is involved, Mr Negative-Attitude does seem to visit......

Re: The 'hidden hunger' in British families
 

They tend to cover the cost of the accomodation (which can be the biggest expense when you stay in this country). Another big cost is the food, which can be reduced by taking at least some food with you.

Then you can cut costs further by staying in the chalet/caravan and only doing things that are free or cheap (which *is* possible if you look). The only cost you can't cut really is the cost of getting to/from the place.

Now, while doing all that wouldn't necessarily produce the sort of holiay I would want, it can be done..

Re: The 'hidden hunger' in British families
 

savings have a finite quantity they don't last forever,how long is a reasonable time ? 3 months ,6 months ? Maybe the car had finance on it so had to be sold at minimum price to clear the finance same for the house
If you read the article the family had exhausted their savings ,maxed out their credit cards tried to sell the car and the house

Re: The 'hidden hunger' in British families
 

You forget the series of deals the Sun did where you could get a caravan for a week for £10.

Re: The 'hidden hunger' in British families
 

Yes. I am aware of that. What I am saying is that the article suggests they could have planned better, and were probably spending a bit more of their income than would have been wise and (for instance) not not relying on finance but saving up for things a bit more.

Re: The 'hidden hunger' in British families
 

To be fair though. some may be basing their opinion on the fact that she 'claimed the food pacels' so she must have been desperate.

but then you have this 'luxury' car that couldn't be sold, and holidays paid for by vouchers.

Re: The 'hidden hunger' in British families
 

Perhaps it was, and perhaps thats what caused them to burn through their savings..

As noted above, Savings have a finite limit.

It's easy to say they were spending more than they should, but what should they do? Sell the house and car at a massively reduced price, take a (potentially large) loss and still have to make up the difference in terms of the mortgage? Wait until (hopefully) the market picks up again and they can sell the house? A few years ago, my parents were in a situation where those were the choices, thanks to a failed business. My dad took the decision to keep the house, and through a lot of hard work, together, my mum and dad were able to reduce the debt we had built.

Now, I know the decision was not an easy one (he could have just decided to sell the house, use that to pay the debt and rent somewhere), but I believe in the long run, it was the right one.

Re: The 'hidden hunger' in British families
 

I actually know of a couple with 2 kids who are like this.
he spends all his money on tools for his self employed property maintenance business. she spends all his money on her 'luxury' lifestyle.

no bills are being paid.
he thinks it's all down to her because he's working 7 days a week, and she puts everything off till he gets his next big cheque.

Re: The 'hidden hunger' in British families
 

Oh, I know of plenty of couples like that. I also know of plenty of couples who's instance on a luxury lifestyle has led to heavy debts. According to a family member who lived in the wealthiest part of my town, most of the neighbours had debts of at least £500,000 (not including Mortgage, which could have been up to £1m with some of the houses), yet they all had the latest flash cars, designer clothes and latest gadgets. They also had cleaners, nannys etc and went on expensive holidays.

Re: The 'hidden hunger' in British families
 

How can you say that the couple you know are like this couple the two situations aren't even close

Re: The 'hidden hunger' in British families
 

Oh. Absolutely. I also never said they did, only that there is a suggestion they did. Let's face it. Many people think they are living within their means if they can pay the interest on their credit cards. They may or may not have been living like this, but if you can go from a cushy lifestyle to relying on a food bank in a period that is too short to sell your car it does suggest that perhaps your car (or your mortgage) was too expensive in the first place.

Re: The 'hidden hunger' in British families
 

I wasn't saying that they're the same. but I am pretty amazed that she 'they' told their story to the BBC. as the couple I know wouldn't dream of letting anyone know they're not as well off as the neighbours in the same street are.