when they stated they had , per week �30 left to spend on themselves, plus �20 for the kids - after food & rent, i kinda lost my sympathy im afraid. this is often more than i have left a week for myself after bills and food. my house badly needs decorating, is damp, no carpet in hall and stairs. i work full time and live alone and thats what it costs to live. sometimes i feel sorry for myself too - but i have to remind myself what i do have. and mostly i am proud of what ive managed to do alone.