How Come my Family can Barely Afford Anything Except Bills?

Okay, so I have a question I'm a bit comfused about.

I'm a teenager from Ireland and my mom works in a clothes store part-time and my dad works as a postman full-time. The thing is, I only have three shirts and one pair of pants. My sister doesn't have much more. My computer broke and my mom's phone did too.

However, many of my friends, one of my friends who has two sisters lives with her mother who doesn't work but she has an iPhone and can go on a shopping spree every so often. I haven't had one in two years and my mom or dad haven't in many years.

So my question is, my mom and dad both work but we can barely afford to buy anything but my friend who has two sisters with a mother who doesn't work can have an iPhone and many clothes?

It might not seem fair to you, but every family must live within its income. But, if you desire more material things, you might consider finding some part time work.

It would probably be better to ask your parents instead of people here. Envying what other people have is not good, you do not exactly know what their home life is. The Bible offers this wise counsel at 1 Timothy 6:7,8: "For we have brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out. 8 having food and clothing, we will be content with these things."
Let your parents know of your concern.

Who knows where your friend's mother's money comes from? Maybe she inherited it. Maybe her ex is generous. But that isn't the point. You need to stop looking at what other people have. Focus on yourself. Just because someone else has something doesn't mean we deserve the same.

I sympathize with you. When I was your age, I only had one outfit (sweats) and it was very old. My parents wouldn't buy me clothes because they chose to spend all of their money on alcohol and other wasteful things. Maybe your parents don't know how to budget or they think you have enough. Maybe they are paying a mortgage. If one of them drinks, that's probably where all the money is going.

The only solution, as Patrick already said, is to get a part-time job. This is how most kids earn money for the things they want. It would be a good idea to get work experience because you'll find it easier to get a job in the future.

I would also talk to your parents. Point out that you don't have enough clothes. I agree with you that one pair of pants isn't enough.

Personally, I wouldn't aim to get an iPhone. I love Apple products, but an iPhone is an unnecessary luxury at your age. IPhones are expensive and they don't last long before a new model is needed. Save your money. Get an iPhone when you have a good job of your own as an adult. I wouldn't buy a teen an iPhone.

Income

Obviously not making much money, you should have enough common sense to figure that out.

Your friends mightve inherited some money, just be nice to your friends and maybe they'll buy you stuff