There’s a common assumption that those receiving Universal Credit have enough to live comfortably, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The system is a temporary safety net, not a foundation for long-term living. For many, it barely covers the basics. Add dietary restrictions, health issues, or higher living costs, and the reality becomes even tighter.
We’ve heard people claim that managing money carefully is being tight or overly cautious, but for us and many others, it’s simply survival. Watching every penny isn’t stinginess — it’s responsibility. Every decision has a ripple effect.
The Challenge of Small Business Survival
Running a small business under these conditions isn’t easy. We’ve poured everything we have into keeping things going — effort, passion, and every bit of spare change. Without consistent support, it’s a constant uphill battle.
Small businesses across the country feel the strain. Disposable income isn’t what it once was, and that affects everyone. Businesses like ours don’t survive on occasional purchases. We need regular customers who believe in what we’re doing. Growth comes through word of mouth, repeat buyers, and people choosing small creators over large corporations.
The Misunderstood Meaning of “Support Local”
People want to support local. They want quality products, better ethics, and small-scale craftsmanship. But “local” doesn’t just mean brick-and-mortar stores anymore — it also includes the small online businesses run from kitchens, garages, and living rooms across the country.
Many independent creators can’t afford physical premises or don’t need them. What matters isn’t the storefront — it’s the people behind it. Supporting online local businesses like ours keeps your money within the community, helping real people build sustainable, ethical livelihoods.
The Autism and Employment Gap
Employment can be extremely challenging for autistic adults. Suggestions like “just get another job” are often unrealistic. Many workplaces aren’t designed to accommodate neurodivergent people, and employers may not understand or value the strengths they bring.
For us, building our own business isn’t just a dream — it’s survival. We went self-employed because traditional employment is often nigh on impossible to secure, especially for autistic adults. Running our own business gives us routine and control, and regular customer purchases are essential to keeping us going. It allows us to work in a way that respects our abilities, pace, and well-being.
Why Support Matters Now
We don’t want to be reliant on a system designed as a stopgap. We want to earn our way off it through hard work and honest trade, but that path begins with the people reading this. Every purchase, no matter how small, genuinely helps. As the Tesco slogan goes, every little helps.
Repeat purchases make an even bigger difference. They build momentum. One person telling ten people who each tell ten more creates a snowball effect that can transform survival into stability, and stability into success.
A Treasure Trove Worth Exploring
We invite you to visit our website and explore our veritable treasure trove of items. From beautiful bags, jewellery, and clothing to large furniture pieces, as well as our teas and coffees, there’s something for everyone.
For those who enjoy coffee or tea regularly, we also offer subscription options. These subscriptions deliver your favourites consistently while supporting a small business.
With Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day approaching, and birthdays happening year-round, there’s always an occasion to treat yourself or someone you care about while supporting a small business that truly appreciates every order.
In Closing
Many on Universal Credit have to choose between eating and heating. That’s the reality we face. Supporting a small business like ours isn’t just helping a brand — it’s helping real people trying to stand on their own two feet in a system stacked against them.
We’re not asking for charity — we’re asking for opportunity. Support local. Support small. Support online creators. Together, that’s how we all move forward.
What “Tight” Really Means
Being called “tight” for keeping an eye on the numbers isn’t an insult. It’s a reflection of what the system demands. When income is limited, mindfulness isn’t obsession; it’s survival.
Those managing limited budgets — especially with health, dietary, or neurodivergent considerations — know that every penny represents security, dignity, and peace of mind.
In the End
Universal Credit gives just enough to exist, not enough to live. Add health needs, inflation, and barriers to employment, and “enough” becomes a fragile illusion — one that many are forced to balance daily.
We’re not “tight.” We’re careful, because life has taught us that care is the only luxury we can afford.
It’s not stinginess. It’s strategy — the only kind that works when the odds are stacked against you.
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