How Do They Do It?

I see so many benefit bashing threads online.  I try not to read them.  I really do.  I just find them upsetting and they tend to written by such small minded judgemental people.  The people who would have had me stay with The Ex, despite the emotional abuse, so that I wouldn’t now be this unemployed single mum that I currently am.  Anyhow, I suppose the problem people who write these sorts of threads on forums have is with the small minority of people who totally work the benefits system.  This minority of people, such as The Ex’s family, always seem to have the latest TV and mobile.  As someone who gets the full whack of single mum with one child benefits, I have no idea how they do it.  I’m struggling to make ends meet on what I get.  And yes, I know I’d be much better off with a job.  Provided I don’t have to pay out much for childcare.  Childcare costs could result in me being worse off actually.  Though I assure any benefit bashing people out there that I am looking for work, despite this fact.  And I’m not even on Jobseekers yet, so there.  It’s just that there have been a sever lack of jobs available with appropriate hours.  As a single mum, I can’t do night-shifts etc.  Anyway, I honestly have no idea how people in my situation do it.  How can they afford new iPhones?  My mobile keeps doing dodgy things and I’m praying it keeps going for a little while longer, because I won’t be able to afford a new one.  Until I get a job anyway.  And it’s not like the child or me eat much.  We make our clothes last a while too.  It’s ages since I had a wardrobe upgrade.  Oh, and before anyone thinks I’m moaning about this inability to afford new clothes and mobiles, I’m not.  Why would I expect to be able to afford such things in my situation?  If I want an expensive treat, I save up my birthday and Christmas money, and eat less.  The Child, bills and rent always come first.  So it this how these people do it then?  Do they buy all the latest stuff by not paying rent and bills?  Possibly.  I wouldn’t know.  Because despite being on benefits, I’m (quite rightly) absolutely broke.  For me the odd book/CD/DVD is a splurge.  And I don’t remember the last time I ever paid full price for one of those things.  Sales are my friend.  But I’m still left wondering, how do they do it?