Since George Osborne's last budget a year ago, the average household has seen its disposable income fall with most people having to adjust to rising prices and stagnant incomes.

But some have had to make more adjustments than others with some people losing what they thought was a secure, middle income job.

In Birmingham the Today programme's Evan Davis spoke to three people in that situation to hear how they've been coping.

Deborah, who taught at an independent school, described how both her and her husband were made redundant and "it had a tremendous psychological impact on me".

"All my savings are gone," she said "I live off benefits" adding that she eats "two meals and sometimes one meal a day".

"There had to be a lot of re-adjustment" said Jas, who had two children and one on the way when he lost his job in the criminal justice system and "this created conflict at home".

Camille, stepped down from a job managing a charity which was running out of money, said that she did not go on benefits because "she just couldn't bear it" and lived off her savings.

Jas said the government has not really looked at the impact psychologically on people which Deborah agreed with adding that she felt "worthless as a teacher" which stopped her from applying for jobs.

"Applying for so many jobs and not getting a response is very hard", she said.

"We have not seen the likes of cuts across places like the city council... they are phenomenal", Camille said, "and charities have been decimated".

Jas pointed out that as a male trying to support your family, your pride is rocked and "you are disempowered which creates conflict and arguments in your relationship".

"As men, you cry in silence", he added.

In terms of looking to the future, Camille said that being in her late fifties, she can't see past the prognosis of the economy, and does not expect to get another job.

Deborah said that the answer seems to be "face-face networking that will get me out of this situation".

While Jas remained positive saying, "I do believe if there is a will there is a way".

This is an extended version of the broadcast interview

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