Prehaps its too late!

Bismarck

I echo Stebiz...welcome aboard.

It's not too late to make the best of what you've got.

First thing that strikes me is the child expenses. Are you getting any tax credits at all in this?

Secondly - is the Tesco loan really unsecured? If so, you should take a little comfort in that your priority payments aren't so high in relation to your income.

Is there much equity in your house if you decide that moving may be a better option?

the main thing is stick with us...we're rooting for you and I still discover stuff that should be obvious to me but someone says something on here in passing and I save a few quid here and there and it all starts to make a difference....

so...it's not too late to make a big difference! welcome!

GeorgeUK

I noticed that utility bills aren't listed on your SOA - does this come out of the girlfriends wage? It may be easier to have a joint SOA if you share the bills and mortgage. Does she have any debts or do you deal with your own seperately?

Council tax............................. 101
If paying over 10 months, can you ask to pay it over 12?

Electricity............................. 0
Gas..................................... 0
Check some comparison websites to see you are getting a good deal.

Groceries etc. ......................... 280
May be able to cut this down - look at the old style board for mealplans etc. Have you moved down a brand (shops own)

Clothing................................ 50
Can you reduce this, maybe 30pm

I would definately not apply for any more credit for a while. You can usually have about 3 credit checks in a 6 month period before your credit score is affected. If you are still able to maintain the minimum payments, in 6 months i suggest you have a look at the virgin money card. They are doing a good promotion right now and hopefully will still be doing this in 6 months. For now, i would try to concentrate on trying to shuffle your existing card balances so that you can hopefully take advantage of any offers that may be available on cards you can clear.

Also, keep a spending diary. For the next year or so every penny will count so if you are wasting money on something you should be able to spot this.

RAS

Hi

You need to complete the SOA so the sitation is clearer.

If you are living with your girl friend you need a joint SOA. How many in your household?