The Diary of a reformed Ostrich! (no more head in the sand!)

Butterfly

Hello PF, well done for facing up to your situation. I wish you lots of luck and am sending you a hug x

petrafyde

Hi and thank you to all.

We don't qualify for the light user scheme because we have broadband access unfortunately. Thank you though, for taking the time to message

Naomim

Hi PF,

I have read your thread today and I just wanted to say well done :j you have taken a really big step in recognising that you need to get things sorted out. Just remember one step at a time.

The only thing I can help out with is the shopping. I personally sit down and write a list of what we are going to eat that week, then I check the cupboards and list what we need. Once at the shop I stick to that list. Special offers and BOGOF's are great if they are things you are going to use. There is a fab list here of meal idea's http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=750489

Martin recommends going down a brand and it's worth trying. Also try out this link here you'd be amazed how you can make savings.

HTH

Naomi x

petrafyde

Hi Naomim

Thank you too for being so supportive. I just wish I'd come here months ago.. had to come off earlier, my head was whirling again! Just step by step I think is the best for now.

Cheers for that link, I'll use it

ajaney

Hi

Just a couple of suggestions:

Gas/Electric: Have you read your meters lately & compared them to the usage stated on the bill? We ended going from owing £78 to being £245 in credit with Gas as they didnt read the meter for 15 months. It's worth 5 minutes of your time just to check. I know you are paying arrears but still check.

Lightbulbs: At Morrisons, you can get 5 Phillips low energy lightbulbs for just 50 pence. instead of using 60 watts, they use 11 watts plus they last ages. Little things like this help to reduce your bills going forward.

Wishing you lots of luck & will keep an eye on your thread, offering any help I can.

petrafyde

Hi ajaney,

Yes, it's based on actual readings, I'm wondering though if perhaps the meter could be on it's last legs or something - it looks older than me! Might mention it when I call them tomorrow.

I will certainly go to Morrisons and buy those bulbs, we have a massive issue with bulbs - they constantly pop (and I mean sometimes after only being in two weeks) we've had the house re-wired and the electrician has checked everything and it's all-ok, so its something we just have to live with. Thank you.

I've started listing my Wedgwood on eBay now, just the smaller pieces to start with. If it can keep our heads above water for this month to start with w/regards to bank charges (stop me going over the overdraft!) then I'll be elated. That would be a huge change.

MrsTinks

Well the longest journeys all start with the first step
You're doing good and you WILL get there

MrsTinks

BTW if it's Tesco's you use for shopping try checking the coupons coard for codes to knock money off or google search Tesco Voucher or Tesco Code - I'm sure it applies to the other supermarkets too but they don't deliver here so I never check
I can usually find a code either enough to knock off my delivery charge or for 500 points - which I save up for treats

petrafyde

Yeah I do use Tesco's, have already copied the codes for this month. Have decided to bulk buy the essentials we normally go down to the shop for - bread is SO expensive! Anyway, enough for tonight.. can't thank you all enough really. Will update with what I get done tomorrow

petrafyde

Good Morning All,

I've decided to tackle the bank first. Still having a serious problem with getting on the phone to them because I know they've been trying to get hold of me.

My overdraft is £1600 and I go over it every month because of bank charges. It seems as though it would be easier if I moved my 'bills/dds' across to another account I have, which has no overdraft facility and ignore the main account until the charges stop and I'm in a position to start paying back? Does that sound a reasonable thing to do? I'm definitely not having a moment of clarity because I'm questioning every decision I make in case it's the wrong one!

Have decided to empty the pennies jar and pay whatever is there (not much!) into the bank in the hope it will help the situation some.

I've also cancelled DD's which were unnecessary, magazine subscriptions and the like. The only things I've battled with are weight watchers, my 3yr olds Dora magazine and hubby's sky. Gonna have to talk him around I think hehe.