Lost My Job

lynsey78

Hi all
Well i lost my job on Monday as worked for a private travel company thats obviously struggling so had a weeks notice and finished on monday.

So now im in the situation where im skint! my husband works but he pays the bills and the food now and we have some money left over but we want to use it wisely..so at least we do have some money but obviously have to be more money savy.

This couldnt have happened at a worse time of year with christmas any everything.

Does anyone have any advice on saving money and getting decent presents for christmas without breaking the bank.

Obviously i will be scouring these pages even more so now.

FROSTYFRECKLE

Hi,

Just bumping your post until someone helpful comes along - don't have children so don't have a problem with presents. Only bit of advice - have you been on the "Up Your Income" Board - how about Mystery Shopping, surveys to get Amazon vouchers - it all helps. Sorry to hear about your job hopefully (fingers crossed) you will find another soon.

Staciep88

Hi there,

So sorry to hear about that *hugs* I would say pop over to the up your income board and join cashback sites such as Quidco, they are handy. Could you apply for part time christmas jobs? I.e: Boots, argos etc. That could help you get through the next few months and then see what your options are afterwards?

Good luck x

LoopyLinz

Not sure I can really offer all that much advice, didnt want to read and run however.

One thing I would say is I have found the OS board great. Lots of hints and tips on there.

Sorry to hear about your job, fingers crossed you wont be un-employed for long!

xoxoxox

lynsey78

Thanks guys, the support and advice is great. going to have a little look. found a few great deals and ideas already so fingers crossed. and im going to get myself back out there looking for a job.
In the mean time its looking for those deals and ways to save money x

Primrose

Having been in your situation I think you're going to have to be very realistic about buying Christmas presents. You don't say whether you've got children or not, but I suggest you tell everybody that you're going to be "innovative" about Christmas presents this year because of your redundancy. If they have your interests at heart they will understand. Are you any good at making home made cakes, chutneys etc? Packaged nicely, they make very acceptable presents. Also, it's surprising what you can find in charity shops. Many little items of pottery, china etc, wrapped up in nice colourful tissue paper and bows, can make nice gifts. Look out for baskets which you can fill with shelled nuts and fruit and wrap in cellophane. And for children, there are lots of cheap videos, DVDs and books in charity shops.

mrcow

My money saving idea would be to work out what you would normally spend on Christmas, then half it and stick to budget.

Is it children or adults that you need to buy for? Either way, if times are tough then needs must. Most people won't even notice if you shop around for offers or bargains.

I've got 10 people for Christmas dinner this year. I'm currently selling unwanted stuff on Ebay and am pooling the money for Christmas food. Any left over money will be going towards stocking presents (although I'm limiting stockings to £15-20 each this year). So far I've got £100 - it's amazing how it adds up.

Also, to save shed loads on your grocery spend, menu plan if you don't already. It's healthier and much much cheaper this way (and a lot less wasteful!)

SandC

Can't really help on the budget but how about looking out for some seasonal work to cover the run up to Christmas? Places like Argos etc. are usually hiring round about now.

lynsey78

For christmas its just me and my husband, we have no children yet. Presents we buy for are both our parents, my brother and siter in law and his sister.
So not to many.

With christmas dinner just being the two of us that should be a fairly cheap affair. Luckily before i lost my job we were buying something each week for christmas. so we have got the alcohol and tin of sweets sorted, so thats the luxurys already in place. so now its just the food we need.

going to look for a seasonal job to get some more money coming in so thats a start.

MrsKelly_2

For relatives there are some lovely basket ideas on the Special Occasions board, i have started buying nice but cheap items to put in one for my Mum for christmas, buying a wicker basket and filling it up with nice things like bubble bath shampoo etc and even though you can buy a ready made basket from most shops with these items by doing it yourself you can get much more than the ready made have in for your money and give it a personal touch.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=309335

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1175727

Nomad25

Try the DFW board - post your dilemna with your SOA, link here:

http://www.makesenseofcards.com/soacalc.html

Someone will have a look at it for you and make suggestions on money saving.