It is tough NOW. So how are we coping

MSHAWX

Just had a thought.
My OH was complaining about the lack of variety in tv programmes - we don't have sky, just BBC 1&2, ITV and CH4

Several years ago we had a run on 'How to do your house up to sell it' magnolia walls etc. Then there were loads of programmes on buying houses. Relocation Relocation is still about. Next was a plethera of cooking programmes. So no doubt the next wave of programmes will be on 'How to survive this C Crunch. How to cut the cost of living, How to cut debt, How to clothe on very little money, Energy saving tips.
Lets hope they read this forum first - they may learn something

nannaC

mardatha wrote: »

Oh stoppit, yer all making me cry! Porridge should be made with cold water, then simmered for 6 minutes !!
sobbing here !!

I'm with you girl :beer: . Whereas I always try to find shortcuts and cheats when cooking, PORRIDGE is not one of them. As Mardatha so rightly said her way is only one way to make it. If we have a busy few days coming up I do make enough for a few days in one go and store leftover in a bowl in the fridge [not a drawer in the kitchen table].

Edited to say fav is cream with a smidging of brown sugar. Although trust me not a good idea to ask for those toppings when in hospital with very high blood pressure, the sister was not impressed, even though I said only joking, she didn't believe me.

ceridwen

anguk wrote: »

The problem with those 3 options is if you take any one of them your meagre benefit would be reduced or stopped if it's income based. If you've got savings your benefit may be reduced, if you do a little work on the side you're committing fraud and if family help you out it's classed as income.

You can't win really.

Obviously one does need to be aware that its only £6k of savings that remains "untouched" by D.W.P. hands if it comes to it :mad: . Work on the side - yep ..and it means that perfectly honest people who are maybe just doing a few hours on the side because they literally couldnt eat otherwise have to live in fear about it.

Re family help- families have their ways I've discovered back before now. I recall tearing up a cheque my parents gave me to help out - as I'm an adult now and should be able to support myself - that didnt stop them - next thing they were turning up on my doorstep loaded to the gunnels with a week's worth of shopping...:D - I think my mother had figured I couldnt sit there and tear up a packet of toilet paper as fast as I could tear up a cheque and tearing up a packet of oatmeal would have resulted in extra housework - something she knows I wouldnt create for myself:D

evie451

oh thanks everyone, its quite hard at work just now folk are sick of the uncertainty really and we aren't getting a lot of feedback from high up....i had to pitch for my own job back in August which was scary enough but the thought of fully losing the job is a nightmare.....

i am tempted to put a lot of it away but bulk buy things when they are on special etc

I am not a sewer (a knitter really) but i am quite crafty and would hopefully be able to manage some curtains etc so i will try and source a sewing machine. I also have big plans to grow a lot of my own fruit and veg so i might also try and source a second freezer for the garage as the tiny thing in the rented house is pathetic!! I am glad i think that i am renting to a certain extent because i don't have to worry about repairs and it came with a greenhouse

[Deleted User]

oh heck, now its my turn to have that pit in the stomach feeling. My dd has just rung me and she is also facing redundency and will know next week. Oh dear oh dear, when will this nightmare stop!!!!

I am conscious that I have been waffling on about ways of trying to get us all through but I feel as though I am ploughing through mud. I can help here and there but it is jobs that are needed. I feel so so mad that through no fault of their own good people are having to face all this stress

Now I have to try and get my `head in the sand` dd to realise that facing facts re budgeting is vital for survival as is keeping a positive attitude, somehow

mardatha

Well Kittie pet, she wouldnt listen to her mum cos daughters dont. Or they do listen but they dont heed. Now life will force her to , its how we all learn. Lets hope its not too drastic for her. x

D&DD

so sorry to hear that Kittie will keep my fingers crossed for you both
XX

[Deleted User]

I was just thinking that myself mardatha

angelavdavis

rach wrote: »

ISA allowance is now £3, 600 per year not £3k.

Thanks, I knew that but thought OP might need a larger sum in reserve for emergencies.

catznine

Kittie my dd went through this back in November! It certainly is a huge wake up call for them! Luckily she has another job to go to now and thankfully is concentrating on paying off her overdraft - fast! I'm sending positive thoughts your way and keeping my fingers crossed for your dd.