my soa

haleygrey

thanks everybody, ive got 2 kids, well may be not kids as they;re 18 and 15 but i still feel guilty about not doing anything for them, im hoping that with the bit of surplus i have after i get paid (on christmas eve) and from my tax credits, i might be able to get a few stocking fillers for them.

Once again, thanks to everyone who is taking the time to reply, im feeling a bit better, had made a start by doing myself a spreadsheet of all my debts and the monthly repayments and my monthly outgoings.

doodledo_2

It is hard when you have kids but at their age I am sure you explained the situation they would understand. I'm sure they would rather a happy mum on Xmas day than I stressed out one who is worried if she has spent too much on presents.

I bet they get loads of stuff off other relatives too.

moo2moo

If you can find the actual APRs we can help more.

You should be able to make a start by reducing the amount you're spending on food. Even assuming that your teenager eat like horses you shouldn't have any problem reducing your bill by a third, do it gradually though so it doesn't come as a huge shock. there are lots and lots of great meal suggestions on the Old Style board which are quick and easy to prepare and cook, nutritious and very cheap whilst still being tasty.

With a bit of imagination you'll be able to come up with some great stocking fillers for them without breaking the bank. Are they girls or boys?

whatatwit

Hi, I don't know for how long it's been just you and the kids, but it's quite probable that you have run up the cards by paying for Christmas in previous years.
The children are old enough for you to explain to them that you have a fixed income and fixed outgoings each month and that you are now trying to get yourself on top of the cards.
You don't have to go into figures with them, but with the coverage it's been having in the news recently, the state of finances for most people should be no surprise.

Do they have part time jobs, this could be the incentive for them to start saving and maybe paying for some of their own stuff, even if it's only toiletries.

Well done for posting and good luck with getting things back to where you feel more able to cope. :grouphug:

haleygrey

I have one boy and 1 girl, my son has been out this afternoon trying to find a job and my daughter would like one but wants to be hairdresser but havent had much luck yet in getting her one. Ive been looking at the link to the christmas forum and have got some ideas for cheap pressies for everyone and it uses my imagination as well, which always helps. Im sort of on the old style thread as im starting to sew again and have piles of material lurking which can be made into pj's and things

moo2moo

It sounds like you're making a very positive start. You can use your material off cuts to make patchwork draught excluders which should cut down your heating bills a teeny bit and patchwork quilts make fabulous gifts as well as keeping you extra toastie at night.

laurenjs88

Good on you making a positive start,

Only other thing i can suggest is if you arent tied into contracts on the non essentials so mobiles, Sky/Virgin etc... just cancel them im still tied into a stupidly high Sky contract untill april 2009 and i get 900 channels of complete rubbish! Considering now how many channels are available on free view i wont be making the same mistake again!

Get yourself joined into the groccery challenges when you actually are aware of what your spending and wasting it makes a massive difference!! its looking at saving me £60 this month!

Also the Payment a day challenge, you pay anything even if its just a penny off your debts everyday, since 1st dec ive paid £2.52 into my ISA as i cant pay it to my debts directly.

Errm there is the sealed pot challenge too, you get yourself a sealed money box or make one is your really a MSE, then put money into it untill the 2nd dec 09 then we all open them and count up what we've saved, there is a couple of lovely folks saving towards their weddings with their pots!

Blimey their is loads! i've been on MSE less than a month and have never felt more comfortable on my income...

Good Luck!

Penny2myName

haleygrey wrote: »

I have one boy and 1 girl, my son has been out this afternoon trying to find a job and my daughter would like one but wants to be hairdresser but havent had much luck yet in getting her one. Ive been looking at the link to the christmas forum and have got some ideas for cheap pressies for everyone and it uses my imagination as well, which always helps. Im sort of on the old style thread as im starting to sew again and have piles of material lurking which can be made into pj's and things

I have recently started sewing and I have made waistcoats for my boys, and am in the process of making a dress for my daughter this is part of their Christmas gift/outfit.
Revamp an item of clothing for your daughter that you never wear anymore, if you want the basic pattern already cut. (will admit i have spent a small fortune on material this year, but that's because its a certain style print 'skulls' but will get lots of clothes for all three kids from it, and my kids are very small for their ages so cant get the style they like small enough)
Also, hmv have a number of cd's at really reduced prices, good way to build up back catalogues of bands

haleygrey

Hi, back again, have been reading through other peoples posts and keep seeing mentions of things to do at home like reviewing and was wondering how to go about it, Im not very good at following links on threads or finding things like that.

Things still not any better in fact they seem to be getting, still have no money, have had more bank charges thrown at me which have thrown my account into a right tizzy and well over the od limit. Have been in to the bank and am still waiting for someone to contact me about a few things and its been nearly a week!

Uncertain

Hi

It really isn't many years since we all managed happily without spending £420 per year on a mobile phone. OK, the world has moved on (sadly!!) but how about a pay as you go for total emergencies. Aim to spend no more than £5 per month and you have £360 towards your problems.

Also, did you say your council tax included arrears? If not it seems very high in proportion to your rent. There is an article on this site about how to check if you are in the correct band.