I want to survive recession!

robsmum_2

Hi Everyone,
I am new to this and getting more confused by the day. I posted this yesterday and was advised to cut and paste it onto DFW, but as a technophobe couldn't do it, so here it is fresh!
Compared to many I don't have vast amounts of debt but I have enough to worry me and make me seek advice and support please.
My other half pays for most things so my SOA doesn't include the obvious.
I am only able to work 12 hours due to recovering from M.E. and not entitled to any benefits as my partner works fulltime, all be it on minimum wage.
I was doing ok until Christmas and now everything has gone pearshaped and I am playing catch up and not catching up!:mad:
Many of the oldstyle moneysaving tips have become part of my daily life and Thrufty Days is my bible!
SOA.

INCOME
wages £336.00 month
Tax Credit 50.00
Other 80.00 (termtime only)

OUTGOINGS
CouncilTax £115.00
Water 30.00
Phone 20.00
Grocery 120.00 (when I can afford it)
Car Insurance 25.00
Contents 8.00
other insurance 7.00

CREDIT CARDS
AQUA £1300 (£50) APR 39.95
COOP £1000 (30) APR 1.01
CAPITAL 1 £400 (30) APR 30.34

ASSETS
CAR £200 (IF AM LUCKY)


I babysit regularly, but that is only as and when and earn £20 night approx.
I need my car to get to work and also as I can't walk very far due to M.E. and getting tired.
The Aqua card is my biggest worry at my request am on a payment plan and not using card but its not making much difference to balance. I can't get a balance transfer.
I have finially decided to try to give up smoking (i can't afford it) and start patches on Monday!:rolleyes: and

Please, all you brilliantDFW's, HELP! I'm fed up of feeling out of control (M.E. does that enough ) and permantly struggling and broke.:eek:

lilly81

Hiya Robsmum,

Have you tried for disability living allowance? I know its not income based and since you need your car they may be able to help? worth a try ayway.
At the top of this board there is a boost your income thread, which I have found really useful, also have you contacted the Citezen's advice buruex?
Are you in a possistion to do a balance transfer of your creditcard?
How many people live at home?

I hope these little suggestions help, remember there is always a way out of these problems, they just sometimes take time :cool:

Lilly X

robsmum_2

Hi, thank you for advice. I can't get DLA as I am too well now! Citizens Advice suggested Balance Transfer and don't seem to be able to get one. Did think about trying CO-OP as theirs is good rate and I bank with them.
Will look at boost income link also.
Beginning to feel a bit better knowing I am not alone!

My Challenge For This Weekend;
To count up all my change and put it in another pot!
1 pot for giving up smoking!
1 pot for loose change!
I WILL SUCCEED!
1 pot for change!

rubyslipper

Hi Robsmum

Just wanted to say welcome to the DFW board - it's a really lovely place. I don't have any amazing gems of wisdom but I'm currently extolling the virtues of ebay selling to people. Do you have anything you can put online to bring some extra cash in?

Also, my Mum has suffered with M.E. for over 15 years and I know what a debillitating disease it can be of course for the sufferer but also for the family. Chin up and continue to think positively and keep posting so we know how you're doing.

Ruby xx

Merlinexcalibur

Hi, thank you for advice. I can't get DLA as I am too well now!

Hello. It's just a suggestion but you could try your local Welfare Rights Office(r) for help with the DLA. I know it's a complicated, drawn out process hence why I make this suggestion to you. It's all in the wording for example, there are ways to word these forms. And I know how difficult all this is for you. Having had the mess around in this direction for quite a while now.

robsmum_2

Hi all,
Collected up change and put into money box. Will bank it at end of month. Just tackled a debt £114.16 (catolouge), refused to be bullied by debt collection agency and arranged payment to suit me. Knwoing had DFW's support and encouraging helped!
Only 3 cigs since 7am! 2wks ago I had that before breakfast

rubyslipper

robsmum wrote: »

Hi all,
Collected up change and put into money box. Will bank it at end of month. Just tackled a debt £114.16 (catolouge), refused to be bullied by debt collection agency and arranged payment to suit me. Knwoing had DFW's support and encouraging helped!
Only 3 cigs since 7am! 2wks ago I had that before breakfast

Well done you! Already excellent progress, especially the comment about refusing to be bullied! :T