The Bad News Thread

Turning_into_scrooge

cantcope wrote:

My bad news is that i was ill on friday so couldnt go to work. They confirmed this morning that i wont be paid for it. So thats a days pay short on payday (friday).... anyone know how to do a months shopping for £20???? coz thats all i'll have left after petrol, bills and £50 for other stuff

I've looked on the freebies board but dont really fancy kitten food for my tea lol

I have done it for £15 for 2 people when things were really bad. I shopped on the market for everything but we had no luxuries. No pop, coffee, tea, buscuits, yogs, or anything like that. If i made one meal i would streatch it into 2 or maybe 3. I wouldn't like to have to do it again though, it really was a bleak time for us.

Verbatim

Crikey that's going to be hard.

I'd say stock take the contents of your freezer and cupboards and post over on the old style board. They come up with ideas for menus. Planning is going to be important!

bargainbetty

I live in a flat that charges a monthly maintenance fee, and in 9 years it's never been surcharged. Due to massive problem with the site last year (no one's fault, water main burst) all the surplus has gone, and all the work for the following year is having a surcharge applied.

The management co wanted to build new 'penthouse' flats on the roof, and we had a residents vote on it and turned it down as no one wanted to live on a building site for 18 months! I get the feeling we are being punished for refusing their grand plans. Some of the items on the list are purely decorative and unnecessary but I have been told contracts have been signed, so the money has to be paid.

Long story short, I have to come up with £3,250. They have offered a DD payment plan, but I am on a short term contract and can't sign up to £187 per month at the moment. My mum has offered to lend me the money and let me pay it back £100+ per month with a break if this job doesn't extend, so I will be able to pay it, but it's just extended my DFD to 2008.

Am so angry and frustrated. I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it's turned out to be a b4stard with a torch bringing me more debt. :mad:

Sorry to whinge, just needed to get it off my chest.

Annie_Fanny

Betty

That sucks! I would seek some legal advice on this - maybe try the CAB? It just sounds such a lot to expect you to cough up. I mean basically you haven't got the money for it so yes speak to the CAB. Let us know how you get on!

HUGS!

Annie

bargainbetty

Hi Annie,

Sadly, there is a clause in the lease that permits 'contracted facilities work, renovations and other related maintenance fees' to be levied when the regular fees do not cover it.

I've argued it every way I can, even got my bosses (solicitors) to look over the lease, and it's water-tight. There are six levels of fee, for studios, one-beds and two-beds with and without garages. I have a two-bed with garage, so I've got the highest charge.

My mum was great about it - said she could see I would be 'financially embarrassed' and offered to help me out. Jeez, 31 years old and still having to tap my mum for a loan. For shame.

Thanks for the support though - it means a lot to be able to come here and find kindred spirits!

Annie_Fanny

Betty -

I am in the same boat too - am 31 and basically have nothing to my name. At least I have my health (or something like that!) I am gonna turn it around this year for definate!

Can you not argue for a cheaper payment per month? I'm sorry but asking for all that money is a p*ss take over such a short time frame! Offer them a pound a month! Argh!

Annie

bargainbetty

Hi Annie,

They have offered 'payment plan's (yeah, right) which involves a one-off payment of a grand on June 30, then a DD scheme of £187 until March 08, or alternatively, three installments of £1100 on June 06, Dec 06 (Happy Xmas) and July 07.

Because I am in a short-term contract, I won't know until August whether or not it is being extended, and cannot guarantee my current income level beyond Sept 15.

I've tried arguing for a longer scheme, but their argument is that the work has to be paid for over a set period of time, hence the funds have to be delivered in that time. Got me coming and going!

If I borrow the money and pay up front, they are offering a 2% discount against accrued interest. Mum has said I don't have to cover her lost interest, so overall it works out slightly cheaper this way. She'll get the dinner of a lifetime when it's cleared, so I figure at least we can keep it in the family

It's just so frustrating. I was doing well, and had started knocking out debts, cleared my overdraft etc. :wall:

Thanks for your support - makes me feel I am not crazy for feeling so peeved x

Annie_Fanny

Oh oh oh you are not crazy - it is just like you said it turned out to be a b4stard with a torch with a huge burning flame bringing you more debt. I guess atleast although yes it is hard asking parents for money atleast you didn't have to pay for it on a 18% CC!

Hmpfff said the camel!

lynzpower

Bargain betty

In order to make sure that you are getting value for moneyall the leaseholders need to get together and ask for 3 written quotes ( not estimates) for the work from the leaseholder. The leaseholder needs to prove that they are taking the cheapest quote. Until you have recieved this as a group, you can all refuse to pay as I understand it, although you might want to chec k on the property board, plenty of great advice on this sort of thing on there.

bargainbetty

lynzpower wrote:

Bargain betty

In order to make sure that you are getting value for moneyall the leaseholders need to get together and ask for 3 written quotes ( not estimates) for the work from the leaseholder. The leaseholder needs to prove that they are taking the cheapest quote. Until you have recieved this as a group, you can all refuse to pay as I understand it, although you might want to chec k on the property board, plenty of great advice on this sort of thing on there.

Cheers Lynz, I'll have a look at that. I'm a bit worried because about half the flats are occupied by local authority tenants who get their stuff paid for them, so their complacency has stopped it being a decent fight.

With the exception of blocking the penthouses, we haven't managed to get a two-thirds majority out to vote on anything..... will keep trying though!
BB