Hubby and I unemployed and now im Pregnant AND Depressed.. HELP!!

Anniek1969

If you OH works in IT then I'll bet people are always asking him for help. I'm not qualified in IT or anything computing but have used them for a long time and I always get people phoning and asking how to fix things so maybe he should just start charging people. Even if it's only £20 or £30 a time just think about the amount of times he's been asked.

tyllwyd

What's a 'Maximum Investment Plan'? Is it something you could cancel/withdraw money from?

You should definitely speak to someone to try to get every single benefit you are entitled to.

And I agree, if your husband can fix computers, has he thought of setting up a little business helping people get sorted out for broadband / upgrade / get started with wordprocessing or other packages? Or now that summer is coming, how about mowing lawns, handyman jobs - anything to get him out of the house and busy again with a bit of money coming in. Otherwise, could he get something like supermarket or cleaning work?

ceegee

If your Husband is looking to set up a small business, there is lots of help available free of charge. Around here there is something called "Business Link South West" or somesuch and it is funded either by the government or local government, I think. Loads of advice available.

Sorry to be a bit vague, I have never had my own business but I know that these "agencies" do exist. It is worth exploring this avenue.

I wish you all the best!

jobbingmusician

Agreed. Even a few cards in local newsagents' windows ('Is your computer broken? Honest local professional will either fix it or give you an honest opinion about your best options' - something like that!) would a) probably bring in some work, b) make you both feel a lot more positive because you would be starting to take back control of your lives.

You WILL survive this ghastly period - most of the low you are feeling at the mo is because you are pregnant, and if your hubbie is anything like mine (lovely man) you will be depressing each other at the moment. That's why I'm concentrating on even little actions to break out of the spiral.

Sorry, I've come back to edit this because I didn't really explain - your husband and you will be depressing each other because you're both too close and you both care about the other. Take it from an outsider - this situation will pass.

beverleyhills

:grouphug: to you and your DH.

Your first priority is your health and your baby.

You are right that with determination and being pro-active many things are possible. He sounds a bit depressed himself and is anxious about you and the baby. I know that it is difficult when there's just the two of you. You are probably meeting other Mums who are expecting their second or third children who will be able to give you some reassurance.

Your husband could set himself up as a Computer Consultant. Design and print off some leaflets and do a doorstep drop. Get in touch with small businesses charities and churches. I expect you will have to make the tough decisions on how much his time is worth. Think how much PC World charge and don't always satisfy their customers.

Get in touch with anyone who can help you set up a business such as the Chamber of Commerce, Princes's Trust. You may get the brush off but if you keep trying someone will come up trumps.

You were the strong one to post on here. Keep going.

Best wishes. Keep posting even if things seem to get darker there is always someone around to lift your spirits. bh

Peppa_Pig_5

Monthly Incomings:
My salary - £0.00
Partners salary - £0.00
Benefits - £67

Total - £67

Yearly / Twice Yearly Outgoings:
Mortgage/Rent - £657 Ground Rent per 6 months,
Service Charge: £474 twice yearly
Council Tax - £1300 Twice Yearly

Monthly Outgoings:

Mortgage is £977 (on hold for 6 months as of March)
Gas - £39
Electric - £51.00
TV License - £10.99
Sky £21.00
Phone - £18.00
Food - £120
ADSL: £29.99
Car Insurance - £80.00
Car Finance: £395.00
MIP's (Maximum Investment Plan) - £500
Petrol - £100

Total: £1,365.97 without Mortgage

Hi Queen P, sorry to hear of your situation. It's hard to feel positive when there are so many low's, but at least you have the baby to look forward to. So keep positive and look at small steps to improve the situation. Look into what benefits you are entitled to. Do you have anything you could sell on ebay? Computers is an excellent career to be in, so I am sure he could get more help setting up his own business. A lot of people have given some good advice already where to start. I just wanted to say do not despair.

Also it sounds as though you live in an apartment with a lot of charges. Are you attached to it or could you consider selling, do you have any equity in the property? It would help then to get a family home and maybe downgrade a bit, so you have a little money to see you through for a while.

Electric and gas seem very high for the two of you, also petrol if you are both not working at the moment. Could you sell your car and get a cheaper car?

Some things to think about anyway, let us know how you get on at the jobcentre.

Also is the council tax £1300 x 2 = £2600 per year, if so have a look at entitledto.co.uk, that says if you have no income and no savings you should get council tax benefit of £50 per week, but have a look and put the details in for yourself as I do not know all your circumstances.

Peppa
x

lynzpower

Also, if you are both unemployed, the DWP will pay your interest on your mortgage.If, like me you have an interest only mortgage... then voila. However, this is time limited, at 6 months I belive

All the best, you will be entitled to much more, hang in there & good luck xx

beer2006

Hi Queen P

Read with interest about your hubby setting up by himself and wondered how he was going to do it with no money at all.
I've set up my own business for almost nothing, so I do know what I'm talking about.

You could have knocked me off my chair when I read what he does. If thats not a god given industry to set up for nothing, then nothing is.
He could set up easily, get him to pm me if he wants to.

Running your own business is hard and it can be very stressful, so make sure he really wants to do it first.

Best of luck with the pregnancy and all the rest. I have a little girl, its worth waiting for

lynzpower

Can I add a tempering word of caution before setting up a business in IT support. My best freinds husband did the same thing a couple of years ago, he has expert knowledge, and ran a large famous IT business for many years. He wanted the flexibility to work from home. Alas, it just did not pay the bills, and left them a further 17k in the red, mainly from advertising costs and buying components. He said if he had his time over again hed research his market better. In fairness he said most teenagers are able to reinstall a hard drive, and theres loads of teenagers doing it "for nothing" and to the same standard as most home PC problems are actually fairly easy to resolve.

All the best and dont do anything hasty xx

beer2006

Sounds to me like he wasn't up to running a business and bad working practices, nothing to do with being in IT.
Running you own business isn't easy and don't let anyone tell you it is.