going part time

tired_mum

well i have finally taken the plunge and am starting p/t on 02/05 i am used to doing 40hrs a week and will be droping down to 30 so now brings the biggest question how to save a bit more money
i have gone p/t so i can drive the kids to school and pick them up as it i would take about 2 hrs to walk along busy A road so i will be saving £50 every 3 weeks from child minder also 1 at seniors gets a lift at the moment but she is not going to be able to help after half term and no2 son will be going to seniors in sept and the bus fare is quite dear for 1 never mind 2
just some advice to help save a few extra pounds if possible ?

silvercar

Because of the way the tax system works you should find that you are not actually losing a quarter of your income.

Now that you are available to help ferrying the children you may find that you can do rotas with other parents so you can reduce transport costs further. Either by others taking your children when you are working or by reducing petrol costs when your not. You may also find that you can swap children at different times and reduce chilccare costs further.

notakid

I agree with silvercar it will be a surprise when you pick up your first paypacket! Its so different working part time you will really love it! You've still be too busy but you will wonder how you fitted in all in before. I've been working part time for 10 years now and sadly may have to go back full time as husband has lost job but if I could I would stay p/t. You will really enjoy the children more! (delivering local papers with the kids is an option if you children are old enough, it pays for their pocket money and is only once a week.

TIGs

Have you thought of applying to see if you will be entitled to Tax credits or an increase in your tax credits if you already do get it. Might not get alot but every little helps.

Savvy_Sue

Do double check that you are getting the best deal on the bus fares for the older children. This may mean a phone call to the bus company, or checking their website. I know in this area the buses are mostly run by FirstGroup, and they offer a student ticket and all sorts of other things. But I think you have to get an ID card so you can't just turn up and ask for it on the bus.

It's only a problem for mine once they're in 6th form beause we're entitled to free bus passes until then, but I found there were real savings to be made: using the Park and Ride service can be as low as £1.20 per journey, as opposed to £2 per journey if we buy a 10 journey ticket for the 'normal' buses. Not having prepaid tickets is significantly dearer!

Also, if the children are less than 3 miles from high school, is there any scope for them walking at least part-way home if that would save money? I know it's not always possible, but other families have found it very helpful, and not just financially!

tired_mum

hi we looked into the busses and it would be 2 busses and then a walk or the sghool bus which is very dear as the guy who owns it says you have to pay for it all year as he cant use it for anything else !!!!so it will probably be cheaper to use the car we are not entitled to free fares as i chose this school above the local one which is in the bottom 10 in the country!!!!!
we wont be entitled to any more tax credit due to shift worker husbands pay but on bal you cant put a price on peace of mind and son has ADHD so i was really worried about the bus journey