Memorygirl's SOA - do your magic!!

Memory_Girl

Thanks Guys - lovely to know that so many people are rooting for us. Gives me the strength to get up and get going today.

Had a meeting with a lovely young lady from CCCS yesterday just after 10am. She has given me a list of action points that I will be tackling one-by-one today. I should have grabbed the bull by the horns yesterday and done - but to be quite honest I felt so wiped out having psyched myself up for the meeting that I didn't feel up to doing battle if you knwo what I mean?

List for today:

1. Write to the bank requesting that they refund my benefit money under the "Social Security Adminsitrations Act" and to ask for their response to be put in writing. (THis is just appealing to their better nature - they don't have to refund this)

2. Make an application for help with mortgage interest - although I probably won't get it all paid and it will take up to 13 weeks to kick in.

3. Contact COuncil to ask for reduced terms on repaying the Council Tax arrears.

4. Keep making mortgage payments - in cash and at bank in person if necessary.

5. Make a token payment of £1.00 per month (on the same day every month) at the bank in person and get a receipt. Also take a letter that specifies that this money is to be creditted against the personal guarantee of £10,000.

6. Forward a copy of my SOA to whoever is dealing with my account, informing them of the above and that although I do not dispute the fact that these monies are owed, as I am on basic benefits until I get back to work that I would appreciate their patience.

So all in all its going to be a busy day.

And for those of you curious, I didn't just veg out yesterday. The kitchen is now bright pink and looking like a bag of sweeties (not sure how that will help my weight loss goals LOL)

Now I need to sort out a way of earning £20 per week to pay for DS school lunches.

Onwards to a very frugal Christmas.

Memorygirl.

PS: Been thinking about your suggestion that I write a book - about frugal living, OS cooking, running a house and battling the bank whilst on basic benefits, two kids and trying to get a job in the middle of a recession. YOu think anyone would read that - or is it just too depressing for words????

HalfPint

That's great to hear MG....you got a good action plan there. Bet the kids love the new look kitchen!:D...well done for all your hard work yesterday, both in the kitchen and at the cccs appointment. :T

I'd certainly read your book....In fact, I'd probably make it my household bible!....I did my budget yesterday and confirmed what I already knew..my outgoings are more than my incomings....if it wasn't for the extra I earn from my photography business I'd be up !!!!!! creak without a paddle and sinking!:eek:......as it is I might not have my paddle but I'm still floating and making progress towards getting that paddle again!

You are an inspiration.....and I say go for it! write that book girl!!!

HP x

Ellie83

Definitely try writing that book Memory Girl! You have a very funny and clever way of expressing your ideas and feelings. You always see the brighter side but by reading your posts we never lose track of the fact that you are in a really difficult situation. I for one would read your book! A friend of mine has the same funny yet serious style of writing, and she published a very good book about her pregnancy! It was great

misscousinitt

Just a quick line to say that I admire your spirit MG. Good luck with all you must achieve. Positive Mental Attitude is a wonderful thing and you seem to have bags of it. As you probably know already, we are all routing for you...

((Hugs))

mummy2mygirls

Good luck with your list for today - you will be kept busy!!
I think you should go for the book!! I Would read it.
x

January20

I was in Waterstones yesterday and whilst my friend was looking for a pressie for her hubby, I was looking around. There are indeed some books about saving money and living frugally, but I think there is still room for a book by someone who has been there and done it, rather than the advice of Moneybox's Paul Lewis, or soem other theoritically written book.

I am an avid reader and a fussy one too. Yet, I find I cannot wait for the next instalment of your diary! I had started reading your other thread "make do and mend" and felt bereft when I realised I'd got to the end and you hadn't posted for a while.

You seem to have a way with words, so go for it. The least that you can achieve is that it will help you keep focused, but you could also find yourself having written a book that would help others and bring some pennies in for you! Go for it!

Lula-Hula

Morning Memory Girl,

I now have liquorice allsort kichen envy - sounds fab. I have a tin of Turkish Delight colour ( similar) that is going to go on a feature wall in my bedroom, & the floor boards will be painted white so .... maybe I could do the skirting in black & also pretend to be a Bertie Bassett

Your £20 a week could come from loads of sources, how about a bit of ironing or maybe some day time babysitting for mothers who just need a break / want to shop alone / go for coffee with friends. I seem to remember you said you were CRB checked which is brilliant. I've done that in the distant past & as word of mouth spread, ended up with about 6 regular clients & did their ironing while I was there too.

Gumtree is good place to advertise your services.


Onwards & upwards for you, & also "courage, mon brave" as they say in the Foreign Legion :D

Lula
xx

yellowduck_2

write the book, it would be uplifting, not depressing and such an antidote to all the nasty stuff in the media about "benefit scroungers". You are pro-active, a great mum and express yourself so well with such humour even when things sound really grim. Go for it!

Louba

Just read this book from the start and wanted to say good luck

I'm appalled at how the bank have behaved. If you can find the time I would write a letter of complaint to key people within their organisation - I have worked for a number of big plc's and sometimes the right letter to someone high up really works if you get them on a good day........or get their underling on a good day :rolleyes:. I'd try for the Chairman or Chief Executive and be very clear on how you were treated in the branch and the position you were left in. This isn't guaranteed to get you anywhere but a controlled rant might make you feel better. Also from experience of getting similar letters - perseverance works, sending multiple letters tends to shame people into responding. Not sure how helpful this is but just wanted to add my advice for what its worth to all of the good stuff from others.

I'd buy the book

naughtymittens

write the book, then you only need to think about who will play you in the film!

I am amazed by your spirit, you're optimistism is a true inspiration for me (I tend to see the black side!).

Not much to add, have you thought about selling your handmade bags on Folksy? it's the UK equivalent of Etsy. http://www.folksy.com/

Are there any charities that give grants to help children with Aspergers? Doesn't sound liek the council will be much help on that front.