Do you get any extra jobseekers alowance payments @ xmas?

tara747

weebop88 - have you looked around MSE to see how you can make the most of your money? The Debt Free Wannabe and Old Style boards are particularly good. I've been on JSA (briefly) post-graduation and I know that it's hard to make ends meet, I wish MSE had existed back then!!!

There's advice on:

Budgeting
Food shopping and cooking
Freebies
Discounts
Vouchers
Saving on everything from utilities to mobiles
And lots more.

I agree that you should look into housesharing. Is Housing Benefit paying all your rent? I'm just assuming you rent - apologies if this isn't the case). I would be reluctant to live alone and I earn a good bit above the average wage! Sharing splits the rent and bills and you would be better off instantly. Moving back home would be even better if circumstances allow, I don't know if this is practicable.

As for Christmas, people WILL understand. Lots of people have lost their jobs and I know plenty who are tightening their belts this Christmas. You will always get people who insist on spending ££££s on Christmas, especially if they have kids, but don't feel pressured into keeping up with the Joneses! I find that those who spend the most on Christmas are usually doing it on credit, which is a very bad idea. Try to keep costs to a minimum, maybe do a secret Santa with friends and/or siblings so you only have to buy one gift each (and set a budget e.g. £10 or whatever). And I take it you will be going home to the folks for Christmas and they will feed you copious amounts of turkey?

You can save on heating costs etc by going to the library and reading in peace for a bit, use their fuel instead! Also they have free internet.

Totally agree with those who say you should get your teeth sorted now and sign up for courses at a reduced rate or free.

Is there anywhere you think you could save money? Do you want to post a SOA (statement of affairs) to see if we can help you trim costs?

Phew, sorry for the mega post!!!!

Good luck and keep us posted.

greendollar

Don't think the missus will be happy if I book her a dentists appointment for her xmas present......got any other good ideas?lol

Lube

My post was information and just gave out eligibility

so may I correct you

"I don't like the tone of some of the opinions in this thread

Indo77 wrote: »

I don't like the tone of opinions in this thread, maybe the OP was naive to think she would get a bonus but there is too much of the "I am a Taxpayer who pays for you" attitude in this thread. I've been in the same position in the past at that age. Fact is many people have lost their jobs and are struggling. I know temps grateful to get anything. It's not always a case of people not wanting to work.

weebop88,

Lots of places are looking temp Christmas staff. Not an ideal situation next to a permanant job but still will help at this time of year.

Pretani

You can get crisis loans, a few hundred pounds if you state things you really need like bed, bed clothes, clothes, furniture etc (not presents), but you'll have to pay it back. It may tide you over until you get a job next year when the job situation picks up again.

then there's the charity option, certain churches help provide you with necessities, kit you out, but they'll not give you money or be taken for a ride, they'll help you out.

the crisis loan seems the best for you

hope everything works out, I know what its like to be scraping the barrel.

leftieM

Sympathies for your plight OP. I heard of a nice idea if you are skint - give people presents based on something you can do for them e.g. wash car, walk dog, clean house, mind kids etc. If you are unemployed then you are rich in the one commodity that many are poor in - time. Use this to give people something that might really matter, like respite from kids/ housework/ sick or elderly relatives. That'd mean a lot more than a set of soaps from Boots!