Realisation has just hit. Don't know where to begin.

wotnext

Well, there's good news, great news and bad news.

Good news: Got the job. I start next week.

Great news: Am getting full back-pay.

Bad news: DH admitted today that the rent is in severe arrears and his finances are in a terrible mess. Just when I felt I had taken a step forward, I take a huge one back. The council won't move us whilst we are in arrears.

We are in temporary accommodation and it is a rented house so we pay part of the rent, and they pay the rest with housing benefit. I am assuming that whatever I am going to earn, they will deduct from the housing benefit and I am effectively working for nothing except to pay my pension. At the moment we are paying well over £120 more a month than what we would be if we were living in permanent council accommodation, and it's going to increase when I start working. How can we possibly start paying it off if we can't increase our income? I feel like I'm going round in a circle. Today I don't feel happy. The only way we can increase our income is if we are permanently rehoused. *Sigh*

i_am_really_rich!!

Hello, I haven't read all of the thread but I just wanted to add my support. I was in a similar position to you a few years ago. Only I wasn't in rented accomodation, I have a mortgage. I couldn't talk to my husband as he found it all to much and we would end up rowing. Anyway, I contacted payplan, who were fanastic and not at all judgemental. It felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders, so if you haven't already please call them. With regards to your husband and your housing situation. Can you not use that to your advantage, get something in writing from the doctor citing that the housing situation is causing depression. Get other agencies involved and keep bugging the coucil/housing association.

wotnext

I wasn't able to speak to him yesterday. I felt so angry and let down. This isn't the first time he has defaulted on the rent? I'm thoroughly cheesed off. How can I start to sort it out if he isn't being honest. I still have no idea of the extent of the debts, all I know is that they are in a terrible mess.

I don't know what to do. In all other ways he is a good husband and father, but when it comes to money he is hopeless and we all suffer for it.

charlies_mum

HI Wotnext,

I have been so impressed with your determination, and your success so far. If your husband is a good man, but just has problems with money, suggest you take over that part. You are doing a fantastic job of sorting things out, and at least if you are responsible for everything, there won't be any more nasty surprises.

As for your food shopping, take a look at the 'What to buy / not to Buy from Aldi & Lidl'. I used to shop at Morrisons, but I am a complete convert now ! I can fill a trolley for about £30, so give it a try.

Good luck with everything