Help!

jobo2

My husband and I run a gardening business, We are in third year, its always slow in dec/jan, but we are struggling, does anyone know where we can get help? We have three young children, and I'm very worried. Thanks

geoff11

working tax credits?

geoff11

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/pdfs/wtc1.htm details can be found on this link.

karenx

If you know its always slow in december/january should you not budget in the months beforehand so your not struggling???

Do you rent?
You will still be getting your CTC and CB. Although if you get WTC and your hours are reduced in these months you really should tell tax credits so they can adjust your award accordingly

jobo2

Thanks, we already get those, but they just cover our bills and mortgage. I'm thinking we may have to move house, but thats a cost in itself! Is there any way of claiming dole while you can't get work, especially due to the weather also

karenx

jobo2 wrote: »

Thanks, we already get those, but they just cover our bills and mortgage. I'm thinking we may have to move house, but thats a cost in itself! Is there any way of claiming dole while you can't get work, especially due to the weather also

You could both claim JSA but you would have to both be activly seeking work, therefor taking any position that becomes available.

geoff11

jobo2 wrote: »

Thanks, we already get those, but they just cover our bills and mortgage. I'm thinking we may have to move house, but thats a cost in itself! Is there any way of claiming dole while you can't get work, especially due to the weather also

i think if you claim you can only work a max of 16 hours per week, sorry i couldnt be any mor help to you but someone might know something keep checking in.

Oldernotwiser

Does it take two of you to run a gardening business with no work? Perhaps it might be best for one of you to get a job whilst the other one works in the business.

jobo2

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Does it take two of you to run a gardening business with no work? Perhaps it might be best for one of you to get a job whilst the other one works in the business.

Oh believe me I've been looking. There is nothing around as I'm sure you must realise. Am actually enquiring about courier work, as we have the van, if anyone knows anything, it would be appreciated. I am new to this forum, well any forum actually, so thankyou for all of your advice.

kingfisherblue

I employ a gardener and during the winter months he cleans out household gutters, fixes fences, takes domestic rubbish to the tip in his van, etc - anything that keeps him busy and earning. He did talk about getting a power washer as well, so that he can offer an outdoor cleaning service, which presumably some people would want as Spring approaches. Can you diversify and do these or other jobs? Some off your existing customers might be interested. If there is no window cleaner in the area, that is another possibility, but people will want someone to do their windows all year round, not just for a couple of months.

Otherwise, can you save some money each month (perhaps in a high interest account) to cover the months that you are not working? It means careful budgeting and won't help you this year, but could mean that next year you are not in the same predicament.

jobo2

kingfisherblue wrote: »

I employ a gardener and during the winter months he cleans out household gutters, fixes fences, takes domestic rubbish to the tip in his van, etc - anything that keeps him busy and earning. He did talk about getting a power washer as well, so that he can offer an outdoor cleaning service, which presumably some people would want as Spring approaches. Can you diversify and do these or other jobs? Some off your existing customers might be interested. If there is no window cleaner in the area, that is another possibility, but people will want someone to do their windows all year round, not just for a couple of months.

Otherwise, can you save some money each month (perhaps in a high interest account) to cover the months that you are not working? It means careful budgeting and won't help you this year, but could mean that next year you are not in the same predicament.

Thanks, We do offer all these services, to be honest when we started up, we were doing great! so busy! but this year it has been so quiet, I worry a great deal, but my husband is quite laid back, he leaves the finaces to me, so the pressure is on. There seems to be gardeners popping up all over the place. But thanks for your advice.