Can anyone help with some advice or support?

pippitypip_2

I don't have much to add really as the advice already given has been wonderful.

I just wanted to wish you luck with everything and to hope you can feel more positive than you did when starting the thread.

The cutbacks will be much easier to make than you think (debt can be a HUGE motivator) and you may not even need a DMP if you could make the minimum payments after your cutbacks, and then snowball.

Also speaking to your family about it is much worse thinking about it than actually doing it, trust me! I'm sure they'll all be supportive.

In this day and age, you shouldn't be ashamed - so many people are in your situation - you should feel PROUD, to be addressing the situation and dealing with it instead.

I hope joining MSE and posting here will really help your confidence and situation, so that you can turn your negatives (in all sense of the word!), into positives.

All the best,
pippitypip

System

I agree that the food cost is the one that stands out the most. I am a single person living alone and I only spend £60 a month on food, so I am sure a family of 4 could get by with £300 or less.

Also wanted to say don't forget to use cashback websites when swapping suppliers. You can make money as well as save money by switching:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/cashback-websites

You could also look at ways to boost your income:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/make-money

grizzled1

Thank you In the Red, Pippitypip, Theoretica, Savingmummy and Jennyo for more good advice and comments. It'll be a long haul, but you've given me some faith that it can be done.

Have kicked off first week on food budget - ('It's cabbage, you'll learn to love it') - and have made first foray into really looking at all household expenses - ('Yes I know you want it, the question is do you need it?'). Even the possibility that a DMP can be avoided is really heartening.

Gonzo, thank you for your further reply - it's really good advice. Have now spoken to children. Older of the two has secured paper round!


Thank you again.

pippitypip_2

I think it's already been said but when looking at changing household utility suppliers (in fact any change/ purchase); use all of the available tools on MSE to find the best one for you and best price. THEN check the cashback sites to see which one will pay you the most for it. Yes, you get paid to do these things.

Now I wouldn't factor money from these into your budget - it's not yours until it's in your account and can take months to actually come through to you - but you can make a few extra hundred (or even more) using the cashback sites.

So pleased you've started taking first steps and great news about your son's paper route - kids need more credit sometimes - they understand more than you think

Do stay in touch on this thread and keep letting us know how you're getting on.

pippitypip