A Trolley full of yellow . . .

sparkleisshopping

Hiya, wow you have had a lot going on but it's good that you've come back here and I'm sure that soon you will be making inroads into your debt

Good luck!

cloud_cuckoo_land

I've just gone through all my debts etc to see where I'm at and I've actually done really well over the past year - since March this year I've paid off 32% of my debts - I'm well chuffed!!! Christmas still to come though! :-(

Cuckoo. xx

Cialilerin

:T:T:TWow, 32%!!!!:T:T:T

pennywisepoundstupid

Hi, just found your diary and subscribed, i think your doing fantastic and just want to say keep it up.

cloud_cuckoo_land

Well yet again in the time it took me to get round to posting again - everythings changed. I've had a bit of a meltdown and spoken to my boss who's offered to reduce my hours from full time to 3 days per week. This will be fantastic for my mental health and my family (11 year old having to do an awful lot of stuff she shouldn't have to at her age) but money will be even more of a problem.

Was wondering if anyone knows anything about disability living allowance? I know you can claim it if you are working and as I have Bi polar I think that counts as a disability. My Daughter has to help me with the general care of the little one, cook dinner regularly, take charge of the cards and money and remind me / encourage me to take my tablets.

Thanks for all the support guys, I'm glad I'm back.

Cuckoo. xx

Cialilerin

Hi, Definitely apply for DLA but get help with filling in the form. If you phone for a form, the claim will start that day and you have a month to return the form. It's quite long, but I think the best place to get help completing it is the Citizen's Advice Bureau, but again ring and make an appointment so you get to see the right person. There are a few websites that give some good advice on filling in the form as well. Ask at the CAB about carers groups for your daughter as well - don't know much about them, but they should!!

On a more personal side, I also have mental health issues, so I can empathise with what you are going through. I have also beaten myself up about the responsibilities I have placed on my children. i have been very open with the kids about my health problems and when I plucked up the courage to tell their teachers at Senior school, they actually told me that it explained why my normally shy 11 year old had shone in a PHSE lesson talking about mental health. They said that her understanding and empathy was superb. So not all bad. Have to admit I try to over-compensate by spoiling them at Christmas and birthdays - guilt I think!!

Anyway, I think you've done the right thing in cutting your hours at work - remember this is just a blip and you will get through it! Money may be tight but your health is more important - don't forget to tell tax credits (and if you get DLA, tell them again as you get more if you get DLA)

If things gety too much, please feel free to PM me!

Glad you're back xx

cloud_cuckoo_land

Thankyou so much!

It's so nice to hear from someone that really sounds like they understand!

I'll definately make an appointment with the CAB as soon as I know when my days off will be.

Again, thankyou so much for your reply - it means more than you know.

On another note, had quite a good day today - overspent on my food shop by 3.00 so not too bad but supposed to be taking DD out for a girly day tomorrow - promised myself that I won't spend anything except lunch and train fare but easier said than done.

Take care guys,

Cuckoo. xx

Cialilerin

Enjoy your day - you deserve it!

cloud_cuckoo_land

Obviously, day out with DD was an expensive one - don't know why I expected otherwise - but I have made progress in other areas. I have sold my amazing, top of the range gaming laptop (Hubby left it when he left and took the PC) and downgraded to a 2nd hand but perfectly fine laptop which gave me over £300 profit towards getting the cats neutered and injections etc.

I've also reworked my budget and it is very tight but I think just about workable! I've also realised that I'll be able to start mystery shopping again while I'm on my days off from work which will bring in some extra cash and give me some junk food along the way!

Yesterday was a NSD, hoping for the same today.

Hope evryone else is geting on OK.

Cuckoo. xx

pennywisepoundstupid

JUst want to say keep going your doing fab.