Can I save any more money?!

Caz2_2

hi again just read your last post and wondering if you can claim incapacity benefit or disability living allowance. You say you get free school meals for kids and that normally as far as im aware comes with income support , if you get the school meals would have thought you could get the above allowances. Contact CAB because im sure you are entitled to more.

System

I sold 22 for £60

bumpybecky

Does your water company offer a lower tarrif as you've got 3 kids one of whom has a medical condition that requires extra laundry?

I'm sure mine (anglian) has something like that advertised in the leaflety thing that comes with the bills.

tiff

I saw the title of this thread and came here to post, "ask Sarahsaver, she is the expert on cutting back!". Then I realised its Sarah asking.

I'm sure you've already looked into this as much as you can BUT here goes just in case. Is there anything your lender can do for you to reduce payments or suspend them for a period of time (not sure if that is a good idea or not, maybe someone else knows)? How about letting a room in your house to a lodger as a temporary thing, obviously you would have to vet them carefully due to having kids.

I wish I could help you more, hope you're able to find some way out of this.

Spendless

Just some more thoughts - are your gas/electric/phone the cheapest you can get.

Re: the water bill. Someone did a link on this site that showed whether it was cheaper or not to have a water meter fitted (it wasn't for me with 2 children) but it might be worth checking anyway.

Do you mean the credit card debt is at 0%. If not is this something you could look at.

Have you posted on Mortgage board with your situation with mortgage, in case anyone on there can help?

A car-boot with a car owning friend sounds good. I've done one like this with my neighbour who doesn't drive.
If you do what about taking all the stuff you make as well to sell (pickles, soaps) etc- i'd buy them from you if i lived near you.

Best wishes

Spendless

Couple of other thoughts.

Do you get help with your council tax? Might be worth applying.

How you would feel about posting up in your income and outgoings. I have seen this done a couple of times of the debt board and sometimes a fresh eye can spot things.

Yoga_Girl

Can't think of any more tips myself but thought I would post links to other websites that might have some ideas:

www.frugal.org.uk

www.ukfrugalliving.co.uk

www.downsizer.net

www.selfsufficientish.com


Hope these help.

Sarahsaver

I saw the title of this thread and came here to post, "ask Sarahsaver, she is the expert on cutting back!". Then I realised its Sarah asking.
ooh after reading that i feel embarassed and flattered! dont know how to do the embarassed smiley. Its nice to be seen in that way. Yep i have cut everything as much as poss. the only thing is that I have wells in the garden which I thought about opening up! That would save 25 a month. Going onto BT/tiscali instead of nthell, could sell pickled stuff, the thing im making now takes MONTHS to mature though...
thanks
off to hide;)

Spendless

What about a yard sale instead of a car-boot? Might be better off waitng for better weather though.

Re - the mortgage, could the life of the mortgage be extended and/or could it be changed to a repayment instead of endowment, and would this work out any cheaper?

elona

Sarahsaver

Have you tried mixing value soap powder with slightly more expensive stuff or making your own laundry gloop which might be better for exzema.

I know this may seem obvious but have you heard of a scheme called LETTS ( they have different names all around the country) - basically it enables people to trade skills rather than money - a bit like barter . the best bit is that it does not affect benefits!

I realise that does not give you money in your hand but it could stop you having to pay out for repairs etc that you cannot do. (I am beginning to wonder if there is anything that you cannot do)

I agree with an earlier comment - I would gladly pay for some of your pickles etc.

This may sound a bit cheeky but if there are allotments near you could you casually walk up there get chattting to people - admire their handiwork etc and ask if anyone ever sells their stuff?

My husband did this inadvertantly and just got chatting with someone - did not even ask - came back with cabbage etc. for free.

As regards LETTS you could try citizens advice for details as the scheme should still be running.