Can I save any more money?!

Sofa_Sogood

tiff wrote:

You seemed to imply that she was "rich" because she has a pc and phone (and your brother doesnt). You didnt offer any constructive help or advice, just criticism of the situation.

But having a mortgage that size, coupled with the endowment, mobile phone and pc, would, to some people, make Sarah appear to be 'rich'.

Now that I've read the reply that Spendless gave, the situation's a bit clearer. But in my honest opinion, the problems seems to be the mortgage and endowment payments.

Unless I can offer something more constructive, I'll leave the topic and hope that Sarah has a happy ending.

It's just incredible to read in 2005.

Sweetcheeks_3

For goodness sake, the girl asked a bit of advice and its becoming a witch hunt.

VickyA_2

Do you use energy saving light bulbs? They cost more than "normal" lightbulbs but in the long run save money. They're not suitable for dimmer switches though.

After reading the beginning of this thread, I'm walking past all my appliances and switching everything off at the wall!

I'll try to think of more things as I go through the day!

crana999

Sofa_Sogood wrote:

letting her daughter collect cress from the river (what happened to blotting paper and window sills?)


Something's not right, and although Sarah's tried all the money saving tips, and even provided a lot apparently, if she can't work for whatever reason someone's told her, and taking into account her ill-health and problems with one of her children, wouldn't it be better if she worked whatever hours she could for charity or something? That has it's own rewards, and I don't just mean altruistic rewards. I mean the choice of things handed in to sell.

I wasn't trying to make you see irony.

The cress is watercress! It doesn't grow on blotting paper...

Personally I see nothing wrong in making soup from a baked potato.

Also, did you notice she has a child under 5? Might make working "whatever hours she could" a bit difficult?!

I don't think there is any merit in continuing this, really, but there you go.

chardonnay_2

sarah, i admire all your money saving solutions and agree with the others that your main problems seem to be the highest outgoings of the mortgage and endowment. you have mentioned that you are unable to change these.

obviously i don't know your circumstances but have you spoke to your lawyer as it may be possible to remove your ex's name from the mortgage - do you have anyone who can act as a guarantor for you - or getting a job would allow you to if the pay was high enough.

a more extreme option would be to sell your house to release the equity ( which you may have to split with your partner) allowing you to either buy a smaller house or get a council house. obviously you would have to check how much different the rent would be to see whether this would make a big difference.

good luck

Jay-Jay_4

chardonnay wrote:

obviously i don't know your circumstances but have you spoke to your lawyer as it may be possible to remove your ex's name from the mortgage - do you have anyone who can act as a guarantor for you - or getting a job would allow you to if the pay was high enough.

a more extreme option would be to sell your house to release the equity ( which you may have to split with your partner) allowing you to either buy a smaller house or get a council house. obviously you would have to check how much different the rent would be to see whether this would make a big difference.

I was thinking along these lines too though it sounds like a transfer of equity isn't an option at the moment for you as you're not working.

I've been in a similar situation property-wise and decided that rather than stay in the house and struggle with a large mortgage, to let my ex buy me out. I had to go to court to force either the sale or settlement but it was worth it.

I then rented a (small) house for £350 per month and continued to do this until I got my setlement (3 years later as he was unco-operative). This money was used as a deposit on a house which now has very low mortgage re-payments.

I know what it's like hoping that the mortgage lenders don't find out that your circumstances have changed and believe me, it takes a huge weight off your mind when you don't have to worry about it anymore.

I always counted renting as dead money, but it serves a purpose if it's a temporary measure.

jo_b_2

Sorry, Sarah, I haven't got any tips or suggestions. I just wanted to give you a big *hug* and wish you all the best for you and your family.

I am one of the many people who have benefited from your tips and advice on this board and the Old Style board and wanted to thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences with others, when you're going through such tough times yourself.

Take care. Jo.

elona

I just wanted to send a big hug and wish you well.

Please let us know how you get on. I suppose a Martin makeover is out of the question ?

Sarahsaver

ooh ive caused a controversy, only went away overnight! Yes i would shoot pigeons if i could! Yes my daughter does pick things for me in the wilds. Yes I have some of the trappings of a much wealthier person - a big mortgage, a computer (which was a gift by the way - i didnt buy it) and a phone. I even have shoes!
I am p*d off that some people dont believe me, but then again maybe if they had walked through life on a similar path as mine they would not still be smiling at the end of it.
As a teacher I was at the top of the pay scale, nearing 25,000p.a.
now clearly my income is nothing like that, and i am not able to start something giving me that again. Im stuck with the liabilities I had jointly with my ex, when we had a combined income of over 40grand a year.
Yes I do spend as little as I do on food, but my kids are ok, clean, well fed, well clothed, warm (sitting in front of log fires with wood given to us by some builders:)) and happy, and LOVED.
Thanks to the people who believe me and who may have found some of my tips useful to themselves.
To those who doubt me, WHO CARES. Im for real and me and my kids know it. Good evening. Love to those of you who deserve it;)

Spendless

This is only a little thing but i'm thinking about all the tips you give us on here and i've got a womens mag in front of me that pays for tips.

What about sending a handful off (2nd class stamp of course!) . See if that generates any extra cash.

Don't know if i'm allowed to put addressess and details on here, so will sort thru the mags and PM you with the info.