Can I save any more money?!

Sarahsaver

wet every night
i use the pampers easy ups, and get size 5 because there are considerably more in the pack than the size 6! although my eldest is a very big 4 year old they do fit him:) (hes on the 98th growth centile, which basically means he is as tall as his 7 year old sister!)
I sold all their terry nappies on ebay when i had 2 littluns in nappies full time and a very unhelpful husband.

Simpson

It seems to me that your largest outgoings are your Mortgage an endownment.
As you say you cannot change the Morgage, but what about the endownment.

I know a lot of people will have a shortfall when their term completes and that is going to mean some having to remortgage for the shortfall. or sell to realise the equity and buy something smaller outright. Remember the value of your home should continue to increase, yet the mortgage is fixed, therefore in percentage terms your mortgage becomes less significant over time

If your endownment is predicting a shortfall it may be worthwhile freezeing it and just paying for life cover.

As you have your hands full at the moment with the kids so small, then giving yourself a breather until you can get back to work or until your outgoings reduce sufficiently to allow you to start up an ISA or something similar to try to clear the mortgage.

Perhaps someone like Martin could advise.

Js_Other_Half

http://www.dialuk.info/

johannamse

Sarah -

I am currently on Incapacity Benefit. I don't know if the benefit that your son is on is based on a points system, but I think most disability benefits are. The first Doctor I saw (Government Doc), rejected me and gave me nil points. The second Doctor , at the appeal did exactly the same. I found them both very intimidating and found that they did not listen at all. Before I went for my appeal to the appeal I went to CAB and they found me a list of the points system, and how they are awarded. Well in the appeal appeal ( with a Lawyer and a Dcctor) I was successful. I went in with a detailed document listing all the points that I thought I deserved (eg: 3 points for walking 200m). The Doctor in this big appeal seemed "higher", err more important, and HE LISTENED. I really recommend that you submit an appeal / reapply for your sons benefit. In my experience the system wants you to give up. Prepare well, and get lots of advice with form filling and any appointments. I don't know why people in the UK think anybody can get on benefits, and you live the life of riley. They are really hard to get and life is hard on them, but thats another discussion!

Keep your chin up, and don't ever get rid of your computer (if you can help it)!

Savvy_Sue

Some thoughts on lodgers, if you have room. It's likely to need start-up expenditure, to supply reasonable standard of furniture etc. I know you could go just through a newsagent's window, but if there are students locally then their institution will want to vet you. Possibly less initial hassle would be taking paying foreign language students for a couple of weeks at a time? Anyone near you want that done?

Is eczema one of your family problems? If so then the National Eczema Society may be able to help with advice on getting DLA, or using the problems the eczema causes to support an application. http://www.eczema.org/

Also have you talked to your HV about help with nappies? Or are you getting that already? I am sure (from a friend) that there is help available if your child is needing nappies later than usual, although I know my friend continues to buy what SHE wants because what the NHS provides isn't the best and is inadequate.

Plus another friend decided that her child (with special needs) was continuing to wake through the night because the nappy was wet, so decided to try and train the child out. As putting the nappy on in a particular way was a vital part of the bedtime routine - tears and tantrums if anything not done exactly right! - this was a nerve wracking process, but it did pay off. Not saying it would for you, just a thought that when you feel strong enough it may be worth a try, even if nappies wet every morning.

But I agree with others that this is tinkering round the edges. Seems like the only major expense which CAN still be reduced is that d*** mortgage, and gritting your teeth and getting advice, support and being ready to appeal DLA may have to be part of The Final Solution.

That or a sugar daddy ...

elona

Have you seen the thread above offering help to MSE from a social worker?

It is a bit of a long shot but he might have some ideas on benefits etc. You do not have to post anything publicly as he will answer PMs.

one-non-blonde

Just a couple of things...

I don't understand what's so unbelievable about making soup out of an old baked potato or eating something that grows wild? Every autumn I'm astonished by the abundance of apples, blackberries, etc around that people turn their nose up at - preferring unsustainable, imported, 'glossy' supermarket produce. I have a friend who picks up (fresh!) roadkill (pheasants, rabbits, etc) and takes it home (not a tip for the squeamish perhaps!). Not listened to this yet, but it sounds interesting:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshour/2004_37_mon_03.shtml.

Is worth knowing for anyone on a low income that Local Authorities should have money available (grants or loans) from the Social Fund for one-off lump sums to cover 'important costs that are hard to pay for out of your regular income'. I got over £1,000 from them a few years ago after I split from my partner to buy furniture, washing machine, etc. Think you have to be in receipt of benefits for this though.

[http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/cms.asp?Page=/Home/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/501

Councils also have money available for essential maintenance, particularly if you're in a flat (ie. share common elements). This covers stuff like roofs, insulation, damp-proofing, replacing lead pipes, etc. I have to get a new roof and I'm only having to pay 11% of the total cost (still too much though!)

Women's Aid are also quite a good source of information, especially for support groups, legal advice, etc.

I think selling the house and trying to rent, preferably from the Council, is a great idea if you can bear the upheaval and the areas where the houses are aren't too bad. Just checked and here a bedsit is £36.11 a week and a 5-bed detached is £47.76 a week (and people complain!)!!! Constantly pees me off that social housing isn't means tested but that's another matter. The great thing about renting is the possibility of receiving housing and council tax benefit, if you qualify.

Good luck!

Glad

sarah

I've read this thread from the beginning and would love to help you in any way, you give so much to the site you should get some back,

can I just ask a few questions first
and excuse me if you've already posted this info

is the mortgage solely in your ex's name or joint names?

were you married?

and does he contribute at all to the mortgage payments?

shazrazmataz

Check out your local swimming pool as our has free swimming for children in the school holidays.

Sarahsaver

glad wrote:

sarah

I've read this thread from the beginning and would love to help you in any way, you give so much to the site you should get some back,

can I just ask a few questions first
and excuse me if you've already posted this info

is the mortgage solely in your ex's name or joint names?

were you married?

and does he contribute at all to the mortgage payments?

quick answers...
joint namesyes we were married
no he doesnt contribute at all and hasnt done since mid 2002 (BEFORE he left!!!)