Budgeting / Crisis Loan Problem

viktory

glossyhair wrote: »

My attitude, viktory, is one of reaching out for help . . . what is yours?!

Curiosity. I couldn't find any posts where you were viciously mauled, although you have demonstrated that you have a short temper.

Look, I can understand you are disappointed that you didn't get all the money you wanted, although if you had done your research before you applied, you would have known how much you would be entitled to. Your are quite short with your posts though - it won't endear you to people.

As you are struggling to pay your utilities and HPR have you considered selling your Mac? You could probably get enough to clear some debts and maybe even pick up a cheap second hand laptop.

dmg24

glossyhair, could I politely suggest that you will receive much friendlier replies if you treat those responding with some respect? You were very rude to ONW.

I would also suggest that if you are truly suicidal you should contact your GP.

borders_dude

If things are so tight why dont you get rid of your internet connection, that should reduce your bills by a little! every little helps.

kingfisherblue

I think the OP is being a little short tempered with those who are trying to help. Also, if he/she is money savvy, why do they have items on HP? I save for things like that. (Apologies if this is coming across as judgmental - I'm assuming that the HP was taken out before the OP went on JSA, so had a higher income).

I do think that the OP's comments about people with children getting 'all the money' wanted is judgemental though.

I have three children and I am carer for my disabled son. When I lost my purse with my benefit money in it, I applied for a crisis loan. I didn't get the same amount as I had lost; I had to accept the lower amount that was offered. I then had to budget more carefully than usual to pay for the things I needed, such as food for my children, petrol to get my disabled child to school, and bills. I received about £160, over a third less than I applied for.

OP, please don't make judgmental comments and then accuse others of doing so.

Oldernotwiser

glossyhair wrote: »

Yes, I have been getting HB and CTB. My financial habits are as good as they possibly can be (I am very MSE savvy) but it is impossible to live for an extended period on such a low amount even if you only eat toast and beans . . which is what I have to do.

I don't have an extravagant lifestyle, I don't smoke or drink or run a car or take holidays and had no debts before I lost my job. I came on here to ask for help or advice not to be judged!! :mad::mad:

BTW, the money is actually going to pay HP arrears so I can avoid losing my fridge and washing machine :eek::eek: and thus also lose all the payments I have made to date.

You said in your op that "Now I can't pay the people I promised I would:-( " so it wasn't surprising that people might assume that these were loans from friends rather than to credit companies.

At the risk of being considered judgemental again, perhaps you're not as MSE savvy as you think if you've taken out several hundreds of pounds of HP for white goods when living on £64 per week!

Oldernotwiser

kingfisherblue wrote: »

I think the OP is being a little short tempered with those who are trying to help. Also, if he/she is money savvy, why do they have items on HP? I save for things like that. (Apologies if this is coming across as judgmental - I'm assuming that the HP was taken out before the OP went on JSA, so had a higher income).

No, the OP said she had no debts until she lost her job.

I do think that the OP's comments about people with children getting 'all the money' wanted is judgemental though.

I have three children and I am carer for my disabled son. When I lost my purse with my benefit money in it, I applied for a crisis loan. I didn't get the same amount as I had lost; I had to accept the lower amount that was offered. I then had to budget more carefully than usual to pay for the things I needed, such as food for my children, petrol to get my disabled child to school, and bills. I received about £160, over a third less than I applied for.

OP, please don't make judgmental comments and then accuse others of doing so.

Although I'm now rather cross, my first post was intended to answer the op as to how to manage the money she had received, which I suggested that she use for paying her utility bills. As these are obviously near the £400 mark, again, I can only suggest that she isn't as moneysaving as she thinks she is.

kingfisherblue

Apologies ONW - I missed the bit where she said that she had no debts until after losing her job. Taking out HP on not one, but two expensive items whilst on such a limited income is definitely not savvy! Going to the laundrette instead of getting a washing machine on HP would surely have been more sensible?

glossyhair

Writing in an upset, but calm and factual tone of voice . .

I want to respond to ALL the comments above but I simply don't have the energy. I feel even more miserable than before I posted:-( I am a genuine, kind, warm human-being who is currently struggling alone and feeling very unstable and vulnerable. Living life on the edge is tough but you can't possibly know my background or history as I did not share it. Please believe me when I say that I never intended to be stroppy or short-tempered, I was merely expressing my frustration at the system and asking for advice from those who may have more info or experience of social loans. I didn't ask for for judgement on my personal circumstances nor opinions on what the money "should" be spent on.

I made a mistake in my post . . . actually the washing machine & fridgefreezer were already on HP before I lost my job and I have sacrificed and struggled to keep up with most of the payments rather than loose everything I had already paid for. BTW, the loan money is going on a variety of smaller things, including putting food in my empty cupboards, as well as the HP debt.

My internet connection (which is dirt cheap thanks to MSE info) is my lifeline allowing me to connect to the outside world when I am too unwell to do so in person. I am under contract but giving it up is not an option for me anyway. The main positive I have taken from the past year is that I have learned the real value of money and what is and is not important to me. I have metering disputes with Gas and Elec and I cannot switch until that is resolved, otherwise I have negotiated the lowest and best rates and deals for everything else; I've said goodbye to branded goods, given up my car, sold everything of value that is not essential, dropped insurances, subscriptions and memberships ad infinitum. I now live a quiet and simple life. My Mac (which I saved up for whilst still working) is my only remaining "luxury" and, perhaps that is wrong in your eyes, but it is my choice to keep something good in my everyday life. I am the best MSE'r I can be in the circumstances.

I sincerely apologise if I offended anyone . . that was never my intent. This truly is a heart-felt post so please read it as such.

Indie_Kid

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

You said in your op that "Now I can't pay the people I promised I would:-( " so it wasn't surprising that people might assume that these were loans from friends rather than to credit companies.

I thought the OP was referring to friends too.

AnxiousMum

If the white goods are causing you this much stress - let them take them. Are they really worth the stress they are causing you? I know that you have made lots of payments onto them, but really, nice new appliances or your health - what is more important?

We are both working, have five children. We earn decent money. I was able to pick up a perfectly good dishwasher on freecycle the other day when mine bit the dust - is it pretty? well, no not really Does it do the job? Very well indeed. Did it save me money? Yes it certainly did Do I regret not going out and buying one on credit that looked nicer? - Nope not at all - a simple kickboard along the bottom of it and it now looks great.

If the appliances are a stresser to you - get them out of your life.