Help any suggestions greatly appreciatated

happycamel_2

Hi, thanks for the reply, really doesn't sound like you have the right attitude so I know you'll make loads of progress. Try checking out the challenges to keep you motivated, I know someone put every £2 coin they get in a jar for example, you could do that and use that to overpay (even if its just a little bit).

Groceries: less meat, less processed stuff, bulk cook and reuse (eg spag bol, bol + jacket potatoes, bulk bol out with kidney beans and chillies = chilli con carne). Bulk casseroles and stir fries out with veg. Bit late in the season now but next year plant veg. We're living off home grown toms and courgettes and beans.

Drop brands and buy essentials/values. Veg from Aldi/Lidl is good. Make your own stuff (get a breadmaker off ebay/freecycle or just make your own) make your own pizzas etc. Get frozen meat, its cheaper than fresh or make friends with your butcher. Slow cook cheaper cuts. Cut down on treats (government charges VAT on what it considers lucxeries try to cut those out) so crisps, biscuits, choc bars etc. Make your own cakes/muffins instead.

Got to run but hope that helps

RAS

Hi Both your sons need to look for part-time jobs or see what they can pick up by offering to odd-job for people. It has to be done.

You need to ring the phone companies and see if they will allow you to downgrade your packages. And your son has to take pack-ups, you simply cannot afford otherwise.

Regarding gas and electric, you need to read the meters regularly and to work out what is using fuel and cut back; water heated to 60 degrees, low energy lamps, everything switched off at the mains and chargers removed. and the boring heating down a few degrees and sweaters on.

crisispoint914

I have tried to search for the old school boards but I have been unable to find them help please??? Also where will I find the challenges?? Thanks in advance.

gratefulforhelp_2

Go to the front page of the forum, scroll down and choose old-style. Though admittedly, old-school is a better name!!

pennypusher

Hi, here are a few thoughts from me. Can you cut down your gas and electric usage? You need to cut down your Groceries. See if you can pay your Council Tax over 12 months instead of 10 if you pay like that at the moment. Change your mobile to payg asap. Get rid of satelite tv and get a freeview box.

If your son is at college apply for EMA for him. Change your car and get a cheaper one that's a reliable make with cheap parts if it needs fixing.

Find out the apr's on your debts and pay off the ones with the highest aprs first. Hope these ideas help.

crisispoint914

Thanks for everybody's suggestions, I feel it is going to be a long journey.