First post from a frightened and worried newbie!

MemmaJ

Yes, I only smoke about 2 a day (maybe a bit more on college days)
Plus I have to give up before I start Univeristy, so I have really cut down and will be completely quitting soon.
My other half also smokes, and he wont give up :mad:
We tried to give up together before, to save money - but I later found out he was smoking as normal when he was at work :mad:
So we are both smoking, but he smokes more than I do

petetidball

I know people are saying you should wait to go to Uni, but I have to agree with you that places on midwife courses are few and far between. Your bursary should add to household income and if it's a degree there is always the option of a student loan.

If it's a diploma the bursary is worth about £500 a month as it's non-means tested.

You may spend the next three years living hand to mouth and just breaking even if you cut out other stuff and pay more for childcare, but you'll earn a lot more as a midwife than you will having an evening job. You may also be able to get the twins into a creche at the Uni when you're on theory blocks.

Mrs_pbradley936

Well not having to pay tuition fees and getting a small bursary puts a slighty different slant on everything. I wish you luck with it all.

lil'H

hey and welcome, I just watned to say with regards to uni, go for it. I am a single parent and went to uni when my son was 15 months, and am so glad I did. i was able to fulfil my own ambitions and have given myself more longer term options. It is hard work but ou have a partner, adn you'll also find once the twins are in bed in the evening you have mroe time than you think to study.

Also where abouts do you live (PM me if you don't want to post on here) I'm not being nosey, but i work for a project that employs people who employ parents who had their children at a young age. It's extremely part time and flexible hours, which can fit round most things. You get £20 per hour, so even if you only do an hour here and there (as in one a month!) it's a bit more towards christmas etc.

It seems to me you have realised your situation and it's now up to you to decide which uxeries you can really afford, eg sky, going out, takeaways etc. Maybe allow yourself only one of these, it's not fun but sadly it has to be done, think of each one in terms of would I reather have sky, or be able to go onto uni? In addition have you made sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to, also can you get any extra hardship funding form your college (I got quite a lot whilst at uni). Think out of the box when it comes to maximising income, you'll be surprised what you come up with. Oh and don't forget to sell anything you can, (twins old clothes and toys for example). I keep a few of my son's more special clothes etc but have also made a lot selling his old things.

Apologees if you've already put these up, but if you can post your actual total debt amounts, who they are with, limits and interest rates that would help. You may find juggling them around will save you money and clear your debts more quickly.

Good luck, you'll get loads of help on here, and with careful planning I'm sure you can follow all your dreams including being debt free.

Lil'H

Annie_Fanny

Is there any chance you can defer for a year and get the same benefits - just a suggestion? That would then give you time to make a plan of action and then stick to it....I think if you get rid of the debt this academic year then you obviously stand in a much better position of studying successfully. Look at it as getting rid of the things that could possibly cause you stress. I think studying, child care, debt repayments, & working is a tough call for anyone.

We don't currently know the extent of your debts so it is really hard to advise.

How about a weekend job? I work in an estate agents for 10 hours at the weekend as a receptionist....every little helps.....it's £200+ a month.

NO BUTTS! Give up smoking! So your partner refuses to - that's his problem.

inkie

If you are planning to work in the evenings, won't this go up the swannee when you are on placement as you will be working shifts including evenings?

This is a tough gig managing twins/study/workig extra. You may be very determined, but you need some time for yourself - midwifery is a very intense course - I know I am a RM, and i did my training without the added pressure of caring for children. Does your uni not have the option to do the PT course, as some do?

sweetus123

ok uni is realy expensive eventhough you are not paying tutuion fees universtiys are very good at chargeing you for everything as soon as you walk though the door example 1 first week in my first year last year £15 on it books second week 3 books £90 as well as gym membership, student card membership , photo copy cards etc stationery and bus fair all which you will need to consider in when planning how to manage your finances . only mension this as a mature student with similar money issues . good planning is the key

goody2shoes_2

Hi there,

Good to hear that you now realise you need to do something about your debt in order to have better future both career and relationshipwise.

As others have already pointed out and I'd like to repeat you will save a lot of money by sacrificing things like Sky TV, unnecessary shopping for fun, eating out and drinking, renting DVDs, buying music and buying magazines and newspapers. In fact, by my calculations, if you stop doing at least some of those things, you'll save well over £200 a month. At least one of the mobile phones probably has to go. I'm sure you two can figure out which one of you needs it more and then just keep one. Reduce the cost of your contract if you can. Switch Internet providers as £20.00 per month for internet seems rather expensive. I pay £14.99 with Tiscali and it's unlimited broadband. £15 on cigarettes! I know it's hard but you have to try and give it up. It's better for your health and finances. Needless to say that your little boys don't need the smoke damage either.

Try to cut down on at least some of the things that everyone has mentioned and see how much it'll save you. While you're studying and you've only got 1 income, it might be a good idea to stick to essentials only with occasional treats as opposed to regular outings and shopping. It'll be well worth it in the end. And once you get a job, it will all be better. Sorry if it seems harsh. A bit of tough love here Best of luck.

scotlass99

Hi

I was in a similar situation a few months ago. I wanted to go to college to study Beauty Therapy, something which I wanted to do for ages, but kept putting it off. It caused huge rows between me and my OH. He wanted me to work so we wouldn't fall deep into debt. I wanted to go to college to eventually better myself and do something which I feel passionately about. Like the midwifery, you have to study this by attending college as it can't be done OU. Anywayyy, I ended up caving in and not going to college.

OH says I can go next year, but I know there is never a good time to take time out to study.

It's a tough situation is my point..but just wanted you to know I know what you are going through..

Take care

*zippy*

Memma I agree you should go for it. Yes its going to be hard, but you have said you are ready for that and are prepared to sort your finances out to get you there. You will have a great job at the end of it and the bonus of doing something you always wanted to do.

You can sort a large proportion of your overspend out by taking the advice you have had and if you manage to get a part-time job you can make up the deficit. Your husband will need to be on board, is he supportive of you going to uni? Could he get some extra work?

To post your debts dig out your paperwork and list separately the apr-it may have the monthly/yearly interest on your statement, what you owe and what your credit limit is. Also post how long you have left on your loan and the monthly payment.

Example on link below
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=107280


Have you read Martin's thread how to deal with problem debt

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1094132767,59163,

Best wishes

zippy