From bad to worse...

B17c

helena83 wrote: »

I'm starting to seriously consider it, I've worked hard to get where I am in my career and it won't affect the fuel costs as they are mostly for OH anyway. The only other thing I could do is take a job in local shop or something evenings/weekends on minimum wage but I would be giving up a good job with decent wages and also my career so its a big decision.

The other option is to stay off work and just rely on the SMP that I will get for a bit longer, this would mean we are slightly better off (-£736) but still nowhere near able to cope.

No matter how I look at it even if we cancel all the non-essential stuff (mobiles etc) sell the house, etc etc we are still going to be hundreds short. What happens then? I'm so scared

Right, i'm really sorry, i didn't read anything else that was posted after this coz i wanted to reply so apologies if i'm repeating what someone else has written! i dont have ideas to reduce your outgoings/direct debits but can you make any extra money on the side?
I've just recently started selling on ebay and have made £400 in 2 weeks... selling clothes, perfume, make up, cd's, dvd's, toiletries, ornaments that were just gathering dust... some were used, some new, doesn't seem to matter so long as you state that in your listing, ppl will still buy... carboot sales? offering an ironing service? childminding/babysitting?
theres a "boost your income" page on this site...hope this helps? xxx

cattyboo

Hi hun,

Not sure if someone has already mentioned this but even if you have an outstanding amount on your account sometimes you can still switch your gas & electricity provider, the company you're switching to can agree to take on the outstanding amount. If you're currently on a standard rate it might be worth checking this out with the view to moving to an online tariff and shaving a little more off your monthly spend?

I hope everything works out for you, you're obviously trying hard to sort this out and it sounds like your OH has started to see the big scary financial warning light too, I know it's a rough time for you now but it will get better, in the mean time I'm sending you some hugs :grouphug: xxx

YORKSHIRELASS

Hi, gosh things are really bad for you right now aren't they? I wish you were near enough to hug because like many people on here we really know how it feels. The old saying about debt being easy to get into and difficult to get out of is so true.

I cant offer much advice but I do have some experience about giving up work when it just doesnt make any sense to carry on. I had a job with the same employer for 12 years, worked my way up to being a senior manager and loved it. I had a reputation for being good at my job and it was an important part of my life. I resigned last November because my son has health problems and needed me to be there to care for him. OK, its still early days but I know it was the best thing I could have done for me and the rest of the family. I dont intend on being at home for ever, but for now it makes sense and I am happier than I have been in ages. Hope this helps.

millionaire_in_training

Just wanted to say hi. NOthing I can add other than what has been said already. Being a single mum constantly fighting my ex for maintenance I would say , yes get your partner to speak to ex and explain to her that maintenance needs to be cut down a bit £350 is very generous. I would be happy to speak to my ex about that but NOT if it was obvious that he was living a luxury lifestyle and pleading poverty. I'm not saying that is what is happening but from an outsiders point of view that may be the way it could be perceived. I wish you luck x

martha913

Hi, my first thoughts looking at your outgoings is that you spend a LOT on petrol (and mobile phones) Could you not move into a cheaper rental closer to your OH kids? That way you cut down on rent, possibly council tax and petrol. That could really make some big savings.

You could also probably get help with the cost of childcare with either tax credits or childcare vouchers, have you contacted tax creds people to see how much you would get?

Good luck, I know how scary it is when the sums just don't add up. x

d3mon4ngel

helena83 wrote: »

Is the CSA money based just on OH income or is it our joint income? If its just OH then it comes down to £54 per week.

CSA is based solely on his income, not yours.

At least that's how I read it as working. I'm only relatively just starting to dip my toes in this whole confusing world of child maintenance!

Maintenance calculator: https://secureonline.dwp.gov.uk/csa/v2/en/calculate-maintenance.asp

HTH x

helena83

Just when I thought it couldnt get worse OH is being made redundant as of Friday....

Katie-Kat-Kins

Oh no! Will he get any redundancy pay or pay in lieu of notice?

Check the position with regard to benefits asap. And get him looking for a new job quick. You will definitely need to do something about those maintenance payments now.

At least you'll save some travel money......

Katie-Kat-Kins

Further thought, not sure how far you are through your maternity leave now but what about you going back to work full time ASAP and you OH staying home with the kids for now and looking for a new job. That would be better than benefits, and you could always request to go part time when he finds something new, if it suits you both.

RAS

helena83 wrote: »

Just when I thought it couldnt get worse OH is being made redundant as of Friday....

When does your current rental period end?

When does the rental period on the old house end?