Statement of affairs, please look and advise

Byatt

Statement of Affairs and Personal Balance Sheetremoved for personal safety

RAS

Why do you have a credit card that is not in your DMP?

Byatt

RAS, the credit card was a fairly recent one, ridiculous rate of interest but intended to have it for emergency use. Unfortunately, my dog had to have a major operation.

BlueAngelCV

Rent.... 425 - This seems high, is downsizing an option? It's not clear what benefits you are receiving, are you eligble for housing assistance?
Mobile phone.... 22.69 - Could you get a better deal? You can get cheap contracts for £10/£15 a month with free minutes/texts
Groceries etc.... 140 - High, you can cut back here

Byatt

BlueAngel, regarding the rent, that is the lowest I can find in this area. I have downsized from a 3 bed to a 1 bed cottage. (200 years old and falling to bits!) It's the private rent market as I am not eligible for council housing (they keep moving the goalposts, I might be eligible when I'm 60). I get some HB but it nowhere nears covers the rent.

I agree about the phone but my contract doesn't end till August this year. (just found out, but will stop then and get a pay and go phone).

Yes, I hope to cut back on the grocery figure. One of my problems is that I have been subsidising my daughter, mostly from being too soft, (but that has to end.).

rubywhatashmoo

Not sure who you're with for your mobile, but every 6 months with Orange they re-assess your package and you can choose to pay less and downgrade your tariff-I cut mine in half a couple of months ago, even if you need to keep the contract for the next 6 months you might be able to cut it down a little?

As was suggested before your grocery spend is high - try the old style saving board for loads of ideas about how to drastically reduce your spending here

Byatt

ruby, thanks. I've contacted my mobile phone provider, but it's as low as they will allow. I've just popped over to look at the old style savings board, and wow! It's really useful to know my grocery budget is too high, so will definitely work on that!

matildabean

Byatt, yours looks like mine LOL!
I've been managing fine also doing OK on Ebay until Christmas - ah well, perhaps it will pick up!
I hate to be biased being a veggie myself, but going vegetarian saves you loads of money, there are some great recipes.
Also you can sometimes get your dogs medication cheaper online if you check, and if you mention this to the vet you might find that they find it possible to drop their prices - hmm.
I must admit the main reason I've been doing Ebay from home is because I didn't want to leave my old incontinent dog all day, but unfortunately she was PTS last month, so I'm jobhunting now - not many out there though!

Byatt

Hiya Matilda, I just spotted your post! I hope ebay does pick up for you too; I have made about 2 sales in the last week.

I am sorry about your dog. I too have an old pooch, who is incontinent and hates being left alone. There are no jobs where I am, well, plenty of care work but I am just not well enough physically or emotionally. I hate the thought of losing my dog, but also know I will have more opportunities.

I asked the vet about buying online, but was discouraged from doing so as they said it was too risky. They made me feel so guilty for even thinking it!!

Clarie_2

Byatt wrote: »

Yes, I hope to cut back on the grocery figure. One of my problems is that I have been subsidising my daughter, mostly from being too soft, (but that has to end.).

Be strong! think of it as helping her by not subsidizing her - the quicker she can learn to live without subsidies, the better off she will be!

natlai

I'm not sure about the rules in Wales but in Scotland Councils have funds for discretionary housing payments which can top up your HB and or CTB for a maximum of 26 weeks. It's up to the local council how much they will offer to help you out with or if you get anything. Put it is writing to your Housing benefit office and include a breakdown of your income and expenditure. That could help you for a short time.