How to Get Through The Tough Times The Old Style Way.

welshcamper

Thank you all so much for your kind wishes and hugs it means so muchxx

i come on here when the house is quiet to try take my mind off things.

greent

Also adding my condolences, welshcamper x

We have 2 cars - a Ford Galaxy of OH's - we need a big car to fit all 6 of us in, inc 2 child seats. I drive a Golf Plus (a golf, but a little bigger) Theoretically I could do without mine, but I have ongoing hip issues after SPD with my last 2 pgs and sciatica and plantar fascitis - walking the 1.8 miles to school and then 1.8 back pushing a pushchair kills me for days if it's playing up. If I take it leisurely it's not so bad. In this nice weather it's a good compromise to drive to school in the morning, leave the car there walk home, walk back in the afternoon and drive home. I have to allow about 45 mins for the walk because if I set to it at a pace it makes my hips flare up or massively increase plantar pain. I can't allow 3hrs out of my day to do the journey twice a day by walking - it would actually be more than that because I find I need to recover after as well - I'm such a crock!! That's also why I like the plus as opposed to the regular golf - the seats are higher to get in - easier on my hips It would make some sort of sense to only have one car, but with children at 3 different schools, activities of theirs all over the place and OH can be working anywhere it's easier. If it came to it I'd have to, I guess. Luckily - for now- we can cope with the costs of 2 (just!)

de1amo

i just bought a new evo punto and it is so frugal with a clever engine management system but it is very zippy-it gives 105bhp but is more frugal than the 77bhp model that doesnt have the management system--its disconcerting because its turns itself off when you slip it into neutral at traffic lights--but there is more than that to the management system!

mardatha

What did they do with the winter fuel payment ???

starsandmoon

I have a 1.2 Micra which Ive had for 5 years now. It was a bargain off Ebay before all the traders started selling on there. I joined Groupon and have just got a service for £49 saving £80. Road tax is £125 a year. Its quite good on fuel and nippy. Considered swapping for an Aygo/C1 type but insurance was no cheaper. Would save on road tax and perhaps petrol but would have to get into a bit of debt so will keep the Micra for now.

Whats happening with the winter fuel payout? Mum gets that. Thought they would start fiddling with it. Mums worried that they will stop bus passes as she doesnt drive and it would really affect her if she didnt have one.

floss2

I have a not-very-MSE Alfa Romeo MiTo, which is all paid for (thanks to a settlement from DH's previous employer )...it has an MPG display, which quite often makes very entertaining driving! Road tax is £125, it's annual service is approx £180. Recent trips to the petrol station have cost around £50, but I get a month's worth of driving for that. DH has a company Golf estate Bluemotion, that switches its engine off at traffic lights, which is very scary the first few times it happens, I've no idea how much that costs to fill with diesel, but the company pay so not an issue for us.

We are lucky in that we're both employed, no dependants (well, DS2 is free-lodging while finishing his Masters at uni) and both have a reasonable income along with a low mortgage (actual payments are currently lower than the council tax).

My main concerns are whether DS2 will get (a) a place on a PGCE course to teach RE; (b) whether he will then get a job and (c) whether he & his brother will ever bother buying homes...maybe they should wait until I die & they can spend my life insurance on a shed each!

de1amo

i have a v8 4,2litre sumbeam tiger back in the uk--free tax and low insurance but drinks fuel!

i live in the centre of town and i am getting a vibe that the uk is tuning into my reason why i live close to everything--you never have to use your car!--i have always found employment close to home or cycled to work-i can shop at 3 different supermarkets on foot. all the buses coaches and trains are walkable even with a suitcase---the beach is close and all the nightlife so i can stagger home with no need for a taxi--the list of reasons to the positive in my mind is endless!--i enjoy flat dwelling which is the draw back for families--i have lawns and trees to lookout upon--i have bbqs on my balcony!

İ had some good news today--the turkish government are going to let uk teachers of English work in state schools. They will be looking for 10000 teachers from overseas for next year.--its the same pay but half the hours. i can still work in my own college during evenings and weekends--biggest plus is a good pension and paid holidays! my wife and business partner are a little envious but trying not to show it!!

Desperate_Housewife_2-2

mardatha wrote: »

What did they do with the winter fuel payment ???

as far as know its going to be scrapped

Bobbykins

Desperate_Housewife wrote: »

as far as know its going to be scrapped

No, it's not quite that bad, don't panic! They have sneakily not extended the "extra" payment that has been in force for the last couple of years, so it is reverting to its original level, I can't remember the exact figures but think it is something like a reduction to £250 from those who previously got £300 and reducing to £300 for those who previously got £400.

Talk about making the most vulnerable suffer!:mad:

JIL

Its all here http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/family/2011/03/winter-fuel-payments-cut-in-secret-budget-measure

Hope it helps