Oh dear... Here's a rum old state of affairs...

RuthnJasper

Hello all,

Just looking for a bit of support, really, and possibly a few pointers.

I'm about to enter my fourth year of a five-year IVA and have not defaulted on a single payment. My rent/Council Tax/bills are paid for this month and I have enough petrol in my car to last until the end of the month. Here is my problem:

I had an unexpected vets' bill this month for Jasper-dog (check out his blog if you want to know why - under "Visit RuthnJasper's Homepage!" below my name, to the left. I'm too depressed to explain it all here). and this bill has wiped out my 'money to live on' this month and I have no food left.

I don't qualify for state benefits, the Social Loan people don't want to know, I have nothing I can sell (I don't even have a TV licence (legally - no telly either!;)) and I often use candles for lighting, to save on electricity) and I cannot appproach family for a loan (they paid for my petrol but have no other means to assist me). Don't wish to use the Basics Bank, as that would be denying others with children, which I don't have. There's just me and Jasper-dog, and he is OK as I always make sure I have enough food for him before I sort myself out (my debts aren't his fault).

What can I do? Any ideas? As a last-resort I was thinking of a £50 payday loan, but honestly don't want to start down this road.

I've had a tuna sandwich today, which was my main meal for the past two days (nothing yesterday, the sandwich today). I'm SO hungry and feeling fairly desperate.

The most annoying thing of all is that I passed my £40-mark on onepoll.com over a week ago, but have to wait for their payment. :-(

Any advice from anyone who can magic up assistance from despair...? :(

Hope you have a good weekend, whatever your circumstances... xxx

allydowd

Ask the Salvation Army or a local church for a food parcel.

CH27

Ask your employer for a salary advance?

RuthnJasper

allydowd wrote: »

Ask the Salvation Army or a local church for a food parcel.

Thank you so much Ally - but I couldn't; I wouldn't want to deprive others with babies or children. I don't think I'm worthy-enough for that. But I do appreciate the advice. Thanks again. xx

RuthnJasper

CH27 wrote: »

Ask your employer for a salary advance?

Thanks CH27, that's a good idea. Alas, though, I work for the County Council, who are busy cutting jobs at the mo. I consider myself lucky just to have a job - and it's in their "advice to staff" that they won't advance money to staff unless it's for 'Sustainable Transport' under their 'Cycle to Work' scheme or for job-related training...

Ah well.
The main thing is that Jasper-dog has food and has recovered, thanks to his medicine. :j Not fair though, sometimes, is it?!


Thank you again for being kind enough to suggest this idea. xx

whitewing

RuthnJasper wrote: »

Thank you so much Ally - but I couldn't; I wouldn't want to deprive others with babies or children. I don't think I'm worthy-enough for that. But I do appreciate the advice. Thanks again. xx

You should definitely ask. You need to look after yourself to be able to look after your dog, and also so you can continue to contribute to MSE and continue to meet your commitments to your IVA.

It would not be an issue to ask and accept the little help you need to keep you on track.

CH27

Are your cupboards completely bare?

iluvfreebies

would your vet have allowed you to pay your bill over a couple of months?

RuthnJasper

CH27 wrote: »

Are your cupboards completely bare?

Alas, yes. Apart from some washing-machine powder. Probably best not to eat THAT though. Odd how appetising dog-food looks when one's hungry... I did once resort to chomping the dog-biscuits - but it's not something I care to repeat.

Sunday lunch at my parents, though, so I can probably make do without until then. Just worried mostly as I need to pick up a prescription this week (for me), but I think I can persuade my mum to lend me the money for that. I just feel so terribly guilty that I'm struggling so much and am hungry when there are others far worse-off than me.

Bl**dy Onepoll! It took me six months to earn that £40 - and now I have to wait for their payment!

I foresee a frenzied day of housework tomorrow - to take my mind off the hunger and the lack of funds...

whitewing

Go and get a food parcel, make a note of what's in it and then over time once you're back on your feet you can 'repay' it via 'bogofs'.

You have to look after yourself because you'll feel worse if you don;t eat and then you'll be ill and then your problems will become worse. A little help in good time will be best in the long run.

facing_up_to_it

Hi Ruth, so sorry to hear of your desperate situation. You need to ask for a food parcel! You can always return the favour at the end of the month when you have some money. You will make yourself ill by not eating and that will be of no use to Jasper. Please apply for the food parcel x