Finally, here is my S.O.A...

oldtractor

Look at the OldStyle threads,theres lots of recipes and cheap menu ideas. You couls shop online so its not waitrose but Asda for example. Pasta and olive oil is cheap and tasty. toast and marmite. bananas. Lots of cheap ideas. I notice you have depression and have suffered from it myself several times during my life but have never paid for therapy. I still think you can save about £600 a month, see my previous post.

mum2one

Summer, you are a strong person, it may not feel like it, but you took a very big and brave step to put your SOA up, and open up with everything.

I would def agree re asking for the incontinece pads, as I'm sure they should be supplied by the doctor, have you asked if they do a clinic,, or ask for a home visit by a health visitor and see what they can do for you.

Thats a positive step getting the form for the washing machine, its not as thou your askin for a 2 week cruise in the med, your asking for something that is essential for you and the family.

Re your bank card, a lot of banks are phaseing out the electron card, as techinically your meant to be there for the purchase, it may be worth ringing your bank and ask if they can upgrade the card, even a normal visa debit, doesn't have to be a cheque guarentee card, as that will open more avenues for you.

If you can get the bank card sorted give you more options re shopping, maybe I would suggest doing a big shop online, as i know my friend does hers via Sainsburys, and if you spend a certain amount its free delievery, even if you did a fortnightly, or three week shop - ie freezer, cupboards and then stocked up with fresh as and when needed. Also again if you go via quidco, (cashback site) you get either 50p or £1 eah time you order. This money doesn't affect your benefits as its commission not an earning, so that wouldn't be a problem.

As i do some shopping online, I use cashback sites where possible, I have a 2nd bank account that I keep solely for cashback, that way its easier to keep a record of the cashback, and also saves it getting mixed up with the household incomes.

I know in an ideal world there would be no need for private medical insurance etc, but in your case, you have no nhs dentist, and with hospital etc, then in your case its not a luxury its a necisity. xx

dresdendave

As this is becoming a long thread someone may have already posted this and I missed it. Regarding laundry costs which I assume are from you going to a laundrette. Although you are not in a position to purchase a washing machine, have you looked into renting one? I rented a washer /drier a few years ago and I'm sure it was about £15 per month. Obviously in the long run you will pay more than buying outright, but in the short term you should cut your laundry bill. Plus if it breaks down it won't cost you anything to have it repaired.

bouncydog1

You definately need to ask for urgent re-assessment for your UI. There is so much help for people out there with this problem and I am sure if you could get this sorted then this would go a long way to helping sort your other issues.

shamac

I pay £26 a month for my water bill for a 5 bed, 4 bath house with 4 people living in it, so I would say £30 is high. x

summerstreetallotments

..thanks...will be making a lot of phone calls after 9.a.m. and am going to construct a new S.O.A. incorporating your suggestions...I will try Sainsburys and tesco
and look at the water supplier...I'm sending this now as dont want to wipe it by looking back (like yesterday)

summerstreetallotments

Sorry if I haven't answered everyone individually, ...but I am taking all your suggestions to heart and will be visitng the doctor etc. (house really smells of urine even though I wash all the time...blame the cat if anyone comes around)...will be applying for a washing machine...have talked to the family about food and we'll be moving more towards home made...anyway....more acceptable budget coming up later this week....and I'll cancel the insurance,computer insurance,and change suppliers...not going to make my son eat school dinners though as his life is hard enough...we have a young carers charity around here, so I will contact them too...aware that too much is going on his shoulders (only 15)...we amy have to move as we've realised that we cant get a mobilty vehicle through our hall so...that'll affect the bills ...we'll see....hopefully we'll be accepted for a D.R.O. eventually and this will make life easier...thanks again...x

gingertips

Spring_Time wrote: »

What is the fact that you work yet can't shop at waitrose have to do with anything? Oh...silly me, you were "getting" at the fact the op is on benefits?! Maybe you could get a better job? or cut down in other areas of your life so you can shop in waitrose?

I dont shop at Waitrose as I choose to shop within my means, rather than live off the state, declare bankruptcy, or expect someone else to bail me out.

CH27

gingertips wrote: »

I dont shop at Waitrose as I choose to shop within my means, rather than live off the state, declare bankruptcy, or expect someone else to bail me out.

Have you ever heard the phrase'' there but for the grace of god go I''

donnap83

gingertips wrote: »

I dont shop at Waitrose as I choose to shop within my means, rather than live off the state, declare bankruptcy, or expect someone else to bail me out.

We've been down this route already. Change the record...