advice needed

summerday

It looks like you are already very aware of your costs etc and pretty organised. Are you getting childcare vouchers via your employer for the childcare?

McKneff

Your council tax still seems quite high if you are already getting 25%.

Is it a large house, couldn you take in a lodger.

summerday

Re the haircuts, would you be willing to let a close friend/family member trim your hair for you, and you trim your child's hair? Generally my DH cuts my hair for me, although it's pretty straightforward as my hair is long, fine and all one length. It could be an easy £20 a month saved for you.

Also, with Eon, presumably you are earning Tesco clubcard points (I believe most but not all their energy plans let you earn points). After all, every little helps

McKneff's idea of getting a lodger is a good one. If you don't fancy the idea of it year-round, how about just hosting foreign students in the summer for a few weeks?

Also, did you know that you can claim the tax back on professional fees, if you're not already? Not a huge amount, but agaian, the small savings add up.

babysteps24

I will investigate the professional fees thing cheers, yes I am signed up for tesco points re eon, like you say every little helps. No space for a lodger as my 3rd bedroom fits a computer table and thats it, you could prob squash a single bed in if I take out table but I dont think you would get the room door closed :-) Also I have a young daughter so would not be comfortable with a stranger in the house. Just managed to reduce some insurance covers so that will help. I was thinking about asking local hairdressing college if they need a hair model to practice on, but could maybe talk sister into attempting a trim:T

dimbo61

Is your daughters father paying 15% of his net take home pay for his child ?
Hope he is not selfemployed or on a plane to some far off country !
If you got maintence either direct ( dont know what he earns do you ) or via CSA this would not effect any benefits

Giraff

Your Life assurance seems very high! you could definately get it cheaper than that.
Also electric seems high, do you leave everything on standby?