New to DFW

squishy_2

I had my lightbulb moment about a year ago and managed to get all my (and DH's) credit card debt onto 0% and last year paid off about £4800 and also cleared (between us) £2300 on overdrafts (by claiming back bank charges - mostly DH's!). Still have £10000 on 0% cards.

Had a baby 11 weeks ago; so surviving on maternity pay (just) and back to work in a few weeks. It's going back to work that's spurring me on to this forum - if I keep paying my cards at £350 a month (which is what I paid last year and whilst I've managed to cut £50 a month by changing house insurers, I think I'll need that for forumla, nappies etc) and manage to get another 0% card in December, I will be credit card free by December 2008.

However, the thought of going back to work and leaving my daughter is so awful - if I could pay off my cards earlier, I could afford to have relatively regular unpaid time off to spend with her.


Am going to ebay what I can - have decided I can have half of profits for me as spendies (I don't really have pocket money in my budget) and the other half onto credit cards. Also going through other threads, just wanted to introduce myself and if anyone has any advice, it would be gratefully received.

Skint_Catt

All I can suggest is don't forget to claim Tax Credits, child care allowances, Child Benefit and anything else you're entitled to! Makes all the difference!!!!

Congrats on the new baby!

S_C

squishy_2

Thanks! Child benefit already being claimed and am working on the form for the working tax and family credit - they don't make it easy on the forms though! Do the tax credits get paid monthly or in a lump sum? Going straight on the cards, whichever!!

tryhard_2

hi
have you looked on the families forum they seem to have loads of tips about money off vouchers etc. you may know all this already...................

squishy_2

oh, no, I hadn't seen that, thank you!

susplum

Child tax credits are paid weekly and Working tax credit is paid monthly.


CONGRATS on the baby:T :T :T :T :dance: :dance:

dancingfairy

Hi. It sounds like you're off to a great start already. Can't think of specific savings but have you shopped around for everything eg gas/electric/car insurance/mobile contract etc. If you put up an SOA we can advise where there is room for savings (if there are any). Also have a look at money saving old style - they are good for reducing food bills by batch cooking/menu planning/cooking from scratch etc.

Congrats on the baby as well.

chicken-noodle

Hi Squishy- didnt realise you were new-this site has made such a difference to me and I hope it will help you too.
I share your concerns about wanting to spent more time at home with your baby (congrats btw)- which is why im trying to get rid of some of my debt beforehand...in an ideal world it would be all of it but I think some things are more important than money.
Enjoy your little one.....