Dumplings SOA ...what can I do?

dumpling

Hi, I hope someone can give me some advice about what to do next. I did my SOA and I'm really scared.

Statement of Affairs and Personal Balance Sheet

Household Information
Number of adults in household........... 2
Number of children in household......... 3
Number of cars owned.................... 0

Monthly Income Details
Monthly income after tax................ 0
Partners monthly income after tax....... 0
Benefits................................ 927.66
Other income............................ 0
Total monthly income.................... 927.66

Monthly Expense Details
Mortgage................................ 0
Secured/HP loan repayments.............. 0
Rent.................................... 0
Management charge (leasehold property).. 0
Council tax............................. 0
Electricity............................. 70
Gas..................................... 40
Oil..................................... 0
Water rates............................. 0
Telephone (land line)................... 17.25
Mobile phone............................ 10
TV Licence.............................. 12.12
Satellite/Cable TV...................... 21.5
Internet Services....................... 7.5
Groceries etc. ......................... 400
Clothing................................ 30
Petrol/diesel........................... 0
Road tax................................ 0
Car Insurance........................... 0
Car maintenance (including MOT)......... 0
Car parking............................. 0
Other travel............................ 40
Childcare/nursery....................... 0
Other child related expenses............ 50
Medical (prescriptions, dentist etc).... 0
Pet insurance/vet bills................. 5.74
Buildings insurance..................... 0
Contents insurance...................... 10.7
Life assurance ......................... 0
Other insurance......................... 2.99
Presents (birthday, christmas etc)...... 50
Haircuts................................ 0
Entertainment........................... 10
Holiday................................. 0
Emergency fund.......................... 0
Total monthly expenses.................. 777.8


Assets
Cash.................................... 0
House value (Gross)..................... 0
Shares and bonds........................ 0
Car(s).................................. 0
Other assets............................ 0
Total Assets............................ 0

No Secured nor Hire Purchase Debts

Unsecured Debts
Description....................Debt......Monthly...APR
virgin credit card.............3692.38...145.......30.35
natwest credit card............1456.53...40........17.95
natwest bank loan..............2725.58...209.6.....0
isme...........................391.88....25........0
very...........................260.25....17........0
kandco.........................299.06....47.32.....0
simplybe.......................335.79....40........34.1
littlewoods....................45.52.....8.........0
next...........................486.43....46........25.99
natwest overdraft (2)..........200.......0.........0
natwest overdraft (1)..........714.......0.........0


Just a bit more information, I don't work due to mental health issues - part of my problem is overspending when 'high'. My husband is my full time carer. I have 3 lovely daughters still living at home and a dog, 2 cats and 2 hamsters.

I have an appointment with my local CAB next Tuesday, I've spent the morning renegotiating a better tv, phone and broadband deal. I know the sky is a luxury but me and my OH don't smoke, we don't drink and we never go out so it's our only pleasure! I have cancelled my weight watchers subscription and have sadly cancelled the three charity donations we used to give too. I know there are probably more things to cut back on so if anyone is willing to look over my SOA I would be grateful.

thanks, Dumpling

RAS

How old are the daughters?

HappyMJ

You don't work. Technically you should be spending you benefit money on the basics and shouldn't have much left for debt repayments. Do you see yourself returning to work soon?

You haven't put anything down for water. I don't believe it's free in Devon.

Also, your pet bills are very low £5.74 wouldn't even cover my 1 cat for a week but you have a dog, 2 cats and 2 hamsters... I'd put at least £40 a month for all their food and bills.

Also, can't imagine 3 daughters going for much time without something to do with their hair...

OrkneyStar

dumpling wrote: »

Hi, I hope someone can give me some advice about what to do next. I did my SOA and I'm really scared.

Statement of Affairs and Personal Balance Sheet

Household Information
Number of adults in household........... 2
Number of children in household......... 3
Number of cars owned.................... 0

Monthly Income Details
Monthly income after tax................ 0
Partners monthly income after tax....... 0
Benefits................................ 927.66
Other income............................ 0
Total monthly income.................... 927.66

Monthly Expense Details
Mortgage................................ 0
Secured/HP loan repayments.............. 0
Rent.................................... 0
Management charge (leasehold property).. 0
Council tax............................. 0
Electricity............................. 70
Gas..................................... 40
Oil..................................... 0
Water rates............................. 0
Telephone (land line)................... 17.25
Mobile phone............................ 10
TV Licence.............................. 12.12
Satellite/Cable TV...................... 21.5
Internet Services....................... 7.5
Groceries etc. ......................... 400
Clothing................................ 30
Petrol/diesel........................... 0
Road tax................................ 0
Car Insurance........................... 0
Car maintenance (including MOT)......... 0
Car parking............................. 0
Other travel............................ 40
Childcare/nursery....................... 0
Other child related expenses............ 50
Medical (prescriptions, dentist etc).... 0
Pet insurance/vet bills................. 5.74
Buildings insurance..................... 0
Contents insurance...................... 10.7
Life assurance ......................... 0
Other insurance......................... 2.99
Presents (birthday, christmas etc)...... 50
Haircuts................................ 0
Entertainment........................... 10
Holiday................................. 0
Emergency fund.......................... 0
Total monthly expenses.................. 777.8


Assets
Cash.................................... 0
House value (Gross)..................... 0
Shares and bonds........................ 0
Car(s).................................. 0
Other assets............................ 0
Total Assets............................ 0

No Secured nor Hire Purchase Debts

Unsecured Debts
Description....................Debt......Monthly...APR
virgin credit card.............3692.38...145.......30.35
natwest credit card............1456.53...40........17.95
natwest bank loan..............2725.58...209.6.....0
isme...........................391.88....25........0
very...........................260.25....17........0
kandco.........................299.06....47.32.....0
simplybe.......................335.79....40........34.1
littlewoods....................45.52.....8.........0
next...........................486.43....46........25.99
natwest overdraft (2)..........200.......0.........0
natwest overdraft (1)..........714.......0.........0


Just a bit more information, I don't work due to mental health issues - part of my problem is overspending when 'high'. My husband is my full time carer. I have 3 lovely daughters still living at home and a dog, 2 cats and 2 hamsters.

I have an appointment with my local CAB next Tuesday, I've spent the morning renegotiating a better tv, phone and broadband deal. I know the sky is a luxury but me and my OH don't smoke, we don't drink and we never go out so it's our only pleasure! I have cancelled my weight watchers subscription and have sadly cancelled the three charity donations we used to give too. I know there are probably more things to cut back on so if anyone is willing to look over my SOA I would be grateful.

thanks, Dumpling

My only suggestions:
1. Food seems high, can you check out the Old Style Board, and see if you can nip that down.
2. Pets, while I am not saying you should get rid of these, I would seriously think of not getting any more/replacing all of these when they pass on. Sounds harsh, but in these times, many people cannot even afford one pet. Like I said though, I am not suggesting doing anything harsh with the ones you have .
3. Sky- ditch it. DH works full time, I am a SAHM just now but have worked most of my life, we don't smoke, drink or go out much either, but we manage without it. I understand it is seen as a necessity by many, but really it isn't .
4. Is the budget realistic ? It suggests £150 spare each month, keep a spending diary and see if that really is the case, as that will help.
5. Be as frank as you can with CAB, explain your illness and how it can effect spending, because that may give them a tool with which they can plead your case more for lower payments (I am not up on current legislation but at least your adviser will be aware).
Finally, all the best!

merlot123

dumpling wrote: »

Hi, I hope someone can give me some advice about what to do next. I did my SOA and I'm really scared.

Statement of Affairs and Personal Balance Sheet

Household Information
Number of adults in household........... 2
Number of children in household......... 3
Number of cars owned.................... 0

Monthly Income Details
Monthly income after tax................ 0
Partners monthly income after tax....... 0
Benefits................................ 927.66 - Is that your full entitlement, check turn2us.com
Other income............................ 0
Total monthly income.................... 927.66

Monthly Expense Details
Mortgage................................ 0
Secured/HP loan repayments.............. 0
Rent.................................... 0
Management charge (leasehold property).. 0
Council tax............................. 0
Electricity............................. 70
Gas..................................... 40
Oil..................................... 0
Water rates............................. 0
Telephone (land line)................... 17.25
Mobile phone............................ 10
TV Licence.............................. 12.12
Satellite/Cable TV...................... 21.5
Internet Services....................... 7.5
Groceries etc. ......................... 400
Clothing................................ 30
Petrol/diesel........................... 0
Road tax................................ 0
Car Insurance........................... 0
Car maintenance (including MOT)......... 0
Car parking............................. 0
Other travel............................ 40
Childcare/nursery....................... 0
Other child related expenses............ 50
Medical (prescriptions, dentist etc).... 0
Pet insurance/vet bills................. 5.74
Buildings insurance..................... 0
Contents insurance...................... 10.7
Life assurance ......................... 0
Other insurance......................... 2.99
Presents (birthday, christmas etc)...... 50
Haircuts................................ 0
Entertainment........................... 10
Holiday................................. 0
Emergency fund.......................... 0
Total monthly expenses.................. 777.8


Assets
Cash.................................... 0
House value (Gross)..................... 0
Shares and bonds........................ 0
Car(s).................................. 0
Other assets............................ 0
Total Assets............................ 0

No Secured nor Hire Purchase Debts

Unsecured Debts
Description....................Debt......Monthly...APR
virgin credit card.............3692.38...145.......30.35
natwest credit card............1456.53...40........17.95
natwest bank loan..............2725.58...209.6.....0
isme...........................391.88....25........0
very...........................260.25....17........0
kandco.........................299.06....47.32.....0
simplybe.......................335.79....40........34.1
littlewoods....................45.52.....8.........0
next...........................486.43....46........25.99
natwest overdraft (2)..........200.......0.........0
natwest overdraft (1)..........714.......0.........0


Just a bit more information, I don't work due to mental health issues - part of my problem is overspending when 'high'. My husband is my full time carer. I have 3 lovely daughters still living at home and a dog, 2 cats and 2 hamsters.

I have an appointment with my local CAB next Tuesday, I've spent the morning renegotiating a better tv, phone and broadband deal. I know the sky is a luxury but me and my OH don't smoke, we don't drink and we never go out so it's our only pleasure! I have cancelled my weight watchers subscription and have sadly cancelled the three charity donations we used to give too. I know there are probably more things to cut back on so if anyone is willing to look over my SOA I would be grateful.

thanks, Dumpling

welcome Dumpling,

A quickie from me, do you not pay rent, council tax or water?

First thing to stick out at me is the grocery bill, you could shave £50 a month of that without too many problems, I know many people on here can feed a family on £200, but I'm not one of them, and I personally think it is too low anyway, it is important for one's wellbeing to eat well.

What is the £50 child expenses?

£50 on presents each month is too much, even with 3 children, how old are they? are they old enough to understand cutting back, turning electrical items off when they leave the room etc?

What is the £2.99 insurance a month?

Be back in a wee while.


You have come to the right place for help, they are a lovely bunch on this board.

Merlot123

Edit: First cut your cards and put a stop on any online catalogue accounts, get your husband to change the password and not tell you, that way you cannot spend you are on a "high".

paulmapp8306

dumpling wrote: »

Statement of Affairs and Personal Balance Sheet

Household Information
Number of adults in household........... 2
Number of children in household......... 3
Number of cars owned.................... 0

Monthly Income Details
Monthly income after tax................ 0
Partners monthly income after tax....... 0
Benefits................................ 927.66
Other income............................ 0
Total monthly income.................... 927.66

Monthly Expense Details
Mortgage................................ 0
Secured/HP loan repayments.............. 0
Rent.................................... 0
Management charge (leasehold property).. 0
Council tax............................. 0
Electricity............................. 70 A bit high this - are you on the cheapest tarrif? tare you on dual fuel ?
Gas..................................... 40
Oil..................................... 0
Water rates............................. 0
Telephone (land line)................... 17.25
Mobile phone............................ 10
TV Licence.............................. 12.12
Satellite/Cable TV...................... 21.5
Internet Services....................... 7.5
Groceries etc. ......................... 400
Clothing................................ 30
Petrol/diesel........................... 0
Road tax................................ 0
Car Insurance........................... 0
Car maintenance (including MOT)......... 0
Car parking............................. 0
Other travel............................ 40
Childcare/nursery....................... 0
Other child related expenses............ 50 What expenses are these?
Medical (prescriptions, dentist etc).... 0
Pet insurance/vet bills................. 5.74
Buildings insurance..................... 0
Contents insurance...................... 10.7
Life assurance ......................... 0
Other insurance......................... 2.99
Presents (birthday, christmas etc)...... 50 a Little high this. £30 I guess would be reasonable
Haircuts................................ 0 Add a little here £10pm
Entertainment........................... 10
Holiday................................. 0
Emergency fund.......................... 0 I would add a little here. £20pm siah
Total monthly expenses.................. 777.8


Assets
Cash.................................... 0
House value (Gross)..................... 0
Shares and bonds........................ 0
Car(s).................................. 0
Other assets............................ 0
Total Assets............................ 0

No Secured nor Hire Purchase Debts

Unsecured Debts
Description....................Debt......Monthly...APR
virgin credit card.............3692.38...145.......30.35
natwest credit card............1456.53...40........17.95
natwest bank loan..............2725.58...209.6.....0
isme...........................391.88....25........0
very...........................260.25....17........0
kandco.........................299.06....47.32.....0
simplybe.......................335.79....40........34.1
littlewoods....................45.52.....8.........0
next...........................486.43....46........25.99
natwest overdraft (2)..........200.......0.........0
natwest overdraft (1)..........714.......0.........0

see Highlighted areas.

Speak to CCCS or payplan, and see what they say. A DMP is possible, as your SOA shows around £150pm to pay debts even without changing those. Playing around a little with the figures (taking advice from CCCS) - particularly adding a few £ in areas you havent thought about and you should manage OK. Thats about £10,000 debts. i have £18,000 left and 11 creditors (from £44,000 at its peak) and pay £100pm through CCCS towards a DMP.

Tixy

Hi

You seem to have missed the bottom off the SoA - so its not clear how short you are each month and if all your debts are listed.

Are the children still kids or young adults?

dumpling wrote: »

Electricity............................. 70 this looks very high, are you paying off arrears? have you shopped around to see if you can find cheaper? have you tried to reduce your usage or high energy items?
Gas..................................... 40
Water rates............................. 0 is this paid by benefits?
Groceries etc. ......................... 400 this is high - you should be able to drop this to £300 with a few changes to your shopping habits.
Other travel............................ 40 what does this relate to?
Childcare/nursery....................... 0
Other child related expenses............ 50 what does this relate to?
Presents (birthday, christmas etc)...... 50 you need to work on reducing this
Haircuts................................ 0 is this realistic?
Entertainment........................... 10
Holiday................................. 0
Emergency fund.......................... 0
Total monthly expenses.................. 777.8


Assets
Cash.................................... 0
House value (Gross)..................... 0
Shares and bonds........................ 0
Car(s).................................. 0
Other assets............................ 0
Total Assets............................ 0

No Secured nor Hire Purchase Debts

Unsecured Debts
Description....................Debt......Monthly...APR
virgin credit card.............3692.38...145.......30.35
natwest credit card............1456.53...40........17.95
natwest bank loan..............2725.58...209.6.....0
isme...........................391.88....25........0
very...........................260.25....17........0
kandco.........................299.06....47.32.....0
simplybe.......................335.79....40........34.1
littlewoods....................45.52.....8.........0
next...........................486.43....46........25.99
natwest overdraft (2)..........200.......0.........0
natwest overdraft (1)..........714.......0.........0

The list above is £577 debt repayments, plus whatever the overdrafts are costing, How are you managing at the moment? Thats at least a £427 over spend each month - are you falling into debt each month?

Speaking to CAB is definitely a necessity, I'd suggest you set up new bank accounts with banks you don't currently owe any money to - and arrange for all benefits to be paid into those.

RAS

I would recommend that you consider a basic account with Barclays or the Co-op. Then if you choose to go for a DRO, you are OK.

dumpling

Thanks for all the replys so far, I'll try and remember the questions so bear with me.
My daughters are 11, 10 and nearly 9 years old. I do pay water bills but got into arrears several years ago and so the DSS just deduct money each week out of our benefits. I'm sorry but I don't know how much that is. I don't pay for haircuts as I just trim all of our hair as and when it's needed lol. The childrens expenses of £50 is 3 lots of pocket money and subs for brownies for our youngest. The girls get £10 a month each and £20 is for brownies. I don't intend to get any more pets when this current lot shuffle off this mortal coil but that could be not for quite a few years yet (hopefully). The £2.99 insurance is to protect our washing machine for repairs etc. Ummm, I'll have to read back and see what else was asked. Thanks again for helping.

I'm back, the electric is very high I know - I'm trying to cut back on usage but I still put nearly £20 a week on a prepayment meter with British Gas. The other travel expenses are for bus fares and the occasional taxi to see my GP ( the surgery isn't on any bus route).

Tixy

Prepayment meters are expensive certainly. Is any of your heating electric? do you use a tumble drier? do you have an elec shower that uses of energy? or an immersion heater that is on for a long time each day?

Maybe keep checking your meter to see what times of the day you use the most electric and see if you can pin down something thats using a lot of the elec up (and could maybe be reduced).

debtfreewannabe321

I would also suggest cutting back on grocery spends. I can feed 5 for £250 a month (or thereabouts) and that is down from £400+ that i used to spend pre-mse days!

My library gives you an electric meter thing (that tells you how much you are spending~?~ sorry don't know name) and it is free. So perhaps check your local one out. You can then see where all the electric is going and perhaps cut down a little. This is just to borrow not keep by the way lol but still using it for 1 month should show you where you need to cut down

Also I agree with a pp get rid of the sky and get a freeview box instead. People are giving these away on freecycle and also ebay sell them cheaply.

Good luck at the cab, perhaps a debt relief order is the way forward if you don't foresee you or hubby going back to work anytime soon. My mum went down this route and she reckons it was the best thing ever. But good luck whatever you decide