Feel like crying + UPDATE

PinkGirl

TKP wrote:

Big (((hugs))) Sammie you sound very strong and brave

Another possible save : £65 for NTL.
I assume this is broadband, phone and cable TV package? Maybe look at downgrading the broadband speed to reduce the monthly cost? Try a freeview box instead of cable TV (about £30 one off). Maybe find a cheaper separate phone provider as well. Look at Skype maybe?

You could also try ringing NTL and seeing if you are on the bset package. I was paying about the same as you so rang them and they offered.

TV - 'family package' 9.50 for 6 mths then 19.50 after that
4M broadband 12.50 for 3 mths but if I phone up again they'll re apply this
TV 1.75 or something (low usage)

So for 1 phone call I got the bill down from 65 to 27 ish! and looking at you budgeting skills you could make tha money go a very long way!

reverie

Just wanted to add to everyone elses messages of support. I think you're brilliant for being so well organised and staying positive and in control of the situation >hugs<

bumpybecky

if freecycle doens't help with the washing machine, you could try the library - the Haynes people (do workshop manuals for cars and motorbikes) do one for washing machines and it can be really helpful at fault finding

Also with the mince, you can add value oats into mince for things like cottage pie and no one will notice not sure on quantities, but maybe up to 1 part in 5 oats. Filling and nuritious

Hope your benefits get sorted soon

fatnan

Nothing really to add-just full of admiration. Keep your chin up, chuck. Hugs to you, BF and little Ben.
xx

bargain_babe

(((hugs))) to you and your family and well done for doing so well in this situation. Good luck with everything xx

lilmisskitkat

(((hugs))) to you hun, i know how hard it can be with a little one and no money but things do get better. Chin up chuck - you sound like a very strong person and very well organised, this will see you through this bad patch

Thinking of you

Kate xxx

Anwen_2

Gosh, this is a horrible situation to find yourself in! I'm really impressed with how well you're doing though. *hugs*

I don't really have any suggestions that haven't already been made, but I second going to the MP's surgery, it can't hurt at least. It makes me really cross how the benefits system works, I have a couple of friends and a sister who REALLY should be on Incapacity but can't get it for completely stupid reasons (two 'haven't paid enough National Insurance' - because they've been too bloody ill to work! and my sister it was stopped because the idiot assessment doctor chap filled out the form wrong and because she was so ill she missed the deadline to ask for it to be re-done) and it's completely unfair.

culpepper

I used to pile everything on the pushchair when mine were little and have bags hanging from the handles but when they were too old for the pushchair,we got a shopping trolley (walley Trolley as the OSers like to call them),they hold a lot of shopping.
My friend at work used to do her laundry in the bath as they didnt have a machine. My mum used to use the kitchen sink.Then just hang out to drip dry.

sammy_kaye18

Finally some good news for you all.

*This morning Ben passed his hearing test with flying colours and the hearing specialist explained that if a child has a hearing infection it can take up to 6 months to recover and the ear canal stays swollen for almost this long too so if he has had ear infections alot (which he did up until about 2 years old) then it could have impaired his hearing but his speech has picked up in the last few months so she thinks his hearing is getting back to normal now. :j

*I went for a walk to town today (my angel sent me some boots vouchers!) so i used one and brought nappies and wipes, figured best to keep the other one incase we need any more nappies for whatever reason. Plus stopped in Tesco with one of hte healthy start vouchers and had 2 bags of brocolli spears, one big bag of sprouts, one bag of carrots, a lettuce, an orange pepper, and a mixed bag of veg (carrots, brocolli, cauliflower)- which cost me £2.89 - so i trundled back home - i must of been out about 3 hours in total - am freezing cold now but happy as the fridge looks partially full with veg which is nice - plus ive frozen some of it too. (must add the £2.98 mince i put on my shopping list is for 2 x 800g of mince at £1.49 each)

*Another bonus - a guy answered my washing machine freecycle ad - he gave me instructions in an email and i got bf to do what it said - and.................................................................................................:T my washing machine is alive!!!!! Touch wood its managed one wash so far and the TV hasnt been on but its drained the water away - granted though it is now sat smack bang in the centre of my kitchen which means i cant actually cook anything or even get to the microwave but its washing clothes so im happy. Did go and sort clothes into piles of a)need to be washed, b)wash but not necessity and c) can do without - so fingers crossed i can get a fair bit done now.
downside though - my mother in laws boiler blew up so now she has no hot water which means if mine holds out ill be doing her washing for her!!!!

*Another bonus is got my wage slip today - no money until tomorrow though and there must be a glitch in the system becasue i was off last sunday with a really bad stomach bug and they havent deducted any wages so im £20 up - so i have an extra £20 to use now - thinking it might need to go on electric to get all the washing done!

did speak to tax credits today too and there is still no news on when the tax credits will be sorted but they have said if im owed money this award year then i will eventually get it but they dont know when it will get sorted still

just thought id send you a little note to brighten all your days.

lots of love and thanks

love

Sam
x x x x x x x x

Paulie'sGirl

Hi Sammy!

Glad things are looking a little brighter.

I think I'd have to add my voice to those recommending a trip to your MPs surgery. Its amazing what they can do once they're on your side.

Still thinking of you.

PG