First steps make me feel sick.

stroodes

Just want to say I may not post in this forum often but my god i have trailed the threads and these guys have helped my more than they know, all of them, even the argumentative ones lol but won't get a better group, so thankyou guys xxxxx.

paulcornwall

Cards have been stopped now due to defaults so there out the question. Kids have little present apart from those from the poundshop etc, my catalogue is still running with a considerable amount remaining its tempting seeming its christmas. Also do benefits still send cheques out instead of paying into Bank accounts? (which are starting to swallow my money).

Capitain_Mike

Go to the direct.gov.uk Money taxes benrfits and credits beginners guide

Post Office card account
Customers can also use a Post Office card account (POca). This is a simple account specifically designed for the payment of benefits and pensions from government departments. From 23rd March 2010, if you are a Post Office card account holder, you can access your account via Post Office® branded cash machines. This is in addition to using the counter service.
also


Contact Citizens Advice they will tell you how to freeze the debt on your cards if you owe interest

Ineedaname

Have you not got your Co-Op sort code and account number yet? It will be just as quick for the DWP to change the account they pay into as to reset the system to send you a cheque. Give them a ring and advise them of your new bank details and they'll tell you when the change will happen and your benefits start to be paid into the new account, it doesn't take long.

If it's only a few days before your next payment is due then they won't be able to stop that and pay by cheque or change bank details until the next payment anyway.

paulcornwall

Ineedaname wrote: »

Have you not got your Co-Op sort code and account number yet? It will be just as quick for the DWP to change the account they pay into as to reset the system to send you a cheque. Give them a ring and advise them of your new bank details and they'll tell you when the change will happen and your benefits start to be paid into the new account, it doesn't take long.

If it's only a few days before your next payment is due then they won't be able to stop that and pay by cheque or change bank details until the next payment anyway.

No, Co op have asked for ID which i took to a local Britannia branch (1 hour away and £12 fuel) to get photo copied. Rang Co op and docs are yet to be received. Received some full and final settlement figures from 2 lenders today, i can only assume CAB have requested these. Still figuring out how to get this £520 together!!
What are your views on using the catalogue to buy presents??...I know i can't pay back, hence worried what the OR might say.

tigerfeet2006

Don't use it.

Look round your local charity shops and look on your local Freecycle/Freegle groups.

Ineedaname

Increasing your debt to buy presents once you know you are insolvent will not be looked upon favourably.

Explain to the children that they can only have a limited number of presents this year, that you are concerned about the environment and are therefore keen to buy secondhand instead of new, whatever it takes to have Christmas on a budget. They don't need the latest gadgets and the biggest or best new toy every year. They do need a fun Christmas with lots of love - try having an inventive Christmas this year, get the kids so involved they will be more interested telling their friends what a great time they had instead of playing oneupmanship about what they got!

paulcornwall

Ineedaname wrote: »

Increasing your debt to buy presents once you know you are insolvent will not be looked upon favourably.

Explain to the children that they can only have a limited number of presents this year, that you are concerned about the environment and are therefore keen to buy secondhand instead of new, whatever it takes to have Christmas on a budget. They don't need the latest gadgets and the biggest or best new toy every year. They do need a fun Christmas with lots of love - try having an inventive Christmas this year, get the kids so involved they will be more interested telling their friends what a great time they had instead of playing oneupmanship about what they got!

Easier said than done, but won't be touching the catalogue.

Ineedaname

I appreciate that, but it's only from what they have come to expect, now you need to change their expectations - remember who is in charge!

tigerfeet2006

Also check out the Christmas and other Yuletide board and the Freebies board and have a good mooch around the other boards for any ideas.

We had two Christmas's where the kids had no new stuff and everything was second hand. They didn't mind and love the idea that we are recycling things. They often ask me if things are from EBay, charity shops or from Mumsnet sale boards or if we managed to get it free and say well done mummy i have managed it.