Need ALOT of help with cutting all costs.

kizzie_nikita

lostinrates wrote: »

Can you enquire into housing solutions individually? Not ideal perhaps, but under the circumstances a possibilty?

As neither of you work atm is there possibilty of you returning to a family home until you find work? Again, not ideal, but if viewed as an interim measure just til you get a job again perhaps possible?

We have looked at living seperatly, but it's not feasible because of all the costs, and it's literately impossible to move back with family. I moved here before of alot of harassment where i lived in Wales (where my family is) so i can't go back there and my friend isn't allowed to move back with his mother as her new boyfriend is a complete nasty person and would rather him dead then living in his house.

kizzie_nikita

aneres wrote: »

I would double check about the £53 I'm sure you would be entitled to more.

He already did last week

P.s
Not sure how to do multiple quotes from different people in one post.

miggy

I don't know much about benefits but I wasn't going to read and run.

You seem to be making a good job of your outgoings but it's worth searching this board (Old Style)because there are some very good, very very cheap ideas here that might help a bit. Some great ideas here and here for a start.

It may be worth checking if the RSPCA or PDSA would help with vet costs.

This is a very useful board for cost cutting but Debt Free Wannabe is probably going to be even more useful.

All the best in your job search, both of you.

kizzie_nikita

miggy wrote: »

I don't know much about benefits but I wasn't going to read and run.

You seem to be making a good job of your outgoings but it's worth searching this board (Old Style)because there are some very good, very very cheap ideas here that might help a bit. Some great ideas here and here for a start.

It may be worth checking if the RSPCA or PDSA would help with vet costs.

This is a very useful board for cost cutting but Debt Free Wannabe is probably going to be even more useful.

All the best in your job search, both of you.

Thankyou! Do you know if i can post this thread again, or would it need to be moved?

miggy

Multiples quotes: hit the orange and pink speech bubble at the end of each post you want to quote, then click 'Post Reply'.

I think you are limited to two or three.

miggy

kizzie_nikita wrote: »

Thankyou! Do you know if i can post this thread again, or would it need to be moved?

I think a moderator can move it but I don't know how to do that, sorry. Might be quickest to cut and paste?

tiredwithtwins

re the problem with the single claims but being treated as a couple, id seek legal advice on this one. go to the citizens advice bureau at your local library or in manchester - they will be able to advise you on how to successfully make individual single claims. it may be a case of supplying the benefits agency with statements from friends, family and colleagues (even ex colleagues) to support your case.
it can be done :j

good luck

sue x

EstherH

I red of someone on the tough forum being given wrong advise by a council benefits office the other day so do go to CAB.

Esther x

kittycatface

this is the link for manchester rspca, they would see you as you are on benefit
http://www.rspca.org.uk/inyourarea/detail/-/iya/Greater%20Manchester%20Animal%20Hospital/Who%20we%20see/336/
broadband and phone: have a look at the board over here http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=67 for cheaper deals. bear in mind whoever you choose for new place might charge big set up costs. also your friend might get better deal by going with same broadband provider as mobile phone provider (such as orange or virgin).
I would also have a look at these tips to reclaim back money:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/ particularly old phone credit and energy costs.
reducing your energy wastage is hard we are in a similar style of house to you but try little tips off this board such as putting up a heavy curtain, making a draught excluder, even old duvets hanging off the walls and bubble wrap in keyholes, silver foil behind radiators we have found useful. best tips on that are in "preparing for winter iii" thread. free energy saving lightbulb here: http://shop.gocarbonfree.com/zerocarbonsplash.aspx?sco=www and see if you can rent an electricity monitor from local library to keep an eye on how much you use.
Your bus fares between you look really low but if you can try to walk once a week instead or buy one of those weekly tickets to share between the two of you it might be cheaper? Or borrow/get a bike off freecycle if you are feeling brave enough to cycle in manchester! dont forget the job centre should refund travel if you are going to interviews etc. have you also filled in an HC form to get free prescriptions and dental care, see here: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_10018978
I have found keeping all my receipts and looking at them each month to see where I can cut down really helpful. Try freecycle for things that you need for the house, or pet bedding etc. you'll find loads of food tips and recipes on this board.

have a look at the discount codes and vouchers board for extra shopping help, if you are organised and can print coupons, you'll save at least a fiver a week on groceries.

If you or your family have unwanted items, try a car boot or ebay, before I moved we made £75 from one tablefull of old tat. Look at the freebies board for free samples of stuff to help supplement food/toiletries costs and buy items that have money back guarantees (also listed at top of freebies board). maximiles (on the freebies board) and swagbucks (on the referrers board) have helped me, you can get points to exchange for vouchers for amazon and for supermarkets. within a month if you do a bit each day you should get £10 shopping (voucher takes 3wks to arrive) and at least £10 in amazon.
Last but not least, congratulations on being such a good organised budgeter at 19. I wish I was like you all those yrs ago! Best of luck, feel free to post or PM if you need any more support.

Hovel_lady

I have just checked and a couple over 18 claiming JSA get £105.95 a week which is effectively £53 a week "each".

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http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_193028.pdf