Hypno's kick up the backside debt diary....

hypno06

There's 5 of us when the student is here, which is most of the time.

The usage def increased when I left work, which makes perfect sense - before that, nothing was used between 8am and 6pm really, which must make a difference, even if I only have the radio, the laptop and the kettle it is all extra to what I was using before.

But it is still high.

The_Dragon

Hypno - if the bills have jumped up since you started working from home are you claiming part of the gas/electricity as business expenses thereby reducing your tax bill?

hypno06

The_Dragon wrote: »

Hypno - if the bills have jumped up since you started working from home are you claiming part of the gas/electricity as business expenses thereby reducing your tax bill?

Yes, everything is apportioned where possible x

benbenandme

hmm, now if only there was some way to generate electricity from old ink cartridges ... :rotfl: :rotfl:

lunar

how much do you you usually make extra in over time and other incomes, is it enough to cover the difference, it might be worth adding it all up if you know the totals

Seaxwyn

Hi Hypno

Well done for finding the courage to post your SOA!

Those fuel bills are mahoosive, do investigate as you must have one or two very energy-hungry appliances. You can buy or borrow a little gadget to check them out individually.

We pay £40.79 per month for electricity and about £30 for gas, and that's with two of us both working at home with lots of computers, printers, etc all on day. Also a very poorly insulated old house.

For your treatment room I'd recommend a halogen heater - very cheap (ours came from Robert Dyas) and use next to no electricity.

I know how you feel about the children's activities but I'd be inclined to think skiing is enough just for the next six months, while they are doing such intensive training. Could they drop the karate just til the skiing is paid for?

Otherwise, you are obviously doing brilliantly as despite the deficiit, you have paid off £10k this year and saved all that money for skiing, so just keep on doing what you're doing and you'll get there before you know it.

I've had a horrible expensive weekend. After buying DS's stuff yesterday I went out and bought myself a skirt and a pair of trousers - as I hate looking so scruffy when going to meetings, presenting to clients etc. I hadn't planned it but just cracked when I got up this morning.

On the good side I've sold 3 things on Amazon and picked up some free veg and marmalade when I popped over to my mum with some things she wanted.

OH has taken the kids out to see Ratatouille, with my bank card of course, so I have yet another chance to tidy the house but will I........

chocaholic110

And that's the SOA you were so scared of posting? I was convinced you must be spending thousands each month on champagne, chocolate and gigolos (although where you'd find the time I haven't a clue!) but other than the gas / elec and the bank account (what are you getting for your money there?) I can't see anything wrong with it.

hypno06

It is really difficult to do income - OH prob gets £100 over time most months from his main job, but sometimes doesn't get any. His second job is to cover holidays and sickness, so again some months next to nothing, other months £3-400.

My "extras" are so on/off they can never be relied on - for example I earned £350 by invigilating in the summer, I do mystery shopping which can be £0 or it can be £150 and the rest has to be raised by matched betting, ebaying, praying for a small miracle etc. And of course, being self employed, my income is never the same two months in a row - but I think that £600 is the average after costs, tax etc. Lecturing has only just started so not had any pay yet, but even then is hit and miss - for example, a workshop I am down to do on Wednesday, that pays £80 has been cancelled, so no earnings for me that day etc.

So things like when the car goes wrong or the kids go on a school trip etc really do mess us up.

I have to get on top of all this, I really do - it may be that becoming properly employed again is what I have to do. Except I don't want to do that!

Oh bloody hell! Why can't life be simple - just for once!!

millionaire_in_training

Jeezo Hypno at the amount you do and manage to pay off your debt I thought you would have had a mega huge income. Wow you inspire me loads. You go girly xx

pandapaws

Wow, didn't expect to see that!

I know exactly how you feel with the negative balance - we were there by over 1000 a month until I went back to work properly earlier this year, and it is horrible, lying in bed wondering how you're going to make enough to pay the bills. But the fact that you've managed to clear so much debt despite that situation, that you still manage to do everything you do for the kids, and the fact that you still have the time to help out everyone else on here as much as you do says it all - you're a star!!!

You're right - gas/elec is a horrendous amount, so maybe you could switch it. We were paying £127 a month and with the cheapest provider at the time, but recently switched to Scottish Power (who're now offering £61 Quidco) and it's down to £103 - not a huge saving but better than nowt. I openly admit, we're not particularly careful with our usage though. My parents spend a similar amount to you, they live in a fairly average 3 bed detached 70s house and don't use any more power than anyone else I know. I think they've maybe got an inefficient boiler, but that's a lot of cash to replace!

Other than that, I don't think there's a great deal you can do with your sums (bank account fee?! lol!)

Well done for plucking up the courage!!!