How to make ends meet?

carpedieme

My husband has just been made redundant yet again ( had been working part time as it was all he could get ), was previously unemployed for two years. Although we have no debts, apart from mortgage, we are struggling to make ends meet. I work part time due to health reasons, my husband has been informed by job centre he is not entitled to any JSA, not even prescription costs due to my salary. We dont drink or smoke or go out and only use the car for absolute essentials, have nothing to sell and are both very good at managing money anyway. My biggest fear is getting into debt, at the moment we have one hundred pounds per month left for everything once direct debits all paid:cool: I realise there are people a lot worse off than us, my husband is trying very hard to get a job doing anything ( and I mean anything ), hes applying for things everyday and you just never hears anything back:( If anyone is still awake after reading this and I havent bored you silly and has any ideas I would be grateful, thanks very much:D

Hovel_lady

Have you checked to see if you are entitled to any benefits, working tax credit etc?

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/

Have you had a look at the Old Style board? Plenty of ideas there on how to stretch the money.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=33

Although you're not in debt might be worth posting a SOA (statement of affairs) on the Debt Free Wannabe board for people to look at.

http://makesenseofcards.com/soacalc.html

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=76

I hope your husband gets another job very soon

Debt_Free_Chick

Definitely post your SOA on the Debt Free Wannabe Board. That Board is not just for those in debt, but for those trying to afford debt.

And you'd be amazed at the potential savings they could suggest

carpedieme

Thanks for that, not sure how to post an soa, is there a template? I do follow the Oldstyle threads and have got some good ideas from there. We definetly arent entitled to any benefits of any type according to Dwp because of my salary.

Amanda65

What industries / fields of work has your husband worked in? There may be an occupational benevolent fund that could offer you some interim support if your financial situation meets their criteria.

If you'd rather not post on the thread, PM me and I'll see if I can offer any pointers

Hovel_lady

carpedieme wrote: »

Thanks for that, not sure how to post an soa, is there a template? I do follow the Oldstyle threads and have got some good ideas from there. We definetly arent entitled to any benefits of any type according to Dwp because of my salary.

See my earlier reply for the link to the SOA calculator

Spendless

Am guessing he's not entitled to JSA contribution based cos of working part-time for last couple of years (so not paid enough NI contributions in relevant years) and/or claiming it in recent years?

How many hours do you work? You might be able to receive working tax credits. Do you have children?

jackyann

You don't say what your health reasons are. There may be a charity or self-help organisation for your condition that may offer help. Also, if you need anything special, you may qualify for a charitable or government grant.

tea_lover

Do you have a pre-payment certificate for prescriptions? http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1127.aspx

Depends how many you need, but they can save you money if you get them quite often.

carpedieme

I have a prepaid card for my
prescriptions but DH doesnt, they cost over one hundred pounds a year which is very good value but with only a hundred pounds a month left for everything its a big expense but one we will have to find. Children are grown up and left home, my husband has worked in offices and warehouse delivery jobs ( only had two jobs in his lifetime all long term ) My husband only worked part time as that was all he could get, but it was something after two years out of work. We live in the west midlands and the unemployment is very high here. The DWP tell us we cannot get income or contribution based JSA as my salary is too high:rotfl:I will post an SOA and see if we can make any savings, dont know where though as we dont drink smoke or go out and live frugally:( thanks for suggestions given so far.

tea_lover

I'm in the West Midlands too, and will probably be made redundant (again!) soon. It is tough around here. It sounds like your husband is really trying though, hopefully he'll find something soon.