How to make ends meet?

[Deleted User]

Claire16c, I don't hate immigrants and i think i have been totally misunderstood.

My original point was and i apologise if badly worded, about the workers and people paying into our tax system coming first. Then we help others who need it after. Otherwise what are we paying tax for?

So in the OP's instance I think the govnt should be helping us get back on our feet and supporting those paying into our system before subisidising those wishing to enter from other countries. Whats wrong with that?

Claire16c, I'm under the impression that the OP's children are entitled to have maintenance and not grown up.

[Deleted User]

My apologies, I have just gone back and realised the ABOVE is incorrect. I think i have confused myself with another thread i've read this evening. I'll bow out now.

Good night all.

carpedieme

apologies to bailey if I misunderstood anything. Unfortunately we live in a very small house with what would be considered today a small mortgage. I have multiple health problems which is the reason I work part time not full time and that is becoming increasingly difficult. I will post my SOAnto see if anyone has any ideas, I realise there are a lot of poeple a lot worse off than us, just a bad day today will try to be more positive tomorrow:)

[Deleted User]

Thank you and i wish you well and hope your DH finds work soon.

Lexxi

I know you only have a small surplus each month but don't rule out checking the Mortgage Free Wannabe board, there are some calculators on there that will show you what a difference £10 or £20 will make each month. I had such a nightmare settingup my overpayment DD that when I couldn't afford to make decent overpayments I just reduced it to £1 I do see the difference in my yearly statement. I also read a tip to start of with £1 in the first month then up it by £1 each month.
If it is only a small mortgage then you will see a difference and if the struggle continues then the mortgage will be clear quicker, allowing you to save too. Most mortgages allow you to draw it back if needed and you can stop paying any time.
It is only a suggestion and may not help you, check out all the other links first to make sure you're outgoings are as low as poss and you're income is everything you're entitled to.

Spendless

If you are working part-time due to health reasons, are you able to claim DLA? Do you go on the old style board which has ideas for cutting the grocery budget? Could you take in a lodger to fetch in some income?

podperson

Have you tried claiming Housing benefit due to low income? I appreciate you've got a mortgage but you could then get council tax benefit which might help a bit.

There are also NHS certificates you can claim for that give you help with prescription costs if you're on a low income but don't fall into any of 'accepted' benefits catergories. I think you can download them from the direct gov website.

Also, you say your kids are grown up and moved out, have you considered renting a room out? You are allowed quite a decent amount on this before you have to pay tax on it.

Could your OH look at trying to get some odd jobs in the area or something - is he quite handy? Someone was going round our area last week when we had the nice weather offering to mow lawns and he had a lot of people sign up for it, especially since there's quite a few more elderly people.

DylanO

Deleted_User wrote: »

With all due respect to everyone hear, how can the OP say her family is struggling (as they can't claim to to the DH not paying enough contributions), despite him working his career over two jobs! Yet immigrents and other people living in our country can claim all sorts. Seems so wrong to me.

And please don't judge me for saying this as I do understand why immigrents come to our country and why we should support them, but I find it appalling that people living here paying and contributing whatever much to our tax system get penalised.

Bizarre.

I vote that we start helping 'our own' with you. Adult literacy lessons so you don't make a fool of yourself again.;)

[Deleted User]

DylanO wrote: »

I vote that we start helping 'our own' with you. Adult literacy lessons so you don't make a fool of yourself again.;)

I'll bear that in mind, thanks for your useful comment.;)

antonia1

carpedieme wrote: »

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

Firstly, the lady at the job centre is talking nonsense, contribution based JSA has NOTHING to do with the partner's salary. Check this website for any benefits you may be entitled to:

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

Secondly, complete a statement of affairs using this website:

http://www.makesenseofcards.com/soacalc.html

If you really want help, you're welcome over to the debt free wannabe board for advice on where to cut back, and to make sure you're not missing anything out of your budget. Where is says "format results for discussion boards", click on the MSE one. Copy and paste into a new thread on the debt free board and the lovely folks there will offer their opinions.