when you reach breaking point

Popperwell

So agree with what has been said...so in a so called "Social House" or not...with or without a so called pension we're all hurting and getting hurt from different directions but the problems are the same. So we must remain supportive of each other and not be divided.

There are disadvantages sadly wherever we come from.

Jerryjerryjerry

Hi. Yes, We are nearly at breaking point. Its only my husband and I. I've never felt the pinch as much ever in my life.

This is the first time, I've started using the dishwasher and washing machine at 6.00 am in the morning! I've NEVER done that!

Its also the first time, i've sat at home in the evenings, switching lights off, cooking during the day so don't need to have lights in kitchen on longer than necessary... with layers on and warm woolly socks. I can't afford heating at all. Hope to wait till its snowing before putting it on. Our bills for two people are 170 pounds per month! - that's gas & elec combined with British Gas. Have now switched to Scottish power and see if that improves.

Petrol has gone through the roof. We only use the car for husband going to work and shopping at Asda. Even then, I worry about it.

Apart from chicken, we only ever buy yellow sticker stuff. We go at times when Supermarket is about to close and freeze stuff.

OH has a full time job paying almost 20k. I don't have a job but am getting lots of interviews which cost at least 3 pounds return on the bus each time. I even stress about that!

Our problems mainly stem from the mortgage payments.

This month, i've sold my gold to pay the gas & Electricity, council tax, water rates and car insurance due on 1st october.. really worried about that.

Our mortgage payment is approx 950 per month and you can easily guess, that we don't have enough to live on after husband gets his 1,200 per month salary after tax.

I have tried to get job seekers allowance, and was told no. As husband works. Not paid enough tax, etc. etc.

My sister on the other hand, is on some sort of incapasity benefit due to depression (anger issues), and goes on holiday every year and is always out shopping at markets etc. And she even offered to lend me money the other day! lol. It is a topsy turvy world.

I have even cut my own hair this week-end, as there is no way on earth I could afford to pay 20 quid or so for a hair cut! I have a job interview on tuesday and i've got 2 pence pieces,etc. all counted out and ready to pay the bus fair.

I watch people as I go about my job interviews and wonder how they can afford to buy clothes.. as I have only bought interview suits and job clothes for the last 3 years,from charity shops.

We even dont go to weddings and birthday parties any more coz we can't afford the petrol, the presents, the outfits.

I am getting more and more depressed about life every day. So you are not alone. In fact, without this site, I think i'd go mad. this is the best place to be for when you are poor.

We have not been on holiday - even a week-end break for over 3 years.

Jerryjerryjerry

I forgot to mention.. We also buy fresh vegetables and milk and bread, full price, mostly, but if we can get those on offer, we do. Lidl is very good for cheaper food costs.

jackel

Jerryjerryjerry- Hope by now you are feeling better about your financial situation. It's horrible when it really gets to you. Can't offer much help as you seem to be doing the sensible thing by cutting back to the marrow.I'm shure you will get a job soon and then things will come out right. Then you will really benefit from your frugallity because you'll not have the debt you could have run up (like the gov't !) Good Luck jacxx

Butterfly_Brain

fuddle wrote: »

It says on there that under the proposed changes the mortgagee will pay the council tax on repossessed properties. The mortgagee is the lender or bank and the mortgagor is the owner or borrower.

So what they are proposing is that the building society/banks will have to pay the council tax on repossessed properties not the person who has lost their home. I think anyway

http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/Images/120730%20CTS%20Consultation%20Document%20FINAL_tcm6-33877.pdf

Thanks fuddle I hoped I might have got it wrong - But if they apply the CT to the mortgage holder ie Bank or BS that will be passed on to the existing mortgage holders in the way of higher interest rates...The Banksters don't want to take any of the pain :mad:

Butterfly_Brain

JJJ .....I really feel for you, we have had to cope with this all of our working lives, luckily we only owe £17,000 on our mortgage but DH only brings home £1,050 a month, It is getting tougher and tougher and DD could only find a job with contracted 4 hour a week, so she doesn't earn enough to pay her way after she has paid bus fares she has £15 a week left unfortunately with the cuts that are coming we have to push her into finding a full time job...Not easy around here, all of the factories have closed since the 80's and there are very few shops left. DS is still at college doing engineering, but holds little hope of finding an apprenticeship next year I am disabled and know that the odds are stacked against me with this vile bunch of that are in government.

the_frugal_frog

Hello everyone, I have good news.... I have a job! However now I am feeling sick at the thought of another month without money before payday.

am due to start on 3rd oct and payday is last day, jobcentre say becuase I have been claiming for such a short while there is no "run on. therefore my next payment needs to last me a month.

I am seriously fed up, happy obviously but oh so stressed.

I am paying the bare minimum, havent had gas for weeks now. Just trying not to go overdrawn.

They said to me "dont you have a few hundred saved??? you have always worked!

I have, true, but always seemto be hand to mouth.

My meagre savings flew off when I lost my job.

However I know that by jan/march I will be back on track and will have stocked cupboards and be on an even keel, I am just worried right now. I know I should just be greatful I got a job so quick, and it is a good job, not well paid but good prospects and the possibility of uni .

Hope everyones ok, I do read all posts but so many people to reply to it gets overwhelming if that makes any sense?

Butterfly_Brain

Congratulations frugalfrog :j

Popperwell

Jerryjerryjerry wrote: »

I forgot to mention.. We also buy fresh vegetables and milk and bread, full price, mostly, but if we can get those on offer, we do. Lidl is very good for cheaper food costs.

Yes, I hope to get a look in Lidl one day but I have to travel there so need to pick a time if I have purchased a bus ticket that will last across the week otherwise it wipes out any savings...

On the other hand we soon have an Aldi opening here:DNot before time and if I can stay in my present house and use my shopping trolley I can save on bus/taxi fares.

I'd rather put my money to the food. Income is low enough as it is or will be.

monnagran

Aw! Frugal Frog, that is great news. It's amazing what you can put up with when you can see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. You are being so sensible that you are bound to win through.

JJJ: You are having a bad time of it. I think we've all been there or are going through something similar now so you've come to the right place for help and moral support.

It doesn't really help to hear of people worse off than you but I must tell you about my friend who turned up at the Drop-in with only the clothes he stood up in. As some of you may remember, we fixed him up with some fresh clothes, a bit of food and a sleeping bag. He has been living in the park behind some bushes. He still retains a sense of humour, telling us about the goings on in the park. He says that the best time is late at night when boys and their girlfriends arrive drunk and have furious rows. He said it's amazing what you hear when people don't know they are being overheard.

Any way, yesterday he arrived for his Sunday meal in great distress because some rotter had stolen his sleeping bag while he was in the public loos trying to have a bit of a wash. Immediately one of the others who is sleeping in a disused bus shelter said he had 2 sleeping bags and offered one of them to J. I could have wept. Chaps who have absolutely nothing sharing what tiny bit they have managed to acquire! Thankfully it wasn't necessary because we have quite a few sleeping bags in our Angel's Attic. It makes you feel humble and I feel I am a better person for knowing these people. I wish I could win the lottery (which I don't do) and I would buy lots of little flats so that all the homeless ones had a roof over their heads.

My bread pudding in the oven smells delicious so I must go and check on it.

x