Help urgently needed, please!

clairelg88

unimaginative_user_name wrote: »

Hi Claire. Sorry to hear things are so tough. I've taken a quick look at your SOA and a few things stand out. Your council tax is high. Are you getting the 25% reduction for only having one adult in the home? Have you asked if you can spread your payments out over twelve months instead of ten? Could you change your mobile contract as it's quite high. Pet food is also high and if your petrol is only £20 a month is it worth having a car in view of the cost in insurance, road tax and repairs.

Thats not the single person rate, no. I have applied for this, so I'm just waiting to hear back. I will see if its over 10 or 12 months and ask for that if its 10. Thanks I didnt know that could be done.
I'm locked into my contract until next year, so I'm not sure if i could get it reduced at all.

19lottie82

clairelg88 wrote: »

I wasn't sure what to put for christmas and birthdays, I just tackle them as they come along. Christmas is probably around £500, and birthdays probably £250.

I have thought about getting rid of one of my dogs (i have two) but it would break my little girls heart The one is still a puppy so his food is more expensive. I will get it some thought though, thanks

This is a lot of christmas and birthdays, if you don't have the spare cash I'm afraid. You just can't afford it. Until you are in a better position you should set yourself a more realistic budget and stick to it.

To me it sounds like the car needs to go. It's a very high expense to make the shopping easier. Can you not do an online shop to make it more convinient?

I know it isn't a nice though to consider getting rid of one or two of the dogs but, as you have said, it's something to consider, if you can't up your income.

clairelg88

RAS wrote: »

Thanks

What is the maximum local housing allowance for two bedrooms in your area?

I'm not sure is there a way I can find this out?
I work 20 hours a week, and I'm getting working tax and child tax credits

RAS

Try http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DG_196239

[Deleted User]

Mobile phone is high (£400 a year). Change to PAYG, for £10pm.

Do you really need both home and mobile phones?

Council Tax seems high. Have you claimed the single person's discount?

[Deleted User]

clairelg88 wrote: »

Christmas is probably around £500, and birthdays probably £250.

You are spending almost as much on Christmas and birthdays, as you are on energy? :eek:

How many children do you have?

clairelg88

RAS wrote: »

Try http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DG_196239

thanks I have done this, and my rent is within the allowance.

[Deleted User]

unimaginative_user_name wrote: »

Pet food is also high

Agreed. Try poundland/poundworld.

clairelg88

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

You are spending almost as much on Christmas and birthdays, as you are on energy? :eek:

How many children do you have?

I have one child.I usually spend around £200 on her presents alone, then its just my parents, 2 sisters, grandparents I buy for.

RAS

claire

Your rental debt is seriously important. If clearing that means no Christmas and birthday presents for family and a very reduced presents for kids, so be it.

Even wealthy people I know only spend over £75 on an older child's present if there are two or more contributors to the bill.