Help urgently needed, please!

[Deleted User]

clairelg88 wrote: »

I have one child. I usually spend around £200 on her presents alone

How much? :eek:

elaine12022

I'm with the others here - what makes you feel like you have to spend that much money on your little girl? What is it that you think she really values - you or 'stuff'?
Do you feel like you are letting her down because you are on your own?

I don't know how old she is but the children in my extended family seem to really enjoy just having time & attention off us adults and depending on the age, simple board/card games go down really well.

Hope you get the council tax/housing benefit sorted asap

eyeopener2

Hi Claire

Listen to RAS, clearing the rental debt is the most important thing (you can make token payments to your credit card debt (£50 per month?)and loan (£106 per month?) debt till that is cleared - literally pay them£1 each they may scream and shout but so what) , then ,if you can afford a little something for your girl at Christmas then then buy it. Your parents, sisters and grandparents can make do with something your little girl has made. I'm sure they will understand.

Speak to CC and Loan companies and tell them whats happening - take no sh&^ - and once your back on your feet and have stabilised the money situation (with or without dogs, car or whatever) then you can look into setting up a payment plan.

You'll be fine, it just takes a bit of organising.

E2

RAS

PS

What is your daughter's dad contributing?

clairelg88

thanks for your replies..

I think christmas is going to have to be on a budget this year, I know my family will understand. My daughters only 6 and i think she expects a mountain of presents on christmas morning. My daughters dad has never given me a penny for her, hes on the dole and he has another daughter now, so he wont have to pay anything towards her. He doesnt have much to do with her at all, so i do feel like i have to make up for that.

I will definatly try and focus on clearing my rent arrears, its just so frustrating, I was doing well before he moved in!

threemuttleys

What food are the dogs on?

Skinners is a very good food, and is around £20 a sack (Amazon) as is Harringtons.

threemuttleys

clairelg88 wrote: »

thanks for your replies..

I think christmas is going to have to be on a budget this year, I know my family will understand. My daughters only 6 and i think she expects a mountain of presents on christmas morning. My daughters dad has never given me a penny for her, hes on the dole and he has another daughter now, so he wont have to pay anything towards her. He doesnt have much to do with her at all, so i do feel like i have to make up for that.

I will definatly try and focus on clearing my rent arrears, its just so frustrating, I was doing well before he moved in!

She can have a mountain, but a £land one ;-)

Phil_rich

It looks like a no brainer to getting rid of the car. You don't seem to use it much and if you sell it you will get a cash lump. How much is it worth? an in the long run you will save over £100 per month.

Do a tesco online shop to overcome having no car, and also take a look at what you are eating. £200 per month on food only seems high (you have listed cleaning products and pet food elsewhere) What does the £50 per week go on? We spend about £120 per week for 2 adults (1 pregnant) and 3 young children (two of whom eat 6 weekabix each for breakfast!) including pet food for 2 cats and cleaning products etc.

Do you smoke?

clairelg88

Phil_rich wrote: »

It looks like a no brainer to getting rid of the car. You don't seem to use it much and if you sell it you will get a cash lump. How much is it worth? an in the long run you will save over £100 per month.

Do a tesco online shop to overcome having no car, and also take a look at what you are eating. £200 per month on food only seems high (you have listed cleaning products and pet food elsewhere) What does the £50 per week go on? We spend about £120 per week for 2 adults (1 pregnant) and 3 young children (two of whom eat 6 weekabix each for breakfast!) including pet food for 2 cats and cleaning products etc.

Do you smoke?

My cars not worth much, its an old focus, probably get around £500 for it as its got plenty of tax and a bit of mot left. I have thought about online shopping, the £50 goes on cleaning stuff as well as food. But i do get suckered in to the offers in the supermarket! I could probably get my shopping bill down by £10/£15 a week. I need to meal plan, I never know what I'm buying!

threemuttleys

pop yourself over to Old Style. There are some fab menu planners and advice on cutting down a shopping budget ;-)