January's Big Financial Freeze!!!

Marylea

beckyboo1980 wrote: »

Found out this morning hubby has been made redundant. Just absolutely devestated - can't stop crying. Know we need to get productive and get on the case ASAP but just such a blow when we are already in so much financial crap and have only just started to get ourselves sorted out
The problem is that although Mr Boo is more than happy to do ANY job at all - stacking shelves, bins, etc..., because we have to pay full time childcare for the twins, he just can't afford to take a job paying less than about £16000 or we end up paying more for childcare than he earns:(
Just crap!

That is just PANTS Beckyboo........my heart goes out to you.
You are strong and resourceful though.
A friend (male) was in a similar situation a few years ago, he lost his job and his wife worked fulltime so he needed to get a job that paid a certain amount to cover childcare costs. He decided to child-mind and was very successful at it, eventually turning it in to a nursery and after school club business.

Take Care

NinjaSavingKat

Oh BeckyBoo I am so sorry but I am with Abundant on this one. Things happen for a reason. Hard to even contemplate at the moment but when one door closes don't stare at it for too long in case you miss the one that opens. If he is willing to do anything then what a man, what a man what a mighty good man... sorry cheese alert but let him go and search ... A good man is one that is willing to do whatever is necessary to look after his family and you have a good man. He WILL find something.... when I was out of what could be called "normal work" I went to a job agency and did anything they had going.. stuffing envelopes, mind numbing admin jobs....the jobs are out there!

You will get through this! I have every faith in your ability to pull this. Just tell hubby he can dictate his own wage when he goes into one of those places...

I bought more food today. I can't get enough of fruit at the moment. Costing me a fortune..£39..??? Although some cat food, cat litter were buried in there as well.. and more tupper-ware tubs!.. And then WASTED more money on train fares because I couldn't take the bike ot in the snow...£33 for two days???... I am SO annoyed!

But back to the bike tomorrow...GRR!

Right though I need to sleep... Biggest Hugs to BB!

Onwards and Upwards!!!

fairy3

Hi all, just want to add lots of hugs to Beckyboo and Mr Boo, I would cry shout and probably throw things for a while until it was out of my system then sit down and be practical......hope you both find ways to overcome the news and as you have already done lots of the hard work in identifying what needs to be done you have a head start.

I had unexpected day off today so took the opportunity to look at the 'bigger' picture and hauled the paperwork out and it is not looking rosy! after lots of number crunching and wringing of hands I have a plan for 2013 which looks a bit tight but 'doable' with a lot of effort and compromise.
On the positive side I visited the bank as they had charged me £50 for an unplanned overdraft for two days when a first DD was taken early. I explained I was very careful and he checked my history and agreed to re credit the fees so result. Whilst on a run I changed my broadband/phone provider saving between £13 - £23 per month. The CC was next as I had let the 0% finish and been paying interest for 3 months aaggghh not organised enough and must do better. Got a balance transfer confirmation and new CC coming with fee of £64.77 after being rejected for another one, scary moment there.
Next was the MSE bit to menu plan for the whole month after my guilty shop at the weekend so no more spends until weekend and then only fresh stuff, milk bread and possibly eggs. Should come in under budget for the month which will be a triumph as effectively the teenagers are adults so that is four adults and one lovely dog.
Made huge pan of bolognaise and added grated carrot, chopped leek,thick slice of chopped bacoon and my secret ingredient 'value' dry stuffing, just a couple of tablespoons acts as padding and stretches the mince. 800g steak mince made 4 portions of spag bol/lasagne 6 portions and two small portions of spag bol in cartons mixed with olives and jalapenos for me for packed lunches.
Photographed another 20 items for fleabay which DS2 will upload for me tomorrow as I struggle with the laptop and no mouse.
sorry this is so long but last thing just wanted to say a big thank you for the help with my shoebox of cash, now have a bundle of small plastic bags from the bank and a promise they will happily change them.

back to work tomorrow so off for some sleep, will update figures on Saturday, night peeps sweet dreams x

Marylea

Gosh.....I've just looked at my bank account, and by reducing my over draft from £4500 to £4000 and being careful what I spend (hoping to reduce it further at the end of Jan) I have reduced the interest charged from £50 a month to £30....even more determined to get it cleared!.....now that I can see the difference.

gien

Just read back and caught up with the thread - I'm so sorry about your Hubby Becky - what a blow. Does he have to work a period of notice or will they just pay him off?
Although it must be really horrible for you now, you've got the best resources for saving and sorting out your money here on MSE - there must be so many people who can help and suPport you.
Take care

Kerfuffle

Hugs to Becky and Mr Boo I'm sorry to hear you're sad news.

News like this reminds me of the precarious situation Hubby and I are in and strengthens my resolve to get out of the mire as quickly as possible.

Having said that, today has been a spend day , a small amount on food (5.56), some petrol (26.66) and Hubby and I spent some of our 'preplanned treat' money and had burger, fries, coffee and apple turnover each (10.45)

So my current status is:-
Food 7.82 /198.00
Petrol 55.42/212.00
Hair / 26.00
Postage to UK /14.00
3 Birthday cards /10.00
Preplanned Monthly Treat 10.45/20.00

NSD 12/25
SD 3/6

Siouxie - the toothpaste lasted until today, as hoped

abundant1972

Hey all...

Argh just a quick post as need to get this off my chest and stay sane!!!

Been feeling much more upbeat and in control since my splurge earlier... then - when I have sworn never to misbehave again... disaster strikes to test that!!!

Last night I got in and the kitchen looked like a bomb site. The landlord had family over for dinner at weekend and bless him, he invited me too - but I couldn't face 8 people and the noise and I didn't really know anyone - and felt a bit frazzled anyway. But he's a good bloke - fair, honest and kind I guess. He works and has his grandaughter every night to help out his daughter and he does all the housework... when I offer - he just says don't worry - it's in the price... But - this week - I just felt he's struggled to keep on top of it...

So - I blitzed the kitchen a bit, and needed to do some laundry - but his washing was in there. I thought I'll go ahead and dry it so it's all done when he gets back. Every little bit helps!!! So - he gets back and I let him know - and the look on his face... He just said - 'oh no - it's my ski jacket'... I hadn't looked if am honest - just piled it in... He flew in there but it was already nice and dry and folded up on the side. Turns out you are *never* meant to dry them as it ruins the water proofing or something... so I said - don't worry - I'll pay (annoyed with myself for being so stupid and setting myself back!!!)... then he tells me they cost around £500!!!

I can't tell you how gutted I was... he was insistent it didn't matter - it was done with good intentions... because he's that kind of bloke... But I can't in good conscience let him take the fall because I decided to be helpful. Mum always said I had no common sense So - after a mini break down and 10 minutes of 'why me' I just thought ok - move on.

The temptation to gamble was there - and it just felt like now I've sworn off it this is my test to see if I am true to my word!!! I didn't... am determined... I made a decision to pay it - so he can enjoy his holiday and not risk getting there and the coat being a failure. If there's any money left - then that's a bonus.

The reality is it sets me back another month or so. Annoying - yes. A fatal tragedy - no. I've sworn I won't try and be 'helpful' anymore though!!!

Mancman86

So sorry to hear that Beckyboo, I also believe things happen for a reason. Scream shout let it all out. Then tomorrow face things with positivity. Literally bombard companies with CV's then phone them a week later to ask if they have had a chance to look at hubbys cv - even if theres not a vacancy. Is there something hes good at - DIY maybe? A specialist service he could take on? Maybe dog walking in your local area for people whos are too old or vulnerable to walk their dogs. I used to earn £75 a week when I was a teenager doing this
I know Mr S pays well on nightshifts. I am with NSK on this and he is a good man.

I had a little setback of my own last night - failed my specials police medical however have been given another date in 6 weeks to lose a target of 12pounds in weight. Not getting in and possible missing out on the first step into getting my dream job is going to be enough to motivate me. I will lose the weight. Ive applied/entered a competition to get 4 free hours of personal training a week for a month.

Abundant I have just read your post backwards and forwards and it makes sense read both ways

NinjaSavingKat

Let me just get in here real quick.. Abundant have you paid any money yet?? When does he go on holiday??.. there is bound to be places to get the same jacket for a little cheaper! Can it not be "re-proofed" with Nikwax? ( Google this) and check with your landlord. Do not pay him until you have checked all avenues... yes good intentions caused the problem but I have never heard of them being "un-proofed" by going in the dryer and not being able to be re-proofed again?..

Massive explosion heard in my building today... helicopter crash not too far away. So foggy here today which seems to be the blame for the copter being so low! Such a shame with two people dead! Frightening on the bike this morning as well - super cold! Can't wait to get home....

Landlady having the washing machine fixer man come again today. Am getting fed up now! Really need to do my own washing and she doesn't understand I have limited time as it is without hanging around at the laundrette for 4 hours. I literally have no underwear left and am sick of washing them in the shower or sink... it takes too long!!! :mad:

Anyway I am out for an NSD today... Really need one. Marked up food spend, have £17 in my money pot from the ebay man paying upfront when he picked up the hifi... money still left in my account.. more than i expected with money going only on food. I refuse to travel anywhere this month!


Onwards and Upwards ( and keep warm! )

kerri_dfw

NSK I did wonder if you might be caught up in the helicopter. Glad you're safe.

Reporting another NSD yesterday, they're really racking up now! Should be another today as I've got yoga/climbing which is all budgeted for.