Been made redundant – where can I make savings?

MartinW1968

We are a couple with a 3 year old son, I have to make some serious cuts in our spending, can any forum users recommend where I can make some savings. We have already gone down to one car, the other is on ebay.

• Mortgage £228 a month interest only
• Capital repayment - £160
• No car repayments but insurance is £148 a year
• Car tax £100, on LPG discount
• Scottish power already have cheapest tariff £110 a month
• Council tax £134.44 x 10 a year
• Entertainment - £0 – everything axed
• Food – Downshifted everything now £55 a week
• Clothes and household maintenance - £0 everything axed.
• Mobile phones 1 each £8 per phone, we dont exceed our free minutes
• TalkTalk landline and ‘free’ internet £29 including some charged calls.
• Sky Basic package £26, no landline or internet.
• water (tap water) £14.40
• Sewerage, billed separately £21.60
• Pension £60
• Nursery meals £21.
• Child Support Agency - from prev relationship £658.19 deduction order, but this will probably change - on the case now.

Unless I find work, our money we have shored up will run out in about 8 months time. We are not booking any holidays this year, nice holidays was our only vice.

Any comments greatly appreciated.

Reggie_Rebel

If there is someone at home then Nursery meals can go
Look to change your phone/internet supplier provided you aren't in a contract
Cancel your Sky package, not only will you be saving money you'll also be striking a small blow against the corrupt Murdoch empire

MartinW1968

I havnt taken him out of nursery because he has 15 hours free nursery, before that I nwas paying over £240 a month so thats a saving.

I tried to cut down on Sky but my partner really wants her Living TV channels and my son watched Disney Junior. Im open for cheaper ways to get these two channels. I dont need anything else because its already on Freeview.

Im out of a contract with TalkTalk, but I cant find anyone cheaper for the package we currently have (free landline 24/7) and BB internet.

Bigmoney2

Are you claiming all the benefits you're entitled to?

You may be entitled to Contribution JSA if you have the relevant years contributions.

How much does your partner earn. You may be entitled to a higher level of child/ working tax credits, as well as help with rent/council tax.

joolsybools

Yes, definitely do a benefits check http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

Sounds like you are in a reasonably good position with no debts and some savings. Good luck with the job hunting.

getmore4less

MartinW1968 wrote: »

I tried to cut down on Sky but my partner really wants her Living TV channels and my son watched Disney Junior. Im open for cheaper ways to get these two channels. I dont need anything else because its already on Freeview.
.

POint out that you can't afford £312 a year on TV and as you both need to be looking for work now she won't have time to watch TV anyway.


Can be reinstated if one of you gets work.

exarmydreamer

I would suggest going over to the debt wannabe board. By typing up a Statement of Affairs, the posters over there will be able to direct you to savings on TV packages etc. Also try the Old Style Board where they have shopping lists for a family of 4, for £50 per week. Lots of recipe advice and frugal living.

Posters are really good at picking up savings on SOA on the debt free thread, you could join also one of the challenges or open a diary. Good Luck.:)

princessdon

You also need to check you are claiming all benefits

Sycorax

Sorry, food on the table trumps Sky Living....maybe son and mum can entertain each other rather than staring at the picture box.

Plusnet are doing some very good deals, their Essentials package is 2.99 a month for a year, that's broadband, unlimited free weekend and evening calls, landline can be got for £9 a month if pay a year up front.

jobdone1

MartinW1968 wrote: »

I havnt taken him out of nursery because he has 15 hours free nursery, before that I nwas paying over £240 a month so thats a saving.

I tried to cut down on Sky but my partner really wants her Living TV channels and my son watched Disney Junior. Im open for cheaper ways to get these two channels. I dont need anything else because its already on Freeview.

Im out of a contract with TalkTalk, but I cant find anyone cheaper for the package we currently have (free landline 24/7) and BB internet.

Sorry i don't mean to be harsh but NEEDS AND WANTS if you are strapped for cash and have to cut back then sky to me is a WANT and not a NEED.

Reggie_Rebel

MartinW1968 wrote: »

I havnt taken him out of nursery because he has 15 hours free nursery, before that I nwas paying over £240 a month so thats a saving.

Can you pass on the meals

MartinW1968 wrote: »

I tried to cut down on Sky but my partner really wants her Living TV channels and my son watched Disney Junior. Im open for cheaper ways to get these two channels. I dont need anything else because its already on Freeview.

She can pay for it then. CBBC do good programmes for the little one. You'll also gain an enormous sense of well being knowing that you aren't contributing to the corrupt Murdoch organisation

MartinW1968 wrote: »

Im out of a contract with TalkTalk, but I cant find anyone cheaper for the package we currently have (free landline 24/7) and BB internet.

Just moved away from Talk Talk as BT and Plus Net were cheaper