No Debt, but still struggling-just a moan really.

WantToBeSE

I hope this is in the right place- i know this is more for people with debt, but you all seem so good at budgeting, i think you can help me

So, i have cleared off all of my debt, but i still seem to be struggling financially!
I used up all of my savings-not much, only £3000-when i became unemployed 6 months ago, and had to apply for JSA.
I am desperately looking for work, so hopefully this desperation wont last long, it just seems a bit miserable at the moment.
I don't have any luxuries, and can't cut back anywhere, i am just feeling a bit sorry for myself today

The next 2 weeks are going to be the hardest, as i have all of my DDS and SOs coming out of the bank, and i know it wont be so bad in the future when i can get a job and save up a bit of money...just feeling the misery a lot today.

wiseupfast

Hi! I didnt want to read and run

So sorry you are having a bad day, it sounds like you have had alot to cope with recently and are doing a good job so far, just remember that.

I cant offer much help I'm afraid other than to post an SOA for people to have a look at to see if they can help.

Good luck, Im sure people with more experience will be along to help soon:)

McKneff

Well done for getting rid of your debt.

You really should have applied for JSA when you first left work, it is your entitlement and you would also have got NI credits, which are important for if you have to claim benefits in the future and towards your state pension.

The best thing you can do is post an SOA so we can help you budget, it';s amazing what fresh eyes can see.

Someone will come along and post a link for you.

Hope you feel a little better by now, sometimes it helps just writing it down.

WantToBeSE

Thanks for the replies
I really dont think an SOA will help, as i think i just need to have a kick up the bottom It's just one of those days, you know?
I am just glad that i cleared all of my debt before i became unemployed as i never would have afforded it now.

wiseupfast

Consider yourself kicked:rotfl:

Keep smiling! You did what you thought best at the time paying off your debts. I really dont know the ins and outs of JSA/savings, so I cant comment.

How are you doing for food/meal planning?

As for lack of luxuires/treats I sympathise, We all need something to look forward to. Sometimes the simplest things can feel like a luxury. I just sat out in a patch of sunshine with a cup off coffee. 5 mins peace and quiet felt quite luxurious!

Hang in there

WantToBeSE

Thanks for the kick wiseupfast.
I definitely don't regret clearing my debt, it was costing me £280 a month that i could never have afforded to repay now i am unemployed, so it's all good.
I am now at that limbo stage where i have £0 savings (barr £50!) and cant afford to save up anything else yet. I know that getting a job is key to this situation improving, and i am working as hard as possible on that.
I might see if i can squeeze £5 out of my shopping budget a month for a bottle of bubbly. My friends have been great, lending me films to watch on the weekends, magazines to read when they have finished with them, so that i feel like i get a few luxuries without having to pay for them, so it feels degrading having to do this

wannabee_in_credit

It's only short term.
Promise yourself a nice treat with your first pay packet from your new job - something to keep you motivated.
I already know I'm going to buy myself a pair of Irregular Choice shoes when I finally get rid of my debt.
Budgeting and money management is ok, but really demotivating when you can't make ends meet.
Hope that you find something soon and can properly treat yourself.

WantToBeSE

Thanks wannabe, you are right, it's not a long term thing.
I just need to get a grip and carry on fighting, i have been in MUCH worse financial situations than this before.

wiseupfast

Yes - you are right, this is a blip. It's just that looking for work is hard work and emotionally draining, in my experience.

It sounds like you have some good friends. Try not to feel it is degrading to borrow things- what are friends for? I bet you will find ways of helping them out sometimes too, even if it is just a shoulder to cry on or a spot of babysitting, for example.


Chin up I hope tomorrow brings some good news:)

kerri_gt

Firstly, well done on clearing your debt AND not slipping back into it with your current financial situation :T:T:T

Without knowing your exact circumstances / SOA it's hard to know what to suggest but if you haven't have a look at the Old Style Moneysaving board, they have lots of fab tips from cooking to cleaning and other inventive ways of making things go that little bit further or using everyday things in ways you wouldn't have thought of.

It's great that you have supportive friends - that makes a massive difference. If you're feeling a bit down, could you manage to invite them round for dinner if you can rustle something up - and have them each bring a bottle of something. Or you provide the venue and each person brings a dish?

I agree with Wiseupfast - sometimes its the little things that being the most pleasure, I love sitting in my garden in the first of the warm sunny days (ok, less Enid Blyton for me but you get the picture :rotfl:) having a cuppa and just listing to the birds signing - esp the kites calling as we have lots where we are. Often it's just taking time to get off the treadmill of whatever daily routine is that makes the difference.

I'm sure you're really busy while you're not working but have you thought about volunteering locally? Just an idea that might give you a change of scene and help you focus on something else while job hunting.