The OS Doorstep - a helpful and supportive thread in these tough times

starsandmoon

Hi Folks havnt posted on this thread for ages, tend to be on the charity shop thread a lot but often lurk on this one too.

Just thought I would share my huge payrise with you all. I work in the hated public sector and this years payrise was a big1% which means I got £8 a month extra in my pay :eek: What shall I spend it on?

Suppose its better than nothing. 18 months ago I had a huge pay cut and redundancy looming over me

nuttyp

starsandmoons I got a payrise too, 9p an hour. I work between 20 and 40 a week so enough to buy 4pts of milk I suppose. Better than nothing!!

We are one of the lucky ones, we both have jobs and a roof over our head. I am frugal with my shopping, and I wrap up in the house. There are lots of people in far worse situations than I have been in, its nearly my 6 years since Br. On wards and up wards and no looking back.

floss2

starsandmoon wrote: »

Hi Folks havnt posted on this thread for ages, tend to be on the charity shop thread a lot but often lurk on this one too.

Just thought I would share my huge payrise with you all. I work in the hated public sector and this years payrise was a big1% which means I got £8 a month extra in my pay :eek: What shall I spend it on?

Suppose its better than nothing. 18 months ago I had a huge pay cut and redundancy looming over me

I also got the 1% local government pay rise - we have taken a 4-day pay cut and have had redundancy hanging over us every Christmas for the last 3 years, with this years letters expected next month.

starsandmoon

Were making more cuts this coming year too. Been some interesting internal promotions though at management level, hmmmm. Im lowly admin. Its a strain isnt it always having that insecurity hanging over you? Im strange and actually like my job too

floss2

starsandmoon wrote: »

Were making more cuts this coming year too. Been some interesting internal promotions though at management level, hmmmm. Im lowly admin. Its a strain isnt it always having that insecurity hanging over you? Im strange and actually like my job too

Yes, we've got more huge savings to make. I'm getting quite used to the insecurity - although if my name does come up I have a few years under my belt so will get a lump sum to tide us over.

starsandmoon

floss2 wrote: »

Yes, we've got more huge savings to make. I'm getting quite used to the insecurity - although if my name does come up I have a few years under my belt so will get a lump sum to tide us over.

We have a 4 days unpaid leave at Xmas and a % gets deducted from our wages each month so we dont get a short paypacket in Jan. We also have to pay for parking (£20 a month for full time staff). Both these things have saved jobs. Ive got savings and would get a lump sum so would (hopefully) be ok whilst looking for another job

fuddle

nuttyp wrote: »

There are lots of people in far worse situations than I have been in, its nearly my 6 years since Br. On wards and up wards and no looking back.

You're nearly there nutty, nearly there. I've got 1 year 8 months of it left. I am just wanting it to be over so I can truly forget about it. Do you still think of it daily? I do. I can't wait to just let it go. There's no judgement or punishment greater than what a bankrupt does to them self. I remember your posts on BR when I lurked as I was going through it. Did I ever tell you that?

Your supportive words always rang true with me because you were so grounded and told it how it was, warts and all and you focused on how it effected you mentally and spoke of depression. It resonated with me so much and of great comfort.

There told you.

Hard_Up_Hester

Another one here who got a pay rise, I was so excited to find an extra £6.37 on my pay packet, I was less excited when I realised it included 4 month back pay!
Hester

nuttyp

Fuddle, I never knew!!! I wanted people to know the worse is always before BR. I was scared, scared of everything.... the court staff were so lovely - my girls and mum went with me to hand in my paperwork. After we went to a caf! had a cup of tea and a slice of cake. The relief was so intense, you can answer the door, telephone and mail and worry no more. All your items are safe, and when you get paid - you know exactly what you have to spend after you have paid the OR their amount.

Anyone who thinks its the easy way out hasn't experienced it, I ask everytime I shop - do I need it, can I afford it and finally can I get it cheaper elsewhere.

My OH family have never found out our secret, they just think we are well off. See bargain hunting is nothing to be ashamed of. We are happy with our life, and having a warm home and food to eat is more precious than a new car, big mortgage or fancy clothes/holidays.

You know what fuddle I admire you, your determination to move on and to a new area, well I would never be brave enough. Your determination to give your girls everything possible, and to be as old style as possible. Well I wish I could have been like that more.

take care x

suzitiger

I've found you, I've found you!! :j
Thank you fuddle for re-making this thread. I used to be a member of the workhouse thread when I first joined MSE 2years ago and I miss advice on crafting, preserving and foraging. I am still so new to it all.
So hello everyone, I am joining you. My name is Suzi and I consider myself to be a bit of a hippy who sometimes struggles to live in this commercial world we call home.
I am getting married next year and any frugal suggestions from anyone would also be very welcome :-D
It's lovely to be back!