Help please

esmf73

Brown stuff has hit the fan. House safe, but concerned about money big time.

What can I do?

I have freezer of food to use and stuff in cupboards. Am using stuff I was stockpiling for end of the world! Managed to get loads of free pallets for firewood yesterday. Am collecting everything that's not used in house to sell at carboot on Saturday.

Have cancelled elderly cats insurance after agreeing with husband we would pts anyway, they are both 15 plus. Have managed to get most Christmas presents shopped for relatives, have got school uniform or September. All holidays (staying with relatives) cancelled, kids happier at home anyway. I brand swap all the time and do what I can.

Has anyone got any ideas that will help me save or bring in money? Thanks x

mrsdwhite

I'm not the bet person on here to offer advice, but didn't want to read and run as it were.
I often see with posts like this the people who can offer good advice ask for more details such as if you need help meal planning to leave a list of what you have in stock.
Sounds like you're being v organised though, well done!
Hopefully someone will be along soon with some good ideas for you.

kacie

Can you look to see if the stuff will sell elsewhere first, you don't get a lot of money doing a carboot? try looking on the Up your income board as well, they'll have some ideas of what you can do to earn some extra cash.

With regards to food, meal planning, using leftovers, bulk cooking things like that always help.

missty25

What about eBay or gum tree or local selling sites on Facebook. Have you done an soa, this can be handy to see where you can cut back for example, sky tv, gas/electric, mobiles, broadband, home phone. Basically any bills that you can reduce or even get rid of if not necessity.

I am trying to majorly cut back food shopping and am meal planning, using up left overs as well as trying to stock up the store cupboard with vp even one item per shop.

For the kids, do they take packed lunches or school dinners? If dinners try and swap to pack ups, my DD has decided she doesn't want milk anymore so saving about £30 a year for this. Also she is only getting school dinners in a Monday and not the other 3 days she will take a pack up so saving £5.40 a week.

Every little thing helps. If I think of anything else, I'll be back.

msgnomey

well done on your changes so far! You seem to have made a really good start

I am in a similar position in that my wages went down a little , I needed a new car which we had on HP and my DD needed lots of dental work which she couldn't afford so I helped her out, to find that I couldn't really afford it either

I am finding so many good ideas on here!! I will follow your thread in anticipation of some more !!

Cheer!

carlymummy

Hi esmf73 glad to hear that your house is safe that is something to be grateful for I know because we were in a similar situation about 3 years ago, just before we entered into an IVA. Money is still very tight though.
It sounds as if you are pretty much clued up anyway, I am certainly not an expert by any means just a busy mum trying to survive with her family
Here's a list if a few things you could try:
Meal planning fortnightly it is surprising how much you can save by doing this, I printed a monthly meal planner off netmums and have completed the first 2 weeks of it mostly the meals are rotated.
If you have debts to pay, write to them explain your situation (long or short term) and offer them a token payment in place of your usual monthly amount this will free up some money even just in the short term if need be.
Try looking on AF for reduced foods in bulk.
For selling try ebay, gumtree or even facebook you may get more for your goods.
Start a savings jar with your loose change coppers etc, it is surprising how much you can save in a short time.
Make sure your home is insulated to save on fuel bills over the colder months.
Can't think of anything else at the moment but good luck x

bargainbetty

Do you have the option of a part-time/second job? Not knowing your circumstances, could you get bar work of an evening, deliver take-aways, catalogues, papers, anything like that?

Ironing, dog-walking, mowing neighbours lawns, anything?

esmf73

Many thanks for your replies. Have decided to look at what I can do with what I have. Found lots of material so will be working on making things to sell for a while, hopefully it will take my mind off things!

bearcub

I'm no help here at all with practicalities. However, I've one suggestion that may be of help - if not for you, for someone else who may look in. The Food Banks run by the Trussel Trust are linked to an organisation called Christians Against Poverty (CAP), and they have people all over the place, trained to help out those with severe financial problems. They do NOT preach, but give honest and free guidance and suggestions for managing money. If you have no particular problem with dealing with 'church people' (some people have a LOT of problem with that), it could be the way to go. If so, contact your local Food Bank.

ditsykitchen

How much are you spending on groceries atm? Could you cut back there? Maybe take part in the grocery challenge

Have a clear out and get some stuff put on ebay/carboot

cateerob

sounds like you are in the same situation as me, EBay is good, but time consuming, do you have kids toys , my daughter sold her Lego set on ebay two weeks ago for £80, it paid for her new trainers that she had to have and replaced her phone. I cancelled my cat insurance but registered them at blue cross so if need to get very cheap treatment.

What about internet? I called BT and told them I couldn't afford to pay that much and was cancelling contract they basically halved my price plan.

I have switched gas and electric and got £65 cash back on the way for doing it and cheaper bills, wish that would hurry up and get here.

Swagbucks? its time consuming but I get at least £5 a month amazon voucher fior using it and save them for presents.

Hope things pick up for you.