My SOA - Help!

[Deleted User]

Pepperoni wrote: »

Not saving anything for Emergencies at the moment - would you recommend this even with debts outstanding?

Yes.

Without an emergency fund, a breakdown of an essential item (cooker, fridge, washing machine etc.), will have you straight back to borrowing.

How much would you suggest we put away for this?

I suggest putting away enough, to replace the two most expensive domestic appliances you have.

That's usually the cooker and the washing machine.

NB. I'm referring to essential items, which doesn't include things like a big screen TV, X-Box, etc.

[Deleted User]

Fmess wrote: »

The biggest difference we found for saving money was to swap to shopping at Aldi.

And don't forget the £ stores for things like cleaning stuff (washing up liquid, laundry gel, scouring pads etc.) and, if you have any animals, pet items, such as cat biscuits, flea drops, etc.

Also, your local market (if you have one) can be a source of cheap household items.

I got 5L of washing up liquid for £2-50, and 5L of unscented bleach for £2, from mine.

Even the £ stores can't beat those prices.

[Deleted User]

Have you checked that what your OH is earning, is more than it is costing to run the second car?

There's no point in him working, if it costs more than his take home pay, to tax, insure, service, MOT and fuel the car.

LittleMissGiggles123

Your gas & electric is high. We're a family of 4 & our monthly combined is £68.

Water is also high, are you on a meter? We are on a water meter & we pay a lot less than friends of ours who are on the normal water rates.

Entertainment, holiday, clothes - these should be cut down drastically, you can't afford to be spending this much on these items.

Groceries seems a bit high for just 2 people, although I don't have many tips to get these lower because we also spend too much money on groceries. Something I've often tried to change but things keep creeping in to the trolley or we do the dreaded mid week shop for bread & milk, but end up spending £50.

Sorry if people have already covered these points. Hope you can make some savings.

Good luck

getmore4less

Pepperoni wrote: »

Thanks for the advice.

Will certainly make sure the extra money isn't lost!

Unfortunately he is not receiving any JSA They won't even pay his NI. They've said its because as far as they are concerned he had no good reason to leave his job. :mad:

Oh yes, sorry forgot that from the first post.