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Student, pregnant, sinking and in need of help :( *update*
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~Chameleon~ wrote: »Sign up to studentbeans.com and download the app onto your phone. It will store an electronic student ID so you don't need to purchase NUS card, unless you've already got one. Loads of discount stuff available. If you do have an NUS card then make use of your local Co-op as you get 10% discount on everything.
I'm signed up to them but didn't know they had an app! So I downloaded it today
No local coop near me, sadlyNew single Mum & student Nurse working for our future.
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have just read through the thread and i admire your determination to get through this tough time. Here's what i can add; hope it helps!
thank you!
if i had no signal on my phone for a month due to a fault out with my control i would be expecting not to have to pay for that month. Give vodafone a call and see what compensation they'll offer you. Might be a long shot but could prove fruitful.
they gave me over £60 back in credit which paid for last month's billi was actually quite surprised they did (they even suggested it without me asking) as i had some signal but just no 4g.
if you do get rid of the licence but want to continue watching tv programmes you will definitely need to look into getting broadband. That's assuming you're watching programmes live on tv rather than live on your ipad.
i do, i do. I almost signed up to plusnet through tbc yesterday but when i got to the order page i saw i had to pay £73 upfront, which i don't have at this present moment to spendi do watch programs live on my ipad, but not often enough to justify a license i guess. I could watch these programs the day after/later though i would prefer watching them live.
£12 off your first £60 tesco groceries order with code xx3rm7. The groceries have to be delivered by 30th march.
thanks! I don't think i'll use it in time though, as i've already bought this month's shopping and that's quite a lot to have to spend.
anything at http://www.tesco.com/boost you can see yourself making use of? If so, instead of spending your clubcard vouchers instore at their face value, 'boost' the value of them by 3 or 4 times and use them towards the offers on the boost website.
i had a quick look and it doesn't look too bad. Thing is i barely have any cc points (like less than 10) because i rarely shop in tescos. It's too far for me.
topcashback gives you various options for payout, one of which is tesco clubcard points. They give you a 5% bonus (compared to bacs) and the points are usually added within a few days. So if you have £10 of cash back ready to pay out you will get 1050 clubcard points worth £10.50 at tesco or up to £42 in boost offers. To me it's an absolute no brainer because even if i don't boost the vouchers i can just spend them at their face value instore. The only downside is that you have to wait til the clubcard statement (quarterly) to get your cashback, though i don't find that a big issue.
that's useful to know! I activated all types of payouts so i have the choice of whichever.
sign up to quidco and compare with tcb to see who offers the best cashback rate. With quidco you can register your debit/credit card and get instore cashback at certain retailers.
done! I have the app on my phone too and have linked all of my cards to them.
check tcb snap and save and quidco clicksnap for grocery purchase cashback. Eg. 25p back when you purchase cadbury buttons (a current clicksnap offer). They have phone apps for easy receipt upload
i saw that tcb s and s yesterday. Such a cool idea! Didn't know that quidco done it too.
remember that cashback is not guaranteed and can take a long time to become payable!
yeah, it's more of thing of me accruing it and putting it into savings as opposed to depending on it.
further to the nus card suggestions by others, i would also recommend unidays which has similar offers.
i think i'm joined to that too.
i'mjustwritingthisherebecauseapparentlymymessageistooshortwithoutitlmao:dNew single Mum & student Nurse working for our future.
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citricsquid wrote: »Although it's boring, planning your meals in advance can provide significant savings because you can optimise the ingredients that you buy, you can make sure that nothing ever goes to waste while purchasing cheap and healthy ingredients like fresh vegetables. If you can get to the point where you're never throwing food away you'll be making very good savings. If you absolutely must have the joy of finding good deals, perhaps budget £5 per shop for you to spend on any items you spot while exploring the aisles.
Good ideas
An added benefit on top of saving money that you get from planning meals in advance is that over time you will build up a collection of various meal ideas that you know the exact cost of, then in hard financial months you can plan to eat the things that you know are cheap and healthy.
As is this!
Also if you eventually come to enjoy planning meals you could try vegetarianism, being a healthy vegetarian requires extra commitment to planning good meals and cooking but it can save money because of how expensive meat is nowadays. I quit eating meat last year just to see if I could (I used to eat meat every day) and it was actually very easy, the cost savings are great. That's not an option everyone is interested in but it's worth keeping in mind if you want to squeeze the pennies further.
Funnily enough, I was a vegetarian (with no relapses) for over two years before falling pregnant. However, at 8 weeks the cravings were too strong and into meat I dove!
I know that it's been said a few pages back that the iPad was a bad financial decision, but I just wanted to say that a helpful general rule to live by is if you can't buy a luxury outright then you shouldn't buy it, needing to finance something non-essential is a tell tale sign it's a bad idea. Although that doesn't help now it's good to keep in mind for the future, some people put a lot of hard work into rescuing themselves from debt and then fall back into the same old habits trying to reward themselves. If you can convince yourself debt is to be avoided at all costs and only ever use it to invest in your future (student loans, mortgages) you'll set a solid foundation for your new good habits.
You're very right. To be honest, it's a bad habit of mine. I want it, and I want it now. The iPad I actually only got because Tmobile called me and offered it to me as a valued customer. I fancied the idea of an iPad so I said yes. Doh! As for the iPhone, oh my gosh, I'm so ashamed. I was in a 24 month contract with an iPhone 4s that I was paying £46 a month for. That was due to end last month, but I was desperate to get out of the contract because of the crappy 3g signal (remember I have never had broadband so have always relied on tethering), high contract price and I really wanted an iPhone 5s. So Phones4U offered to buy me out of my contract. I wanted as much data as I could get on 4g, which is unfortunately not unlimited (I have 12gb) so rushed forward with the sale despite it being another 24 months and such a HIGH contract! ARGH.
I wouldn't do without my iPhone but FGS I should have been smarter and just installed broadband and got a cheaper contract. Oh well, you have to live and learn.
Good luck with your daughter, have you decided a middle name yet? If not I recommend Martin Lewis, so the money saving spirit is with her from birth.
Haha, yes! Her middle name is her father's last name. I don't think Martin Lewis would suit her forename/last name to be honest :rotfl:
:money:
........................................................................................................New single Mum & student Nurse working for our future.
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Just wanted to add - I meant check out SureStart (not for the grant which you aren't eligible for) but for their activities - in our area they ran a toy library which was 20p per box/big item for a fortnight and great for different things to stimulate babies all the way up to 4/5 years old. They also did mum and babies coffee mornings, again either free or very heavily subsidised and their toddler activities were free with lots of fresh fruit and things for the toddlers to snack on. Their whole aim was helping mothers and children who didn't have much cash. For example, when we didn't need our Greco travel system anymore, I gave the whole thing to SureStart locally and they passed it onto a new mum who needed it so lots of passing things down and round and round!
Getting on a clothes chain is a good thing too - if you have friends who have kids a couple of years older (or family who know people), you become the person that they hand all the stuff down to. We got some lovely clothes from my cousin whose daughter is 2 years older, and passed on some really nice stuff to my other cousin whose daughter is 4 years younger. Especially when they are younger, kids grow so quickly and rarely "ruin" or wear something out. As they get older, clothes fit them for longer and for rougher play so aren't as good for passing around!
Ah, my baddidn't realise they had activities! I'll look into it, thanks
A clothes chain sounds good. Are there groups for that or is it more just a thing you do with your friends/family?New single Mum & student Nurse working for our future.
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racing_blue wrote: »I have only read the OP and first few posts so apologise if this has already been said, but if you can possibly find a way to:
1. AVOID MORE DEBT
2. KEEP THE NURSE STUDIES GOING
Definitelyalthough RE point 2, my childhood dream has always been to be a Midwife. I actually originally applied for that during my access course but had 5 rejections. My uni rejected me too but then offered me Adult Nursing. I wasn't going to accept because I never wanted to do nursing but thought it would be a good idea to because of the status of my uni/how much I loved it and for the merits of having a nursing and midwifery qualification. However, I am very unhappy doing nursing so I am looking to request an internal transfer or, if not possible, apply to other unis for Midwifery on my maternity leave. Rest assured, I will NOT not go uni, but I don't know realistically when I was be a qualified RN or RM.
then the rest is detail.
Admittedly, detail looks pretty tough at the moment, but the big picture is OK. Your overall debt is less than £2k... over on the debt free board there are people owing 10x that.
Yeah, that's scary :eek: I must say, I am very happy that my debt isn't too high. I had an overdraft debt with Coop last year which I just finished paying off last month. The relief was IMMENSE! Can't wait to get rid of these two, which won't take me long I don't think.
You are on the road to a profession with decent earning potential (depending on how far you wish to take it... https://www.rcn.org.uk/support/pay_and_conditions/pay_rates_201314)
Yep! My ultimate dream is to become an bereavement Midwife and I'd love to be working at a higher level like consultant or specialist.
A big thing in your favour, budgeting, is that you are not servicing a large debt. I completely believe the key is to avoid this debt increasing, using all the methods described above.
That is not to downplay the really challenging situation which you are facing with new baby / studies / cost of accomodation/ future childcare but these are issues which often seem to have individual own work-throughs and fixes, situation dependent. But the financial goal in all of it should be to avoid more debt, and to maintain a trajectory towards higher income potential.
Agreed.
I really hope things work out well & that you can get support here about all the financial issues.
Thank you!
.................................................New single Mum & student Nurse working for our future.
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racing_blue wrote: »I disagree with the sentiment behind this. Early 20s can be an excellent age to have a baby from a biological perspective. It is hardwired, historically would not be considered young at all. Time, health and resilience are on the side of the younger parent. I had children in early 20s and would not change a thing.
:T:T:T
They won't let me post this without more characters, grrr.New single Mum & student Nurse working for our future.
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Hi, many years ago I was a student struggling financially at university (albeit not pregnant) and ended up having to drop out due to debts. Having read through your thread I have a few ideas that could save you some small amounts of money in your living expenses.
I'm sorry to hear that, that must have been hard for you. I'll never forget how I felt when I was facing having to drop out because of the extremely high cost of the temporary accomodation. In the end I decided to stay but I am now in debt because of it! It's a tough/call situation to be in
1) Have you signed up to the various parenting clubs (sainsburys, boots, Tesco.) Boots give 10 points per £1 on selected items, Sainsburys a £5 voucher off their own brand baby products and Boots and Tesco send money off vouchers through the post.
I have loyalty cards for all 3, but I use Sainsburys the most. I rarely use my Clubcard and I can't find the Boots card, lol! I'll have to get a new one sent in the post. I didn't know Sainsburys had a parenting club though. I'll have a look and sign up!
2) We live in a hard water area and don't use fabric conditioner at all. Would this be an option as it would obviously save money? Otherwise, if you use the recommended amount on the bottle try reducing this. We also use less than half the recommended dosage of washing powder per wash (including for laundering my health care uniforms.)
Oooo, I don't think I could do this. I love the smell too much (washing powder too), it's such a huge comfort to me! I do try and buy it on sale though. I might even try sending an email to my favourite brands telling them how much I love their product and see if they'll send me some for freeI do have a huge stockpile at the moment so I don't need to spend money on more, though it's an addiction for me right now and I have to try very hard to stop myself. I usually end up buying one every shop currently :eek: I don't look at the recommended amount to be honest, I just put in however much I think I need to, ha.
3) If you have a freezer perhaps you could look at buying bigger portions of food, and making up two of the same meal at once, one for now and one to freeze. I imagine that once the baby arrives you aren't going to feel much like cooking and just reheating a meal may be easier. Also, check that buying fruit and veg loose isn't actually cheaper than buying the "special offer" bagged items.
Indeedy, I have a freezerI currently buy things on sale (like bread, butter, meat) and put it in the freezer for later use. Freezing cooked meals is something I am not adverse to either!
4) Did you have a phone before your iphone? Do you still have it? It could be sold to raise some money. Same as with any old cd's, dvd's etc... Also any text books you may have which you no longer require.
I did but I sold it to someone who helped me do my room. Good idea to sell old CDs, DVDs etc. I have thousands of books too (honestly, tons) which I could sell some of, but that might be tough for me as I'm quite attached to them (many of them I've had since childhood and would love her to read also). I have some pregnancy books I could sell though, in good condition
5) We are signed up for quidco as well as topcashback. I always check the cashback amounts on both before I make a purchase.
Also, install the apps for both, as well as shopitize on your phone. We have had plenty of cashback for buying things we would anyway.
We also use my supermarket to check prices against other supermarkets (they have two apps available.)
Check, check, check, and check
6) Once your baby starts outgrowing clothes sell them on, maybe through Facebook selling groups or ebay. You will find you get slightly more money selling clothes while the same items are still available new from the shops. Also, should you get any clothes (or other items) as gifts that you don't need, take them back to the shops and you will usually be able to get a gift card. You can then save this for a sale in that shop and buy twice as many items that you do need!
Good idea :money:
7) Check for NUS or NHS discounts before you shop. It doesn't cost anything to ask if a student discount is available if there is no obvious sign.
As is this :money:
Good luck.
Thank you!
P.S - my daughter has hiccups and it is terrible distracting! :rotfl:
New single Mum & student Nurse working for our future.
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Archi_Bald wrote: »Too many adults these days judge people from a few posts on the internet without actually going through the processes of getting to know the people.
I don't understand many things you say, such as "Living with your dad would be a much better move". How on earth did you determine that. Don't bother explaining, I don't think I would ever understand your thinking.
I agree. I think it's quite sad actually, that people will sit there and type out things that they would probably never say to people's faces. We are all real people behind these screen; and manners, and tact, does not become obsolete because we are!New single Mum & student Nurse working for our future.
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shandyclover wrote: »I had my first child at 21, I wouldn't have it any other way. It was hard at the time, but my children are part of what made me the character I am today.
Exactly. I could never truly regret my daughter, even if it temporarily made my life harder, but I could and WOULD regret killing her. The never knowing, the guilt, the whole process - it would destroy me mentally and emotionally. Plus, I don't really agree with it.
I would definitely look up 'Surestart'. Even if you are not eligible for their grant find your local chapter or group. They were incredibly supportive to me when I unexpectedly arrived back in UK with 4 children under 10 in winter with no warm clothing, no home, no job, no family and for a short time no husband (before anyone starts bashing me yes, I am english born and bred, just have been an expat). Surestart let me access their clothing store which tided us over until I reconnected with family and found a home and job, but most importantly they treated me with dignity and respect which at the time was so precious.
That's wicked
Do, as others have suggested look at Jack's website http://agirlcalledjack.com/ she bases all her budget busting recipes on Sainsbury's basics, you mentioned you shop there it being the closest. As a single mum I think you may also find her story incredibly inspirational, just knowing there are others out there like you and you are not alone can make a difference.
Bookmarked!
Far be it from me to try to teach a student nurse, but try and remember how important this trimester is for your baby's future while her brain is growing at a rate of knots http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/eating-well/week-37/protein.aspx#ts
When times were tough I often tried to live by the maxim 'will this build me/my kids health' if the answer was no, it went back on the shelf till times were better. While a 'bali' scented toilet cleaner is nice, a basics 20p pine one will still do the job and you will have an extra £1.80 to buy nutritious food for you/baby or pay off debts. I confess I too have an obsession with scented stuff, it was some of the first 'luxuries' I bought when I got a job, I'm sure it's a clever marketing ploy!
Very true.
And yes! I've always liked smells but the pregnancy has turned it into an obsession. If you could see how much Cif actilift ocean fresh wipes I have stacked up in the bathroom, on top of the toilet, under the kitchen sink :rotfl::rotfl:I'm sad because I have no washing left to do. I have several different brands of washing powder/fabric conditioner/liquid detergent/gels under my kitchen sink and dove soap, I LOVE dove soap! These smells make me feel so safe:o
Wander over to the 'Oldstyle moneysaving' thread sometime. There are some amazing experts on there and makes for fascinating reading
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=33
Thanks, will have a nosy
Wishing you and your little one all the best. One day you will be able to proudly tell her how you and her came through all this and survived. My 4 are mostly grown up now, all working in college/uni and driven young ladies with a sense of who they are and want to contribute to the world, as I'm sure your daughter will be with such a strong role model!:T
Thank you! I'm determined to be a good Mum and raise her well!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxNew single Mum & student Nurse working for our future.
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Temp. accom. arrears £719.32/[STRIKE]£1145.3[/STRIKE] ✖ Lloyds/Capquest arrears £255.51/[STRIKE]£376.51[/STRIKE] ✖ Savings acc £70/£1000 ✔ Savings jar £47.92/£50 ✔ Nectar pts 10,297/10,0000 -
^^^ this.
I know I can be a bit blunt at times but 'anotheruser' sounds like the nastiest piece of work in many a long month.
Who could take exception to anything the OP has written? She appears to be moving mountains to do the right thing, and deserves all the luck and support possible :-)
Thank you! It seems the 5 people who 'thanked' his/her post are just as nasty! Oh well, some people just like to gloat in other people's misfortunes and gleefully cackle "serves you right".
Thank you again!New single Mum & student Nurse working for our future.
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Temp. accom. arrears £719.32/[STRIKE]£1145.3[/STRIKE] ✖ Lloyds/Capquest arrears £255.51/[STRIKE]£376.51[/STRIKE] ✖ Savings acc £70/£1000 ✔ Savings jar £47.92/£50 ✔ Nectar pts 10,297/10,0000
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