Recently made BR - My SOA look ok?

Jenny12F

Hi I've recently been made bankrupt and went through the phone interview with my OR. I am a single parent with two kids aged 4 and 1.

This is pretty much what I've given over the phone and she said she will be in contact soon to see what contributions I can pay towards my BR. Which I don't feel I can afford but when you list it out on paper it looks like I have free cash. I never do. Please help.....

Salary £680
Child Benefit £135
Tax Credits £1000

Rent £550
Childcare £420
Food £200
Council Tax £145
Gas £70
Electricity £50
TV License £12
Nappies/Wipes £40
Travel to Work £22
Dog Food/Care £50
Haircuts £30
Clothes £30
Sky TV, Line Rental, Broadband £50

Income £1,815
Expenses £1,669

Leaves me with £146 however have I understated/overstated/missed anything I can have in here?

I've read people having holiday funds and £25pp for clothes etc but the way she was speaking to me I don't think they would accept this. She basically said I can live on £35 a week for the family which I found cometely unrealistic.

egrescrimp

Your food is very low! I'd push that to at least £300 per month (perhaps even go as high as £350).

You are allowed a clothing allowance and yours is very low considering there is 3 people, increase this to £75 minimum.

A holiday fund of £40 (£20 for you, £10 each child).

Emergency fund £30 (£10 per person).

Your phone and broadband maybe fine, but you'll have a fight trying to keep/justify the TV package (you could account for the TV package in a higher food/household allowance).

What about contents insurance? £10 would be fine there.

Mobile, you are allowed an allowance for this so put down £10/£15 p/m.

The above are suggestions, you don't have to use them all but I'd certainly recommend the Emergency fund and increasing your food/housekeeping.

Anondebtadvisor

I agree that your food is very low, I suggest between £350 to £390 per month. Go back to the examiner and tell them you think you have underestimated some areas

tigerfeet2006

Who gave you advice on going bankrupt?

Pop your out goings into this calculator plus the suggestions and then post it on here.

http://www.stoozing.com/calculator/soa.php

queensland

Water rates?
Healthcare? Opticians/Dentist if applicable?
Holiday-British I was told :-)
Insurance
Instead of food I put housekeeping, this included food and laundry as well as other stuff I cant remember, this came to £450 for two of us.
£10 emergency fund.
Your travel to work seems low too, what about other trips such as taking the children to appointments/food shopping etc?

I had a very good OR who told me what to add

Hope this helps