Going from 2 incomes to none

[Deleted User]

www.magicfreebies.co.uk is a good site to look at also www.frugalqueen.co.uk
http://meanqueen-lifeaftermoney.blogspot.co.uk are also pretty good or if you fancy something really moneysaving then A girl called jack does a prety good menu as she survived with her little boy on a tenner a week when she was brassic
Good luck and try not to worry as it won't help any and just make you feel worse.Come on here and have a rant and we will all give you a helpng hand if you need it :) a lot of us have been where you are and don't be scared or frightened to tell us we are your 'virtual pals'
love 'n' stuff
JackieO xxx

PenguinJim

Don't overlook bicycles if you're not able to drive. Heck, even if you are able to drive, they're a great moneysaver and keep you fit, too!

I was reading this article recently, and think the bike trailer is quite a good idea: http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/04/18/get-rich-with-bikes/

skogar

Sounds like you're well stocked up and prepared. So well done for being super organised. I don't really know what advice to offer as I don't know much about your interests etc.

I find the local library great. Just borrowed the Girl Called Jack's cook book and it looks like it has some good ideas in. If you like Indian food I'm sure you will be able to make some great cheap food. If you find it difficult to get out many libraries are starting to lend ebooks (and some will let you join from outside the area and still borrow ebooks), also even some councils that don't do ebooks have started doing emagazines using zinio. It's rather a limited choice at the moment but for free...... I do love my treat of a hot chocolate and a magazine - needless to say a free emagazine!

Hugs

suki1964

It's ok to be scared. It's something new and frightening to have to deal with. But you will soon adapt and learn to manage what your new life throws at you


One thing I would suggest if you haven't yet thought of it. Are there any charities or organizations specific to you and your husbands disabilities? If so it may be worth getting in touch with them for help with the household practicalities. As you say, your home is in some state of disrepair and needs sorting. Perhaps they can help with labour or even with costs. I know help the aged help older people with things like keeping grass mown and such like. It's worth looking into

We are also on just one income at the moment and that too will be reduced considerably in the next year. Whilst we are still able we are working our way through the house, doing up each room and decluttering like crazy so when the time comes it will be easier to keep on top of

I've also been stock piling all sorts of things, sheets, blankets, tea towels etc. husband thinks I'm mad but nothing lasts forever and replacements when you have a very tight budget is difficult

The getting ready for winter thread is also very very helpful. As you know after housing costs the utilities are the next big payouts so every pound saved there is a pound more in your kitty to be spent elsewhere

Batch cooking on better health days saves on everything and best of all leaves you something good to eat on bad days

Keep posting to the forums. We are a friendly bunch who have all had to deal with bad times and are getting by. And we all have so much to share, even if it is just a hug and a shoulder

Xx

MummyBobble

Ariadne, my biggest stumbling block is not wanting to admit that I need help at difficult times and it's dragged me under more times than I care to remember. You need help to cope with your loss of income and both of your health problems so please ask for, and accept, whatever help is available to you.

There are many organisations that can provide help in different ways so ask your GP, health visitors, Citizens Advice, Local Authority etc, if they know what help you may be able to access. You may be entitled to free prescriptions. Local churches and other organisations often have schemes in place to provide support. Where I live we have a Homestart group that offers support to those who need it, often it's simply one of their volunteers going to see someone in their own home for a couple of hours for a cup of tea and a chat, or helping with a few chores around the house, but that can help you feel like you've had some company and someone to talk to (whether you like work or not finishing can make you feel like you've suddenly lost your own identity). As your store cupboard starts to run down (though it sounds like that may be some time off ) find out if you have a local foodbank that you can access to top up.

Your priority is your and DH's health so ask for and accept whatever help you can find. It looks to me like you've been very practical in planning ahead and are doing a great job. I've found lots of support here over some very difficult times, (sometimes I moan, other times I show off about how wonderful (I think) my children are). I love it here, no one judges, I think we all recognise how important it is to have support.

As you've already seen you'll find lots of great ideas and help.

Must confess though that I keep getting lots of good ideas from the decluttering thread which may get put into action when I get my lazy @rse off the chair :rotfl:!

Ariadne1

Ohh my goodness, I am overwhelmed by your support and kindness. I sat and had a good bubble while reading through all your posts. There is so much good advice.

I will certainly join in as many threads as I can, I hope I won't be intruding.

Thank you so much everyone

suki1964

Ariadne1 wrote: »

Ohh my goodness, I am overwhelmed by your support and kindness. I sat and had a good bubble while reading through all your posts. There is so much good advice.

I will certainly join in as many threads as I can, I hope I won't be intruding.

Thank you so much everyone

The one thing you won't ever do on these forums is intrude. We are here to offer support and help however that needs to be provideded

As mummybobble has shared, learning to ask is the biggest stumbling block. When you can get past that you will be flying.

Think of this as the community that once was. There is a wealth of experience here to be tapped into. Take what you want and leave the rest behind. You will be grand once you know you have a support network in place

atolaas

suki1964 wrote: »

The one thing you won't ever do on these forums is intrude. We are here to offer support and help however that needs to be provideded

As mummybobble has shared, learning to ask is the biggest stumbling block. When you can get past that you will be flying.

Think of this as the community that once was. There is a wealth of experience here to be tapped into. Take what you want and leave the rest behind. You will be grand once you know you have a support network in place

Couldn't have put it better myself Hi Ariadne :wave: Welcome to the site. ato xx

lilbert

suki1964 wrote: »

The one thing you won't ever do on these forums is intrude. We are here to offer support and help however that needs to be provideded

As mummybobble has shared, learning to ask is the biggest stumbling block. When you can get past that you will be flying.

Think of this as the community that once was. There is a wealth of experience here to be tapped into. Take what you want and leave the rest behind. You will be grand once you know you have a support network in place

Echo-ing this! Xx

lessonlearned

just wanted to say hello to Ariadne and echo what everyone else has said - MSE is a fantastic resource. It saved my bacon.

In 2006 my husband developed a rare progressive neurological condition and like you we went from two incomes to nothing. in our case it happened almost overnight so no time to prepare. Using MSE I managed to keep us afloat.


We'll done on your preparations - at least you will not starve......

If I can give you some advice - please make sure you find out whether you can claim Disability Living Allowance for your husband. This is not means tested. If he gets this you can also claim Carer,s Allowance.

Please don,t be too proud - you will need this in times to come and it can take time to get these things set up. It took me 18 months and several appeals before my husband was granted DLA, despite being a permanent wheelchair user, unable to weight bear and totally dependent on me for all his care needs.

I would also suggest that you contact Adult Social Services. They will be able to point you in the right direction for help and advice.

Also contact any support groups or charities which specialise in your husband,s condition.


Good luck. Hope you get the help and support you need.