Boyfriend who I live with becoming a student again

citymodel

My boyfriend and I have been together for 5 years and live together in London. He's going back to university in September for 2-3 years. I only graduated last year so and just starting to get myself on my feet. Still run out of money most months.

Apart from council tax, how can we save money?

Thanks!

maman

citymodel wrote: »

My boyfriend and I have been together for 5 years and live together in London. He's going back to university in September for 2-3 years. I only graduated last year so and just starting to get myself on my feet. Still run out of money most months.

Apart from council tax, how can we save money?

Thanks!

Not sure what you're asking exactly. If it's budgeting then you're probably better off posting on the Old Style board which is about living frugally.


Another way is to post up a SoA (Statement of Affairs) on the Debt Free Wannabee board (being in debt isn't compulsory;)) and they'll suggest ways of cutting back on household bills.


If it's being able to 'claim' financial help then maybe someone with knowledge of that will come along soon.

citymodel

I guess I'm trying to see if there is anything else we are eligible for discount on. I've been a student for a long time so budgeting is normal to me but now we are I'm London and everything is so expensive is there recognition that I'm the only worker. He can't get a student loan so I feel there should be discounts on more than just council tax. I asked thames water and they said no... I just can't get over paying for water!!

DUTR

citymodel wrote: »

I guess I'm trying to see if there is anything else we are eligible for discount on. I've been a student for a long time so budgeting is normal to me but now we are I'm London and everything is so expensive is there recognition that I'm the only worker. He can't get a student loan so I feel there should be discounts on more than just council tax. I asked thames water and they said no... I just can't get over paying for water!!

Are you saying he was working whilst you were a pre grad?
Not sure why you cannot get over paying for water, it is conveniently delivered to your home and drained away.

Brighton_belle

citymodel wrote: »

I just can't get over paying for water!!

You're not paying for water, you're paying for water to be cleaned and delivered to you by tap and taken away. Ditto when you have a shower/use the toilet. I do understand the shock of it - I had no idea either when I first left home.


If you are on a water meter, there are loads of ways of cutting down on your water use...starting with not leaving the shower running while you soap up.

Archi_Bald

citymodel wrote: »

I just can't get over paying for water!!

Imagine what would happen if your tap water wasn't of drinking quality, and if sewage wasn't being taken away and cleaned. Urrgh.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_sewerage_system

We all have to pay for this as there is no water & sewage fairy.

citymodel

There is in Northern Ireland and Scotland where I have lived until now and the water is cold and crystal clear and much nicer

BitterAndTwisted

Depending on what your income is and how much rent you pay, you could be eligible for some help with your rent via your Local Authority's LHA (Local Housing Allowance). You'll need documentary proof of both in order to qualify.

As your boyfriend won't be getting a grant will he be supporting himself with work or savings or what?

citymodel

He's getting a small amount from family and but it's not really enough. I earn less than £30k so it's going to be tight. I'm not sure we would be eligible for any benefits and I know he won't go on them!

Buzzybee90

citymodel wrote: »

He's getting a small amount from family and but it's not really enough. I earn less than £30k so it's going to be tight. I'm not sure we would be eligible for any benefits and I know he won't go on them!

Of course you won't get benefits on near 30k, that's a very good salary. I know it's obviously not comparable with outside London, I expect it would be much lower outside. How much is your rent?

shop-to-drop

We were in your position once. When OH became a fulltime student he got a twilight shift at Asda which kept us debt free, I think it was 8pm to 12am he cycled there and home which kept him fit too.