It's time to change things

DennyChomp

tea_n_toast wrote: »

Dennychomp I wish he would!! I keep saying to him about it but he's a wuss! He needs to man up if you ask me. Just looked on AA Routeplanner and it's 8.9 miles, not sure if that's doable or if I'd be cruel making him cycle that after a days work lol. He drives a lorry and there's a whiskey company right by us so he is always keeping an eye out for work in there cos he could walk to work or definitely cycle so fingers crossed for that!

To be fair, cycling isn't for everyone and I chose walking over cycling during my debt-free journey When I realised I couldn't afford to run my car any more, I sold it and walked the 9 mile round trip to work and back for about 18 months. I can't remember exactly how much money I saved from doing that but it was probably around £2,000, which was used to pay off debts

I think a bike would definitely be needed for an 18 mile round trip, but getting a job closer would be better, yes

[Deleted User]

If he's not keen on cycling, he could get a moped, or an electric cycle.

tea_n_toast

Hi everyone, thanks again for the replies
I'm definitely thinking that shaving spending from food spending, takeaways and silly spending is a first port of call before we start thinking about getting rid of cars and things. If it comes to that it comes to it but I'm not happy to do it without a big effort at other things first.

Lily rose - I know! Our petrol spends make me want to sob tbh! His car is just a little 52 plate fiesta and it's not a boy racers car or anything so not sure, he's about £30 a week and I'm £50. We use my car at the weekends and my Monday - Friday consists of DD1 to nursery, DD2 to nursery, home, back for DD1 then DD2 then any little bits and bobs we do in the afternoon so I often think the car just isn't great on fuel cos it's always silly little journeys. But, me not having a car just isn't gonna work because of where we live, them being at different nurseries etc. Again, don't want people thinking I'm just not prepared to change anything but some things just aren't feasible - we don't live in a town and we don't have suitable transport links for nursery runs etc so such is life ATM.

Thanks all

We're in the holidays this week here in Scotland so we've had lots of 'in the house' days and a nice FREE walk round the woods so been a nice cheap week!

tea_n_toast

2 miles from home to nursery number 1 and 5.2 from home to nursery number 2 so can see why the car drinks petrol like a fishy!

StrugglingYouth

tea_n_toast wrote: »

2 miles from home to nursery number 1 and 5.2 from home to nursery number 2 so can see why the car drinks petrol like a fishy!

You can still do things to gain better miles per gallon from the car. Simple things like correct tire pressures and removing any unecessary weight (contents of the boot?) can make a huge difference to fuel economy.

When_the_going_gets_tough

Just a thought - is it really necessary for both your children to go to nursery. My children are grown up now but when they were little it was the local playgroup - in a church hall for a couple of hours and the rest of the time we did stuff at home. Don't underestimate your own parenting skills - children did'nt used to go to nurseries very much at all and I think they - mostly turned out all right. Just playing with your children, gardening, cooking, doing puzzles, painting talking, singing etc all prepares them very well for school.

gabriel1980

I'm pretty sure you won't be able to cut down council tax, that will be the montly cost of council tax at £196 broken down over 10/12 months.

Not to add insult to injury, but being behind on council tax, they will do a income/expenses with you, but only take into account your rent and current council tax payments.

FBaby

I understand that you are desperate for the freedom that comes with driving your own car, but ultimately, it is a luxury, and huge one on the salary you bring home. Without that car, you would be ok.

You can try to make a bit of a difference reducing your shopping list etc..., but it won't provide security or protection from debts. What you need to consider is whether you would prefer to stay where you are and getting used to no rely on the car (many do so with young children) or move to a town when you have access to good public transport. Another possibility would be to agree to trade with your OH, he has the car 3 days a week, you have it 2, maybe based around the weather.

[Deleted User]

gabriel1980 wrote: »

I'm pretty sure you won't be able to cut down council tax, that will be the montly cost of council tax at £196 broken down over 10/12 months.

However, if it's currently being paid over 10 months, swapping to paying over 12 months will reduce it by £32-67 per month.