Three choices in life; Give up, Give in or Give all you've got!!

Sun_Addict

It's annoying when you think you've cracked it then something else appears to scupper your plans. Every time I think I can finally get on the savings ladder properly something I'd forgotten about pops up or something breaks.

You're not a failure, you do extremely well given the circumstances and your boys never go without. Big hugs xx

HairyHandofDartmoor

Sorry you're struggling with money Lucky . There's no end to what children need. It's not your fault though so you shouldn't feel like a failure. Can MIL help with any things the boys need? After all it's because of her son that you can't work so she must be grateful for the care you take of him.

beanielou

please-let-me-be-lucky wrote: »

Anyone got a money tree??

I really can’t get ahead. Every time I think I might be there, something else pops up. I have 47p in the bank and a list as long as my arm of things we need (or want in the boys’ case!).

Feeling a bit emotional and have had some tears tonight, believe it or not because I got the car insurance email renewal price through!! Feeling a bit of a failure

Same here:(
But remember you do so well under very difficult circumstances:A xx

please-let-me-be-lucky

Thanks everyone. My Sister came round this morning to give me emotional and practical support. I bent her ear and she slipped me £20 :A. I feel ready to do battle again!

Hairy, MIL continues to be a great help - when we ask. I hate asking and only do so when we are absolutely desperate. I wish she would offer more, but guess I just have to put my big girl pants on and go cap in hand.

Current list I need to ‘sort’.

1) Car needs new Engine oil. DH’s Best Mate has priced this as £60 for oil and filter :eek:. I was thinking it would be £20 .
2) Oakley needs his hair cut. I usually take him to a girl who lives in our village but she’s put her prices up (again ). A neighbour mentioned the agriculture school in the next village needing grooming volunteers for students to practice on, so I might find out more about that.
3) DS2 is starting middle school in September and needs a phone for safety purposes.
4) Both boys need new school uniforms, shoes and trainers (MiL will usually help with this).
5) Car insurance. Renewal is £5 more per month going forward if I stay with my current provider. I need to do a comparison and hopefully I can get it cheaper overall, but will need money for a deposit if I do switch.
6) I have borrowed all the Christmas savings and have nothing left in the pot . I really don’t know how we will cope this year.

Plus a ‘want’ list of
1) decorate the hall and get a new carpet. It’s looking shabby and I feel embarrassed when people come to the door/come in as it’s a grotty first impression.
2) I promised DC a new game that comes out in September if we can work as a team to raise the money for it.
3) We have zero plans for the summer holidays.

Xx

HairyHandofDartmoor

I hope MIL helps with the uniforms and school shoes. Would a second hand phone work for DS? Hopefully you'll get the car insurance cheaper if you shop around. Don't worry about Christmas just yet as that's six months away and things may change by then.

Sorry things are so difficult for you at the moment and that my suggestions aren't very good .

beanielou

At least you have suggestions HHD.
I have none

please-let-me-be-lucky

I’m definitely thinking of a second hand phone for DS2. No friends/family members have one they don’t use any more, I’ve asked, so will check CeX and the local selling pages. It won’t be top of the range or anything, but would like to get him something slightly better than a ‘brick’. Xx

Sun_Addict

Money Magpie have second hand phones, might be worth a look.

So glad mobile phones weren't around when my two were little. We had so little money left over after bills back then it would've been impossible.

Agree with HH - have a good shop around for the insurance and Christmas is a while away yet, you can start afresh.

As Beanie says - keep plodding xx

cafelady

Hi Lucky. I've been following your diary and think you have done an amazing job of managing your debts and taking care of your family.

I was trying to think of part time work you could do that would replace the money you previously earned at the supermarket and that would be flexible for you to fit in with your other commitments. Also that you could keep under the earning threshold you are allowed with your benefits. I wondered if you could take on a couple of dog walking jobs a week for someone local? I think it pays around £10 an hour and presumably you are out walking Oakley anyway, so it could fit in with what you are already doing and the boys could come along with you if they are around, or just you and Oakley could do it for some me time 🐕

I guess you'd need to check out insurance and HMRC reporting on it, but thought it might be worth mentioning as something you could do that would be very flexible but fit with your other commitments.

Hope you don't mind me chipping in!

please-let-me-be-lucky

Thanks for chipping in cafelady! All suggestions and posts are most welcome . I definitely need to look into a way of making more money. It seems all our outgoings have shot up and our income can’t match up.

Turns out it was super lucky that my Sis gave me £20 yesterday. Shower stopped working this morning and we had to buy a new switch - £14 . See what I mean about not being able to get ahead?! Apart from fixing the shower, we have also cut the hedges again and tidied the front garden. It really makes a difference to my mental health when the house looks presentable.

I emailed the grooming school and it would be £15 for a trim which is much cheaper than where we normally take Oakie doke, but they aren’t taking any more bookings now until September. He is desperate for a cut now, so whilst I’ll go there in the future, it doesn’t help now.