The Garden Fence - help and support in tough times

nursemaggie

I expect removal practices vary a great deal from one company to another. Perhaps the one you used money had had a lot of people back out at the last minute leaving it too late for them to get another booking.

Hester I mentioned the difference in heating costs because the extra expenses we have have landed us with £70 a month extra.

When you find somewhere make sure they show you the utility bills they have to do that now. We expected less costs with a flat half the size of the house but all electric heating is very expensive. Watch out for some electric panels. I think it was covered on Rip Off Britain a couple of years ago. Some people were paying more than £250 per month extra from what they were paying the year before with other heating.

We assumed there would not be much difference as the flat is so tiny. The worst thing about storage heaters is they are too hot when you are doing your work and then there is no heat when you want to sit down in the evening.

fuddle

Re: repo. The mortgage company doesn't need to ensure the house is sold for what it's worth. They are just needing to claw back what is left on the repayments and in many a case the mortgage holder will be liable for any short fall and unfortunately probable bankruptcy.

Hester pettle I want to say that I know all our circumstances are different and with the added years your circumstances are and will be very different from my own but there is always a way. You have a very determined mindset and much more in the way of skills and life experience than I did. It was dire for me and my family but we got there. Please believe me that if repossession and bankruptcy is the very, very, very worst that can happen then please sleep a little better tonight knowing that this lassie says it's doable and not as bad as it sounds...

but you're Hester and the very, very,very worst isn't going to happen. I know you're driving yourself potty with trying to work it out. The worry and not knowing will be immense. It's that that cracks you. You're holding it together strong lady. You will find a way. No negative what if thoughts from me because you have enough of that going on in your own head.

My MIL has recently moved from private to LA housing. The reason being her mortgage was interest only and coming to the end of the term. Although not a priority banding (affordability never seems to be) she did get a property via the bidding process even before her house sold. With that comes 2 payments to rent/mortgage council tax etc and it was difficult but it worked out. It's a scary way of doing it but she had no choice due to her money management.

Things work out but in our minds we have to go through so much. Things will work out Hester it's just that you have some many unanswered questions the way is not clear. Once things start to move, what ever forces that move, then X,Y and Z plan will fall into place and you will know what you're working with.

moneyistooshorttomention

I can certainly relate to Nurse Maggie's comment re heating costs.

Back many years ago in bedsitland I don't like to think just how much I was spending on heating - courtesy of no central heating/inefficient electric fires/what the landlord had set the meter at in the case of the first bedsit and those bedsits may have been just one room - but they were distinctly on the damp side (which meant I felt the need for extra heating).

I've had storage radiators before now - back in public sector accommodation and the bills were really quite reasonable I felt. But it was just a flatlet and was surrounded on all sides (top/bottom and both sides) with other peoples places. So - the bills were pretty okay there imo - but it's true that storage radiators arent very controllable.

In actual fact - things don't necessarily go the way one thinks in other respects. I've moved from a Victorian terrace house to a detached house and thought that would mean my fuel bills would go up and was just groaning in resignation about that being a downside I was expecting to happen and, quite literally, a price I'd have to pay for now having a detached house. However, in the event, I've been surprised to find myself paying lower bills than in my last house (that despite the fact that I'm now retired - so my heating is on for much longer than it was). I think it's down to a combination of reasons:
- I've ensured I've got 12" worth of loft insulation up in the loft
- I'm not convinced the central heating system was quite up to scratch in last house
- The house probably felt colder than it actually was (ie I used more fuel) because it was that Victorian terrace (ie a bit on the damp side I suspect).
- there is cavity wall insulation anyway and there was doubleglazing anyway
- my fridge and freezer are now both enormous ones - but the highest energy-efficient rating I could get
- I think my new boiler must be a pretty efficient one

So - I'm using exactly whatever I please fuel-wise (I will put on an extra layer of clothing - rather than have extra heating - but that's all) and I found I was overpaying in giving them £80 per month for gas and electric and it looks as if I'm using around £60 per month between the two fuels. Obviously - I check at intervals to ensure I've got a good fuel deal....

fuddle

Not too far away from what I pay for a family of 4 in an extended semi MITSTM. Heating bills are definitely relative. This is the largest house I have lived in but is around £100 month less to heat than the damp house after losing my home. The 'house in a salubrious area' was initially night storage but changed to electric central heating due to no gas in the area.

There's just no telling what heating and electric costs are really in my experience.

Anyway. Must dash. Charity shop needs me - funny when red tape goes out of the window when desperation kicks in

ivyleaf

nursemaggie I must say that whenever I have been to a church fete, church Christmas "fayre, etc, anywhere, there have always been raffle tickets on sale. And usually a tombola stall.

Softstuff

monnagran wrote: »

I'll do the lottery more often, with you and Hester in mind.

x

You and me both Monnagran. And I'm an unapologetic athiest, so it's morally fine for me Nursemaggie I realise Hester anf Nursemaggie, you're both very stoic folk, and will survive and and make the best with as many smiles as you can, but there's a lot of us keeping everything crossed for some improvements financially for you.

At least you'll put the "bed" in "bedsit" Hester. I don't think heating would ever be an issue for you, in the day you don't stop moving and at night... you... er.. don't stop moving!

cbsexec

Hester please claim if you can - also check about Council Tax. It could make a huge difference to you. It made a difference to me when we had to claim and I wish we could have had it years ago. Life wouldnt have been such a struggle. Just a thought - if you gave up work and just had your pension could you get pension credit? Would that come to the same amount or near as if you were working? I worry about you.

FairyPrincessk

Hi all,

Just quickly poking my nose in. Hester, I'm pleased to hear there is some good news even if things are still difficult.

There are two magpies outside my window--2 for joy if anyone needs some.x

Hard_Up_Hester

Fasting blood test this morning, the nurse was running late so by 10am I still hadn't had a cuppa & I really need a cuppa in the morning. I spent the entire day in a very bad mood.
I will look into any claims I might make but I'd rather manage without. I've been offered a weeks dog sitting over half term so that will be a few more pennies in the coffers.
I will also have a look for anything else I can list on Ebay, every little helps!

ivyleaf

Was it a cholesterol test Hester? Only, if it was, in our area they've apparently decided people don't need to fast for that any more.
Apologies if it wasn't for that

OH's hip x-ray report is finally back from the hospital, after several months and some reminders. Apparently both hips are bad, one worse than the other (hence his tingly leg) so the GP is referring him to hospital, presumably to see a rheumatologist, and he also needs a bone scan, which all sounds a bit scary