SOA - worried - please help before the SHTF?

selloptape

zenshi wrote: »

I am the same with my house! You need to prioritise the urgency of the jobs. Get quotes for works and save in order. Grants are available for insulation and boilers.

Thanks zenshi I'll do this later and check out grants.

LittleDutchgirl

Hi Sellotape
I think you are actually in a reasonably good place you just have to get organised. You can go through your regular bills and get those down by being pro active and seeking out better deals. If you keep a spending diary I'm sure you'll be able to plug various 'miscellaneous' leaks as well. You have some money for repairs but again you need to prioritise what you need to do and invest some time in getting quotes and working out what you can do and what you need a professional for. Once you get going on this money saving lark then it does get a bit addictive and you'll find yourself wanting to update spreadsheets rather than wandering round the shops 'cheering yourself up'.
Have fun with the whole process.
LDg

tallyhoh

Hi Sellotape, just curious about the laundrette & moth repellent? Do you do all your washing at the laundrette? I used to in the 70s/80s but its unusual now.
Moth repellent, are they a problem in your area?:o

selloptape

tallyhoh wrote: »

Hi Sellotape, just curious about the laundrette & moth repellent? Do you do all your washing at the laundrette? I used to in the 70s/80s but its unusual now.
Moth repellent, are they a problem in your area?:o

Hi Tallyhoh, I'm not a secret 50s housewife the washer broke down so I had to use it whilst it was out of action, also sometimes take the washing there to dry it as worried about the damp.

There were loads of moths, but not sure if it's the area or just the house! Hope I've got rid now. Apparently they're common in hipster areas as they get spread in vintage clothes, we're not that cool in my house though :rotfl:

theoretica

Train travel - can you save by buying longer in advance?
Council tax - I don't think we have confirmed that you are getting the single adult discount.

[Deleted User]

selloptape wrote: »

Car maintenance (including MOT)......... 7 Yes – this was all the cost of last MOT - think I've been lucky with this car

You never change the oil and filters? :huh:

How about the tyres and brake pads/discs?

selloptape

theoretica wrote: »

Train travel - can you save by buying longer in advance?
Council tax - I don't think we have confirmed that you are getting the single adult discount.

Hi Theoretica I already book some in advance but have just found out from MSE that I can use T3sco clubcard vouchers so will look into that as well.

Ctax - this is single person rate, over 12m

Thanks x

selloptape

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

You never change the oil and filters? :huh:

How about the tyres and brake pads/discs?

Hi Bob I do about 5,000 miles a year so tend to do a full service every two years, so next year will be higher.

Thanks x

Keely_lewis

You ve already had loads of good advice so won't repeat that but would like to say that cutting your clothing budget and renovations alone will probably makes things 100% better. And I'm sure you won't miss the clothing . I've had to do similar thing this year after a serious illness that has meant I can only work part time taking a huge drop in wage. I've gone from spending about £450 £500 a month on clothes to allowing myself just 1 thing less than £50 if I need it, which most of the time I don't cos I've accumulated so many. And I feel really good about it. I enjoy wearing clothes I'd forgotten about and I feel so much better knowing I'm in control. Good luck 😀

[Deleted User]

Keely_lewis wrote: »

I've gone from spending about £450 £500 a month on clothes

£5,400 to £6,000 pa, just on clothes? :eek: