Which of my outgoings should I pay?

UrbanDanceSquad

Lmh71365 wrote: »

I will get money towards my phone at work but only after 6 months and I have to apply for it, it's not just granted.

Makes no sense whatsoever.

ViolaLass

UrbanDanceSquad wrote: »

Makes no sense whatsoever.

The money isn't given automatically, it has to be applied for. That application can be put in in six months' time, not now.

UrbanDanceSquad

ViolaLass wrote: »

The money isn't given automatically, it has to be applied for. That application can be put in in six months' time, not now.

Yes I know. Makes no sense whatsoever.

Lmh71365

UrbanDanceSquad wrote: »

Yes I know. Makes no sense whatsoever.

I have to pass probation.

Technically you don't have to have a phone to fulfil your duties, but as a saleswoman, there are so many parts of my job it has become key to.

There is also a world of difference between what I can technically or legally do without, and what is expected of me by managers and customers. And if I'm not quite meeting those expectations, believe me I won't be passing my probation. It is so hard to explain to the outside world what the motor trade is like (any motor traders on here?) but I've been in it 4 years now and impressions, from your shoes to your car to your phone, are everything. I'm sure lots of you will go "yeah but it doesn't REALLY matter", because on paper, it doesn't, I could probably get away with a Nokia brick and stick-to-the-screen Nav in a £500 banger I park down the road. Legally, I can get away with that. But in reality, if that's how I conducted myself, I won't be passing probation. You can guarantee I'm suddenly "not the right fit for the team".

I mentioned to my Mum & OH about opting out of company car and ditching the phone, and they were shocked I would even consider it due to the nature of my job.

#sobstory

UrbanDanceSquad

Lmh71365 wrote: »

I have to pass probation.

Technically you don't have to have a phone to fulfil your duties, but as a saleswoman, there are so many parts of my job it has become key to.

There is also a world of difference between what I can technically or legally do without, and what is expected of me by managers and customers. And if I'm not quite meeting those expectations, believe me I won't be passing my probation. It is so hard to explain to the outside world what the motor trade is like (any motor traders on here?) but I've been in it 4 years now and impressions, from your shoes to your car to your phone, are everything. I'm sure lots of you will go "yeah but it doesn't REALLY matter", because on paper, it doesn't, I could probably get away with a Nokia brick and stick-to-the-screen Nav in a £500 banger I park down the road. Legally, I can get away with that. But in reality, if that's how I conducted myself, I won't be passing probation. You can guarantee I'm suddenly "not the right fit for the team".

I mentioned to my Mum & OH about opting out of company car and ditching the phone, and they were shocked I would even consider it due to the nature of my job.

#sobstory

Thanks for that.

Is the car on finance the company car? If that comes across as stupid then please just humour me. If so, are they paying a car allowance as part of your salary?

theoretica

Just a nasty thought - what happens to the company car if you fail probation? Do check you wouldn't be left paying anything without a job!

Can your husband help at all with income while he is off? Even organising a clear out on ebay might help?

UrbanDanceSquad

theoretica wrote: »

Just a nasty thought - what happens to the company car if you fail probation? Do check you wouldn't be left paying anything without a job!

I was trying to work out whether the OP has two cars at her disposal: company car and private car on finance. However, it reads like there is one car, it's on finance and required for the job. Definition of a company car is a vehicle provided by an employer of which the employee pays extra tax due to BIK (if of course the car is available for personal use).

If the OP has shelled out for a vehicle for business use, then the employer should be paying a car allowance and business mileage.

Gigervamp

Re council tax, if you're paying over 10 months, remember that you don't pay in January and February.

If you can pay December's CT you'll then have a couple of months breathing space. It might work out better than paying a reduced rate over 12 months as you say your OH will be back at work in 3 months.

firesidemaid

Consider NOW TV Box instead of SKY - just as good/better IMHO and only £6.99 a month.


You can buy a box for less than £20 which includes 3-6 months subscription.


Also, once you are back on an even keel, saving for emergencies such as this must be a priority x

kerri_gt

Gigervamp wrote: »

Re council tax, if you're paying over 10 months, remember that you don't pay in January and February.

If you can pay December's CT you'll then have a couple of months breathing space. It might work out better than paying a reduced rate over 12 months as you say your OH will be back at work in 3 months.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I believe the 10mth council tax break months are actually Feb and March.