My SOA!

rising_from_the_ashes

Agree with the majority - you're doing well & things will improve once childcare goes down & new job appears in due course

Quite a few costs missing from the soa - contents insurance, emergency fund, medical stuff, haircuts etc. Do make sure you including these as they can quickly add up to a fair bit extra

andyfromotley

LolStevo wrote: »

I don't think I am on the best tariff with my energy supplier so have sent them an email to call me to change so I hope that comes down too.


!

No! No! No! Noooooooo!!!!:eek:

It is highly unlikely that your current supplier will have the best deal for you. Get on the comparison sites or join the MSE energy saving club on the main site. That way you will get the best deals.

Loyalty can be a very costly business.

weebit

LolStevo wrote: »

I don't think I am on the best tariff with my energy supplier so have sent them an email to call me to change so I hope that comes down too.

This isn't the best course of action to improve the tariff you're on. Use Martin Lewis's price comparison here:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cheapenergyclub

Dig out your latest bill to get your actual energy usage (i.e. how many KWH you use, not how much you pay monthly) and input the figures there.

It's very likely that your current supplier isn't your cheapest possible supplier so always do a comparison. Plus, you could get £30 cashback by switching suppliers!

Kitten868

Sure I'm just repeating but I'm sure it's nice to hear. Well done you on retraining and getting a good job. Fingers crossed for pay rise on the horizon
Please go on uswitch or comparison website via quidco and get paid to switch energy!
I would say nail that capital one with the awful interest as your first call. Yuck! 34%
Your looking good and you can do it! Have you got a diary yet? X

Kitten868

And others here will know more than me but once capital one is gone save up for a lump sum to make an offer on your Lowell debt a possibility? X

enthusiasticsaver

I think you should continue to work as the childcare will reduce eventually and if you are training then eventually your salary will increase. I think though there are some serious gaps in your SOA and you need to keep a spending diary as I doubt you spend zero on presents, car maintenance, haircuts, child related expenses (do they not do any activities?). You can reduce the groceries bill if just one adult and do a comparison on car insurance and utilities to make sure you are getting the best deal. Well done on cancelling the sky.


I would focus on the Capital 1 account and see if this can be paid off asap with such a high interest rate. Do you have anything to sell on ebay which could go towards these debts? Not sure if you are the mum or the dad but is there no child maintenance from the other parent?

Sellurgranny

Hi, can you access help with your water bills through your water utility company? In my area (SW) having 3 children and being on CTC/WTC entitles me to capped charges. I had to go on a water meter but costs decreased significantly. Might be worth seeing what's available to you. The scheme is known as Watersure. I think it's also available to some with medical conditions such as eczema with proof from drs.

Surg xx