From debt to freedom...

Honeysucklelou2

Louby, I'm .8.

Honeysucklelou2

Today I think a miracle happened. Last Friday when I spoke to the TC office, they had no record of a single claim in my name and the Royal Mail website showed that the letter hD yet to be delivered. Today I fully expected to have to ring the bank and beg for an overdraft extension (current one is £150). I checked my bank balance by phone to see how much I could eke out and amazingly there was money in my account! I spoke to an advisor who confirmed that it was a CTC payment. It was such a huge relief. I have yet to receive an award notice so I don't feel completely peaceful until I can see it and then I'll be able to plan a budget for the future. But
I am thanking God that the long wait and postal complications are over. My biggest joy is that I can now take DD1 to university next week without the crippling financial worry.

Hiddenidenity

If you sign in online you will see the next 8 weekly payments (3 if 4 weekly payments)

I love being able to see everything online. I'm so glad its sorted for you x

louby40

Oh what a relief. I bet you couldn't believe it.

Honeysucklelou2

Yes, that's the exact feeling relief and almost disbelief!

Spendless

Oh, I really wasn't expected that result. Fantastic news. xxx

Cherryfudge

That's great news! So pleased for you and DD

Honeysucklelou2

Feeling very much that a weight has lifted off my mind. I was able to pay back my dad for the emergency loan of last month. It is interesting that in such nail biting financial times, lessons can be learned. I often buy the value brands of flour, frozen fruit and veg, or Te3scos own brand. Over the last few weeks I have tried Tesco's own brand of toiletries and found in some cases the products were better than the ones I had been buying so will keep to those. I have looked carefully for yellow stickers and have been able to eke out the fruit by buying yes fruit and putting in small pots to go into packed lunches. I'm doing packed lunches for all. The 2 at primary had been school dinners last year because one had the free school dinners and I paid so that the other could have the same but now they are both in KS2 I'm packing up lunches.

We've had a lovely weekend so far. We went to see my parents yesterday. They live near some shops which is a plus point as far as my children are concerned! DD1 has been careful with her wages and saved some money for uni but did spend a little getting shoes and a couple of items of clothing in readiness for next week. She used a 20% off voucher so starting to get into moneysaving ways:). I had to spend a little to get DD2 a pair of smart shoes. She has to do one day a week as front of house so that the students get to understand the whole team approach to catering, even though her aim is to be a chef. Trainers will not do, especially with the all black uniform she has to wear, so had to splash out for those.

It is a lovely day here, so hoping it will be nice all day so that I get the washing dry.

Spendless

I know I said it would be sorted out in time, but admittedly I did think weeks if not months into the future. So pleased this is not the case. However much you manage to eek out groceries etc there's always somewhere where you have no real alternative other than to find some cash eg for your DD's shoes.

Looking for something positive from the last few weeks, just think how well you'll be able to get back to debt slashing, now you know how much you can economise.

Glad your DD's is seeing the sense in not paying full price if there's a voucher or discount to be had. Both my kids grumble like mad about me constantly buying things on offer, then yesterday when DD was bemoaning that she wished she'd bought some items on hol last month where they were cheaper for friends xmas gifts, I came up with a whole stash of products I'd bought in the sales after christmas. She's now complained I didn't buy enough - lol.

Honeysucklelou2

You're right Spendless. I've been mulling over all day how to allocate various bits of money. I did come to the conclusion that I need to increase the emergency fund money as this has taken quite a hit over the TC problem time and really needs building up to at least £1,000.