Finally Debt Free After 34 Years, But Still Need to Live Frugally

HairyHandofDartmoor

please-let-me-be-lucky wrote: »

Is there any chance DS may be eligible for Warm Homes discount even if you aren’t? Not sure if he’d have to be named on the NPow3r account? I’ve been sent a cheque before rather than it being applied to the account so it might be a possibility. Just a thought. It’s worth £140 Xx

Thanks Lucky, I could ask I suppose.

beanielou

HairyHandofDartmoor wrote: »

That is what the NPow3r woman told me on the phone and I got her to repeat it three times :mad:. Not that I trust them at all.

I could try asking them about the energy trust I suppose, but I doubt if we'd be eligible as we only have last year's income to give them until we get our accounts done. And we had a massive pension payment last year .

We earnt about £7000 each last year, so £14,000 between us (plus the pension money on top), but that was paying for five adults of course. I just don't think we're eligible for any help . Not unless we had another baby and I'm a bit old for that at 54 :eek:.

Really really worth trying.
Anything is worth trying.

Seasidegal58

Yes you must try. This awful electric bill is really hanging over your household and you all shouldn't be shivering indoors like this. It's been quite mild for November so far but the weather could change in a snap.

I know it's been mentioned before recently but could you research a part- time Xmas job - JUST to pay off this horrendous bill and give you leeway to shop around for another provider. I know Boots look for part time Xmas meet and greet staff to help customers with their Christmas shopping. There is an agency called indeed.co.uk who advertise these sort of positions. Perhaps have a word with your accountant to see how this would affect your tax position.

Please don't take offence at my busy body post

redofromstart

What's the old one about'shy bairns get nae sweeties'? They aren't going to offer, and you have nothing to lose from asking.

Sun_Addict

As Beanie says it's worth a try. If you don't ask you don't get.

I had loads of trouble with nPower a few years ago, they ended up paying me a fair bit in compensation. I would never go back to them. Get away as soon as you can.

beanielou

Please please look at this link.
There is hopefully help avalable for you.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/grants-and-benefits-to-help-you-pay-your-energy-bills/

redofromstart

And th3 tax thing, you both have a personal tax allowance that is about 11k. You should be able to earn 4k without causing a huge problem, especially not if you can't claim tax credits anyway.

HairyHandofDartmoor

beanielou wrote: »

Really really worth trying.
Anything is worth trying.

Seasidegal58 wrote: »

Yes you must try. This awful electric bill is really hanging over your household and you all shouldn't be shivering indoors like this. It's been quite mild for November so far but the weather could change in a snap.

I know it's been mentioned before recently but could you research a part- time Xmas job - JUST to pay off this horrendous bill and give you leeway to shop around for another provider. I know Boots look for part time Xmas meet and greet staff to help customers with their Christmas shopping. There is an agency called indeed.co.uk who advertise these sort of positions. Perhaps have a word with your accountant to see how this would affect your tax position.

Please don't take offence at my busy body post

redofromstart wrote: »

What's the old one about'shy bairns get nae sweeties'? They aren't going to offer, and you have nothing to lose from asking.

Thank you all

HairyHandofDartmoor

Sun_Addict wrote: »

As Beanie says it's worth a try. If you don't ask you don't get.

I had loads of trouble with nPower a few years ago, they ended up paying me a fair bit in compensation. I would never go back to them. Get away as soon as you can.

beanielou wrote: »

Please please look at this link.
There is hopefully help avalable for you.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/grants-and-benefits-to-help-you-pay-your-energy-bills/

redofromstart wrote: »

And th3 tax thing, you both have a personal tax allowance that is about 11k. You should be able to earn 4k without causing a huge problem, especially not if you can't claim tax credits anyway.

Thank you all and that's a good point Redo .

[Deleted User]

HairyHandofDartmoor wrote: »

You're lucky to be on a fixed rate. When does it end? Why don't you swop with OH and get him to pay for the electricity?

I've been on fixed rates for many years, in fact I don't know anyone who isn't on one with some supplier or another especially as Martin Lewis is ALWAYS going on about it.


I renegotiate a new one whenever one is coming to an end. The current one is an 18 month fix. I can't recall the exact date I started on this one, earlier this year though. My supplier always remind me a couple of months before the fix ends so I never get caught out by it ending and me being put onto the standard tariff.


I have mentioned the oil/electricity swap with OH but he maintains he hardly uses any electricity, it's all my usage:rotfl:. Admittedly it does include the cooker, washing machine and tumble dryer which only I use but, after all, he gets the benefit of hot food and clean clothes from my use of them.