Statement of Affairs - SOA

lunar

Hi, just wanted to say well done for posting your SOA, its a bit scary at first but as you can see already you will get loads of support here. the snowball is a really good motivator. keep posting my diary has really helped me.

tealady

If you are on a water meter then unless you have a slimline loo get a pop bottle, fill it with waste water and drop it into the cistern (it will save water each time you flush). Have showers, wash up once a day. Don't run the tap when you clean your teeth. Also could you get the water company to check the meter as well and check for leaks?

In_Search_Of_Me

Just to say welcome - in terms of paying stuff off take the credit cards out of purse and go with the if you havent got money, dont get it principle! Its a hard old slog but we'll get there in the end! In terms of the CC's pay the highest interest ones off as much as poss first & then work your waythrough. If you have got good credit you could look at balance transfer to a 0% card & you can check your credit rating for free (linky anyone? I dont know where it is!) & that also tells you which cards would be good to apply for. I would suggest ringing CCCS for advice but dont panic! With some cut backs you can do it but dont get into more debt! Big hug for you!

Smiley_Mum

You state mortgage/rent, (which), is it a home stake property etc. Are you entitled to any payback from Mortgage provider etc for admin fees if you have changed recently, are you on a good deal etc.

Your loans, are you paying PPI at all. Check all the small print, you may be paying and not realising. You can claim it back. Please check the small print.

Does your loo run for a long time after flushing? Put some food dye in the cistern and don't flush for at least an hour, if there is dye in the toilet bowl after an hour, then you have a leak. Also check the water meter as late as you can at night, just before heading to bed, check again first thing in the morning, before flat mate up etc, and before any water used to see if the readings are the same or not. If they aren't then you have a leak for sure.

Do you run full loads on the washing machine, or economy washes etc. You don't run a dishwasher do you?

Check you don't have any dripping taps, get them fixed. Don't use a power shower, it uses a lot more water than a regular shower, have it set on a regular setting.

Info here on cutting your water meter bill.

http://www.midkentwater.co.uk/household/efficiency/home.htm

Energy saving info...

http://www.chelmerhp.org.uk/resident_information/your_home/energytips.htm

Rigsbyscat

tealady wrote: »

If you are on a water meter then unless you have a slimline loo get a pop bottle, fill it with waste water and drop it into the cistern (it will save water each time you flush). Have showers, wash up once a day. Don't run the tap when you clean your teeth. Also could you get the water company to check the meter as well and check for leaks?

I had Thames Water out to check for leaks twice last summer and they say its ok. I also had a plumber come out to check the toilet cisterns and electric boiler to amke sure they are running efficiently. I ordered some of the free water saving bags for the two loos in our flat. These things appear to have reduced our estimated bill for this year from slightly less than £500 to £340.

Rigsbyscat

Tustastic wrote: »

Have a look at the MSE Credit Card Shuffle http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cards/cut-credit-card-interest
then call your CC and say you're thinking of moving for a better rate - but can they give you one to persuade you to stay? Act confident...you're an arts person!;)
Also, www.quidco.com is a cashback site where you can get an Experian credit report on yourself if you are concerned about your credit rating and be paid £6 for doing it. Quidco takes £5 per year from your cashback earnings, so you will earn £1 just by doing this - payable into your bank a/c.
HTH

Thanks Tutastic! What you say about finding a job is exactly right, I have known for a long time that I undersold myself in earning so little for all the work I do here. Today I got myself an interview with another gallery offering at least £7k more than my current salary. Wish me luck!

As for the credit cards, I've done the snowballing and prioritised my hsbc card with the highest APR. I'm also going try and talk to the creditors, probably at the weekend.