“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.”

WannabeFree

WannabeFree wrote: »

So in light of the new bill account and switching the Gas/Electricity to Direct debit. I have switched other things so now

Bill Account - All money coming in will go in here this needs to cover
£95.04 Rent (Weekly)
£19.70 Council Tax (Weekly)
£11.40 Water (Weekly)
£140 Gas/Electricity (Monthly 14th)
£10 Phone credit (Monthly 1st)
£50 to 'cash account' (Weekly)

Cash account needs to cover
£30 Shopping (Groceries, cleaning, toiletries, pharmacy)
£2 Snack (Weekly)
£? School (Always something)
£? Travel (Hoping this will be less on bus fares if the nicer weather stays! but will have train fares to the children's these next few weeks)

There is a small bit extra 'left' in the bill account not accounted for yet. This obviously will take quite a while to build up but it's a start to being more organised and not having to worry about things as much. Hopefully. I bet I still check it everyday and write things down at least 10 times a day but it's a start

x

Okay I've wrote it all on the calender. I just need to cancel the rent direct debit and forget about the bus pass.

Over the month I'm £140.98 short if I leave them all set on the direct debits right now. So I'll just cancel the rent one for now. I've factored in recieving the £50 survey cheque and £10 from Prolific.

But generally still the same. There's also a 2 week half term to factor in and 2 school trips I need to pay for (£30 in total)

I also have something on nearly everyday for the next 4 weeks between school and appointments.

I feel in such a better place now not only budget wise but my own health wise.

I really appreciate all the help and advice you've all given and all the support.

x

teapot2

Oh dear, sorry its all so complicated and means all that juggling of money and accounts :eek: Glad you feel in a better place though.

beanielou

So glad to hear that you are in such a better place.
Will WA you. X

armchairexpert

Also I've looked at bus passes and a yearly pass on a direct debit is £54 a month - this would save around £30 a month to what I have been paying now so I think I'll aim to save enough to switch to this too.

This makes me so furious. It's not news that it's expensive to be poor, but it makes me cross every time.

Toni'sfriend

I so agree, armchairexpert, Here is W trying to be a responsible parent and member of the community and she's having obstacles thrown in her way at every turn.

Keep on going, W. I have no doubt you'll get there in the end.

WannabeFree

Good morning

Thank you for all your replies.

I can't seem to get through to housing yet although it is early. I don't just want to cancel the Direct debit on my bank and get in trouble

I'm leaving the council tax/water etc set as a direct debit as it will make life easier than having to go to several places to pay. Will get there with it all eventually. I'm not the best at being patient Will keep trying the housing in between the other things I need to get done.

Older two in school - youngest a bit off sorts today.

Have a lovely day

x

WannabeFree

£9.89 in from PA.

I still haven't got through to the housing :cool:

x

WannabeFree

I'm just ignoring the first months shortfall for this. I think I'm going to try and just muddle through it if I can't get through and speak to the housing department needed today. It's only caused a problem as the rent is due on a Monday (so the first direct debit has gone out today but will bounce back as there isn't enough to cover it) I usually pay Friday's so really I'm always the 5 days behind and the direct debit doesn't allow for that.

Anyway ignoring that - I'll deal with that this month somehow.

This is how it looks

Total in - £238.70

Total out -
£95.04 Rent
£19.70 Council Tax
£11.40 Water
£35 Gas/Electricity (£140 monthly)
£2.50 Phone credit (£10 Monthly)
£50 to 'cash account' (Weekly)
£13.50 Bus pass (£54 Monthly)

This leaves around £11 a week 'spare' in the bill account that should hopefully build up the buffer and for things unexpected.

This is my final plan of once everything's on direct debit and I don't need to worry about robbing from one bill to pay the other!

I will keep track of the £50 a week cash account on here as I don't plan on using the bill account for anything other than what it's set up to do.

x

WannabeFree

When why you're waiting for something in the post does it seem to take forever! Then the postman just walks past. Guarantee if it was a bill it would have already been here :rotfl:

Also waiting for the rent direct debit to bounce so my account isn't in an unplanned overdraft. Then I can transfer the money for tomorrow's gas/electric direct debit back in. I keep checking every 2 minutes. Hope it's soon!

Next time I have a plan to change things I should look into it more before jumping in head first.

Youngest is full of coughs and sneezes so is on the sofa playing with some books.

I've got dinner for tonight prepped and done my ironing

I love it when the sun is shining

x

HairyHandofDartmoor

I'm glad your feeling so much better Wannabe . It must help a lot when your money situation is nearly sorted and the sun is shining. I hope little DD gets over her coughs and sneezes soon.