Unable to get Cheaper Options...

Oakdene

I think your pay will mean you are not eligible for tax credits.

Would it be possible for someone to look after the dogs for a few months & possibly you could then look at maybe renting a room in a houseshare?

This could be a short to mid term solution for you which could enable you to put more money towards your debt?

Determined89

That is what I thought, which is why I have never pursued that.

No, I have no one who can do that. I have asked around before, when I was student and was told no by everyone that I asked.

I feel like I have exhausted a lot of options and kind of come a bit unstuck. I thought that I would try here in case someone else has a genius idea that would help me!

I feel that my options are;
1) pursue the spare room being rented out and hope that I can get someone in
2) get a second job to increase monthly income
3) move, if I can somehow get around moving fees and deposits

Oakdene

Determined89 wrote: »

I feel that my options are;
1) pursue the spare room being rented out and hope that I can get someone in
2) get a second job to increase monthly income
3) move, if I can somehow get around moving fees and deposits

Have a look on Spareroom.co.uk to see what prices rooms are fetching in your area. This will give you an idea as to how much you could hope to earn per month from letting your spareroom out.

Determined89

Oakdene wrote: »

Have a look on Spareroom.co.uk to see what prices rooms are fetching in your area. This will give you an idea as to how much you could hope to earn per month from letting your spareroom out.

This is what I did before; I got someone in for £450 per month including bills contribution. It was horrendous and I was picking up the pieces for months after!

My room has been on there again though, since June I believe?

Oakdene

How long have you been with your partner? Is it feesible to maybe move in with them? This could enable you to really attack your debts.

Determined89

Oakdene wrote: »

How long have you been with your partner? Is it feesible to maybe move in with them? This could enable you to really attack your debts.

We have been together 18 months... At this moment in time - no. I have just started a job down here and there is no post grad jobs where he is. He is military, so he can't move at this moment in time. As soon as we can get a house together and then I am able to move up there... I will be able to clear my debts in a year. Where he is (also by his hometown), the houses are a hell of a lot cheaper than down here. So not only will I have less outgoings, the outgoings being paid for will be a lot less and divided too. Maybe I just have to continue as I am at the moment and wait for a house to crop up :sad: I don't want to be in a position where I am relying on that to get myself back on my feet!

nkkingston

Definitely do a benefits check - try https://www.turn2us.org.uk/. I know it's easy to fall into a mindset that benefits aren't for people like you, but the whole point of the welfare system is to support people in times of need, and for them to pay into at times of plenty.

In terms of costs, you've kept everything down pretty well. Maybe look as PAYG options instead of contract for your phone, and put aside any savings so when your handset does die you can get a secondhand one from ebay.

Your water rates look high. Have you checked out whether you could save money going on a meter?

You should be able to get cheaper deals for bills without a credit check - it's not the same as a phone, where essentially they're loaning you the phone and you're paying it off over 2 years. Definitely keep an eye out for cashback.

I'd also prioritise getting some contents insurance; you don't have the wiggle room to replace anything should the worst happen without going into more debt.

Determined89

nkkingston wrote: »

Definitely do a benefits check - try https://www.turn2us.org.uk/. I know it's easy to fall into a mindset that benefits aren't for people like you, but the whole point of the welfare system is to support people in times of need, and for them to pay into at times of plenty.

I have just done a check and it came back as I was entitled to nothing in regards to benefits of any type. Which is what I did expect, but at least I have checked!

nkkingston wrote: »

In terms of costs, you've kept everything down pretty well. Maybe look as PAYG options instead of contract for your phone, and put aside any savings so when your handset does die you can get a secondhand one from ebay.

I have had no choice, I have had a long time to readjust. From someone who has lived a pretty decent life, and not really had to think about where/when I spend cash and would quite happily go away 2/3 times a year on long distance holidays... this has been a major learning curve! I have cut out almost everything. I have become so tight in every aspect of my life!

nkkingston wrote: »

Your water rates look high. Have you checked out whether you could save money going on a meter?

I was behind by almost £500 a few months back. I have managed to bring that back to £74 in debit to them now. One that has come back down, I should be able to decrease the water bills.

nkkingston wrote: »

You should be able to get cheaper deals for bills without a credit check - it's not the same as a phone, where essentially they're loaning you the phone and you're paying it off over 2 years. Definitely keep an eye out for cashback.

That is something that I want to do. If I can reduce some utilities and the wifi, along with the mobile contract, that should free up some cash each month.

nkkingston wrote: »

I'd also prioritise getting some contents insurance; you don't have the wiggle room to replace anything should the worst happen without going into more debt.

That is something that I need to get, top of the priority list!

Mnd

Ask your partner for a late christmas/new year present and get a tesco mobile we pay £20 a month for 2, inc buying the phones

Mnd

If this is too personal, please ignore
If you are thinking of buying a house with your new partner, could you not move in with him or vice versa
As lodger if nothing else.presumably he is renting?so you could merge your living costs to just 1 property

Sorry. Just saw your above post about moving in