The cost of being single

pickledonionspaceraider

OP I have been supporting many vulnerable / ill young pple who live alone, in my line of work

It astounds me that there are not more financial discounts, for all singles, whether fit and healthy, or otherwise

I mean for council tax, you aren't no where near using the same amount of police, fire service, , admin such as birth/deaths,use of the local amenities such as parks etc...etc .....that a family of four would...you are less of a risk in that sense. the only thing that i can imagine would be the same is the bin collection, even if the bin is half empty they will still come - but I believe there should be an opt out scheme, if you chose not to have your bin emptied every week for example if you dont need it

Council tax is a massive bug bear. As we all know, if you miss a payment, they release the hounds. I know a vulnerable and ill young person who was , last week, £72 in arrears, they moved house, and the CT folk first correspondence on the matter was that they sent a court date, doubling the amount. Its very stressful and it makes me furious how threatening they are over such small amounts!!!

The only thing I can suggest is a water meter. I have known a few that have benefited from this

Some depends on your living conditions if you own / rent and if you would consider downsizing perhaps...but i do think the idea of you having a lodger is a good one (despite the loss of the 25% council tax reduction)

It is all a real bug bear in my line of work - and if anyone knows of any other single person discounts - they would be gratefully received and benefit many

In my own life, my OH is on my car insurance, and it is cheaper. I find this astounding and maddening really, that combined, we are less of a risk!!! Really infuriates me

trailingspouse

Thanks pickledonion. I'm already on a meter, as it's a 4-bed house and there were just the two of us (and Martin reckons if the bedrooms outnumber the occupants it's probably worth it).



I've just found out I don't necessarily have to lose the Council Tax discount - if my lodger has a home elsewhere, where they pay Council Tax, I'm good. Happy days.


I've been thinking about all the savings that are available to me (bearing in mind I'll be running the house on 50% of the original household income). I think I'll be saving more than half in lots of areas.

- STBX travelled far and wide with his work, spent a fortune on diesel (and always bought the fancy stuff). My fuel bill is teeny weeny, and I buy it at the supermarket (and I'm still thinking I could manage without the car)
- I was doing several loads of washing a week (dark clothes, light clothes, towels, bedding, woollens). Now, I'm only going to put a load on when there's a full load, which won't be every week.

- STBX is on anti-coagulants, which make him feel cold all the time, whereas I still get the occasional hot flush. So the heating bill will plummet. I'm also more willing to put on an extra layer than he is.
- food - Aldi all the way for me. STBX preferred the branded stuff. Also, I won't be having as many, if any, takeaways.
- water. Not sure the savings will be as great here. Fewer showers, fewer trips to the loo - but neither of us were profligate. In fact, I was the one who enjoyed a bath, STBX not so much. Also, I'll still be needing to water the garden in the summer, and I suspect this is the biggest use of water we have.
- entertainment/meals out etc - well, I have a reasonable social life, but I won't be going out for expensive meals for a while.
- holidays. STBX has a daughter in Australia, so that's been expensive the last couple of years. I'm still going to go away, but only when I can afford to, and I won't be losing sleep if I don't get away this year. Also, I have friends/relatives in Germany, Switzerland, London, Ireland who I'm sure would be more than willing to put me up for a few nights...


But on the downside - STBX saved us a small fortune on things like car maintenance, DIY around the house, and computer know-how. We used to joke there was nothing he couldn't fix. And although I'm reasonably capable myself, I often find that I know what needs doing when it comes to DIY, but I simply don't have the strength to actually do it, which is frustrating.


But on the whole, taking everything into account - I'll be fine.

pickledonionspaceraider

All the very best to you, love

janb5

Just to share some advice to me given by my aunt several years ago! If you are in a union you are eligible for free legal advice. from memory it was an hour on the phone to a specific solicitor.

Also do get your own bank account: that is very useful.

trailingspouse

Thanks janb5. Unfortunately it's a bit more complicated, as we run a business (limited company) together. This means that no, I'm not in a union - and also we're much more financially involved than just having a joint bank account. We'll be seeing our accountant shortly to work out the best way of sorting things out.

Barny1979

Booked a hotel for Marathon weekend, £159 for a single room, or £119 for a twin room.

jools1985

m1kjm wrote: »

My parents' friends had just renewed their car insurance when shortly afterwards the male died suddenly. The widow telephoned the car insurers to notify them and they wanted an extra £200 from her :mad:

This happened to me when my husband died. I was with Privilege and they wanted £100 to take him off. As I handn't told them he'd died I just said oh I'll leave him on then - I mean he wasn't going to have an accident was he! Probably the wrong thing to do I know!

Senkrah

Hotels are a nightmare. The look of shame the reception staff give you when you check in alone. And don't get me started on vouchers and special deals for restaurants and activities. Always 2 for 1. Not every wants to take their friends just to get money off.

Nickvale

You don't have to wait until 65 to get your Senior Rail Card!

trailingspouse

Good to know Nickvale!! 21 months to go!!