Every debt this debt will go down

NeverendingDMP

RobM99 said:

NeverendingDMP said:

RobM99 said:

NeverendingDMP said:

Gas and electric 27 pounds this week. Yay sub 30 and still on track to be in credit by a bit at end of the month

That sounds a lot for summer!

I know it still feels a lot. Gas I used one unit but with standing charge it was still two pounds odd. Electricity I'm not sure how we use so much, especially when we work/go school. We don't have a smart meter so I don't know what drains it but my guess is shower and washing machine. There is five of us so with appliances,washing machine TVs etc I'm not sure how much cheaper we can get it. 

Anything that produces a lot of heat for a longish time. A kettle is only on for a few minutes so doesn't use much in one go. A heater though is on for ages....

Heating is gas and have been very lucky with warm weather last few weeks. I'm wondering if games consoles are costly as between dh and son there's quite often one on the go. We are on price cap rates and using 70 to 80 kWh of electric per week so by the looks of things are average. Scary thought I know. Having said that I remember having stand up  rows when our meter was installed.  A few years back now, I think at least 5. And I argued with them as they said even then our electricity was plus thirty pounds a week.  I have asked for a smart meter gadget so I can track it but as always I'm on the waiting list. Tbh I've heard they have no micro chips to make them and I know the smart meters aren't really smart so I'm okay either way now whether I get one or not.until then I put my meter readings in every Sunday to keep track. Oh the excitement of being a grown up....

NeverendingDMP

I must add that despite my budget turning to **** in the last couple of months I will be 30 a month better off once national insurance changes which is good news and we are practicing telling people to close that door and turn the big light off as opposed to really struggling. We can stand it for now (just) and still have the option of cancelling swimming lessons for the kids that would save us 90 a month if we get desperate from Oct onwards.

RobM99

Cook with electricity?

NeverendingDMP

Yep electric cooker, gas hob. 
Cooker, washer and showers are the culprits I reckon. Has to be done though eh 🙂

NeverendingDMP

jwil said:

I bought some LED bulbs and haven't put them in yet, I really should!

I think aiming to be debt and mortgage free within 15 years would be amazing - just think all that pressure off!

Fingers crossed.
Try the led bulbs see what you think. They are different to look at but that's maybe the style I bought. I'll get used to them just a bit strange the first night

NeverendingDMP

So positive news. We are entitled to 32 pounds universal credit this month. Honestly we are so close to not claiming benefits at all which I would much prefer but in the mean time I'm grateful. It seems to be a benefit that is more reactive than tax credits so when I'm paying childcare I may get a bit and in summer I won't. I'm hoping that means I won't end up in the how much do I owe back situation like I did with tax credits...every year even though I told them every change

NeverendingDMP

Tilly tallies done. Accounts still in the red. Raining and pouring to give the gardens a good soak and hopefully bring out the colour in our budlea. 

RobM99

NeverendingDMP said:

So positive news. We are entitled to 32 pounds universal credit this month. Honestly we are so close to not claiming benefits at all which I would much prefer but in the mean time I'm grateful. It seems to be a benefit that is more reactive than tax credits so when I'm paying childcare I may get a bit and in summer I won't. I'm hoping that means I won't end up in the how much do I owe back situation like I did with tax credits...every year even though I told them every change

Do you cook with a multi-layer steamer? Only use one ring! 

jwil

Great news about the UC - hope it doesn't change too often.  I could never understand tax credits!

I'll let you know about the LED bulbs.

Before we got a digital meter, we had an old style electric meter.  DH always used to say that when I was in the shower he could just hear the meter ticking around, so I think shower would be a good culprit too.

NeverendingDMP

jwil said:

Great news about the UC - hope it doesn't change too often.  I could never understand tax credits!

I'll let you know about the LED bulbs.

Before we got a digital meter, we had an old style electric meter.  DH always used to say that when I was in tim term time so holdhe shower he could just hear the meter ticking around, so I think shower would be a good culprit too.

I think the shower is culprit at our house to. 
The UC I think will change a bit depending on OH overtime and our childcare.we can only claim help with childcare in term time. Any childcare we use in summer is a local firm who isn't registered so they can't be included. I'm just glad of any help tbh.
I feel for anyone who works for tax credits as it's impossible to understand and they must get so much flak. As will UC staff I bet